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“I don’t think you’re supposed to say bad words,” Sean whispers in her ear as a large, good-looking, and very intimidating man steps up beside him with two boys.
The man, who I assume is “Shaney” slaps Sean on the back, and they hug, but it's more than one of those friendly man hugs. I have to assume this is one of his brothers. When they’re done, Sean bumps fists with the boys before turning back to me.
“Andie, this is my brother Shane, and this is Liv, Garrett, and this jokester is Teddy.” He ruffles the younger boy's dark hair as he squirms.
All their eyes land on me. “Nice to meet you all.”
“Who’s this guy?” Shane asks, raising one of Ax’s arms.
“This is my son, Axel. He’s playing drums today.”
“He’s too little to play drums,” Liv laughs. “He should come play with Aiden when Maggie is done breastfeeding him. She’s over there keeping her bits covered.” Liv points in the direction of some chairs.
“Liv,” Shane warns.
“Do you breastfeed Axel?” she asks.
“Alright, you little interrogator,” Sean interjects. “I think it’s time for you all to go find a football so we’re ready when the kids make it down to the field.”
“We’ve been watching you, and we know your routes,” Teddy says. “Hope you can keep up.”
“I don’t know. He’s getting pretty old and looking a little tired these days,” I say, like I have any idea what I’m talking about. “My money’s on you guys.”
Shane laughs, and his face relaxes. I wonder if his other brother has the same tough, serious look. Growing up in foster care would harden you.
Shane slaps him on the back and calls the kids away as he wanders to where people are gathering.
“I better see if Jonesy is all set and then find Nora. Do you want me to come find you when we’re ready to welcome everyone?”
“Sure.” He takes a step back.
“Have fun today,” I command, knowing we likely won’t see much of each other. Given everything, it’s probably for the best.
“You too.” He turns but stops, turning back, hesitating. “Can we talk after today?” I frown, not exactly sure what he’s asking. “I mean, I still have to beat you in Words, so…”
I smile. “Never going to happen. You might as well give up now, loser.”
He smirks, and for the first time today, it’s legit. “Nah, I don’t give up. I know how to work hard for what I want.”
My stomach squeezes tight with something that feels a whole lot like a swarm of anticipation, and it kind of freaks me out…in a really good way.
“Well, good luck. I’ve never been one not to put up a fight when someone sets a challenge in front of me.”
He laughs as he turns and walks away.
I watch him for just a second, trying to understand exactly what just went down, but then I turn to go find Nora. Whatever happens now will happen.
After today, we’ll see where Sean and I end up. If I think about it too much, I’ll run in the other direction. For today, I’m just going to let it be and do what I came to do. Help these amazing families have the best day.
______
“I can’t even tell you how amazing this is.” A woman grips her husband’s hand, who’s in a wheelchair. “We are the biggest Tiger fans, and to get an opportunity to do this...we saw you sing theNational Anthem,and your story resonated with us. I didn’t think he was going to make it.” A tear falls down her cheek, and I lean to hug her.
I’ve been doing a lot of hugging over the past half an hour. Families are scattered about, talking to players while kids toss footballs back and forth. Smiling faces are everywhere. Peopleare laughing and having a wonderful time, with a few tears mixed in. This is exactly what Sean and I hoped it would be.
“It’s a real honor you were able to join us and all these other families.” I take a step back, needing to get myself ready to sing. “Make sure you get autographs and pictures with all of these big guys, and I hope you can make it to the game tomorrow.”
I’ve been inching my way from one family to another, trying to find Nora to hand Ax off. I finally see a clear path, but I’m stopped by Gem and the McNeils. They’re chatting with the same guy I saw corner Sean at the party. The one who I assume is the team’s General Manager.
