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I’ll have no problem ripping it off of you.
Maven
Don’t tempt me with a good time.
Me
I love you.
Maven
I love you too. We’re so proud of you.
I shove my phone in my bag. Before I head for the tunnel, I check my reflection in the mirror hanging from my locker. My eyes flick to the photo I taped up, and I smile.
It’s one of me, Maven and June during a blizzard three weeks ago. We’re hardly noticeable through the sheet of snow, but I can make out three smiles. Crinkled eyes from laughing our asses off and Maven’s hair blowing everywhere.
I pull it off the wood and fold it up, small enough so it’ll fit in the waistband of my pants. I want to take them out there with me today.
New Orleans is buzzing with energy when I run onto the field. Fans from both Kansas City and D.C. made the trek to the Big Easy for the game, and it’s electric in here. I scan the crowd and try to find the section Maven and June are in before I give up and ask one of the security guards for help.
“Hey, man,” I say. “I’m looking for section 110.”
“Right behind your bench,” he answers, and he points to a line of seats. “Best view in the house.”
I start heading over but only make it a few feet before I’m stopped for a picture then an interview. It takes me fifteen minutes to get ten yards. When I finally break free from the chaos, blonde hair and a smile that makes me weak in the knees is waiting for me on the other side.
I light up when I see her. My walk turns into a run, and the next thing I know I’m in an all-out sprint, desperate to see her.
“Hey,” she calls out as I get close, and she picks up June so she can see me. “Look who it is.”
“There are my girls. Come here, JB,” I say, and Maven passes her carefully over the railing to me.
“Daddy!” she squeals and kisses my cheek. “Time for football?”
“Almost, Bug. How are y’all doing?”
“Good. Mae Mae got me ice cream!”
My eyes meet Maven’s, and she’s giving me a guilty smile. “Of course she did. Hi, baby.”
“Hi, sweetheart.” Maven leans over the metal ledge and I hold the back of her head so I can kiss her. “How are you feeling?”
“Good. I’m about to play some football. I have all my favorite people here.” I look down the line of folks and wave to Maggie, Aiden and Lacey. “I’m really freaking happy.”
“Your sister and Lilah went to get food, but they’ll be back soon. Hopefully you can see them before kickoff,” she says.
“I really wish y’all let me buy you a suite. You’d be so much more comfortable.”
“It’s not about being comfortable. Down here with the fans is where all the fun is. No way I’m going to miss that.”
My eyes catch on her white top. “Is that a new Titans jersey, Mae?”
“It is. Want to see the best part? It’s custom-made.” She turns around, and I seeDaddy Dallasacross the back. “June’s says Daddy, so I thought I should match.”
I burst out laughing and stand as tall as I can, tracing the stitching with my thumb. “You’re such trouble.”
“You like it.” Maven turns back around and takes my hand in hers. “I’m so proud of you.”
