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“And then I said to her, how would you like a tour of my down under?”
The team’s laughter echoes all the way down the tunnel as Delaney and I make our way onto the field.
“Get it? Down under? ‘Cause she was Australian!”
“The jokes are subpar as always, Green.” Delaney is the first to speak as we step over to them, causing the boys to whirl their heads around at the sound of her voice. “Glad to know I haven’t missed out on much.”
The lads freeze in place for a moment as they take in the sight in front of them. I can’t blame them—Delaney has a way of demanding every ounce of your attention.
“Miss me?”
With those two words, they burst into a round of cheers and hollers. “Delaney!” They excitedly push their way past me and rush over to her side. “You’re back! You came back!”
Now, it’s Delaney’s laugh that fills the room. “I came back.” Her words soften my heart. I still can’t believe they’re true. “Of course, I came back.”
“But why?” Their eyes are full of query, assessing her frame as if they’re having a hard time comprehending that she’s here. That she’s with us again.
“Because.” She shrugs with a grin, seemingly assessing her response before responding. “This is my home. This is my team. I mean…if you’ll still allow me to be a part of it.”
“You were always a part of it, Laney,” Wilks smiles, pulling her into a hug.
I can see the moisture well up in her eyes as she hugs him back and then extends her arms out for the rest of them. “Oh, you guys…bring it in.”
They do just that as they collectively embrace her into their arms and lift her into the air, spinning her around rather recklessly.
“Ah, I’m gonna get dizzy, you guys!” She squeals as her hair flies about.
“Oi, put her down,” I shout over the chaos. “Now.”
At my request, the boys seem to take in my presence, releasing Delaney from their embrace as I take the liberty to secure her wobbling state into my side.
“Well, would you look at that?” Wilks slaps Hart on the chest, gesturing ahead as Delaney now leans her head on my shoulder. “Told you Coach wanted her for himself all along.”
Hart smirks. “Who would’ve thought?”
“So, you two friends again?” Alf now sneaks up from behind us, placing a hand on my shoulder before pulling Delaney in for a hug.
“Alf!” she cries out, wrapping her arms around him.
“Welcome home, Delaney.” I hear him whisper, a proud smile lighting up his face. “We’re so happy you’re back.”
I look across the space, seeing nothing but pure joy fixated on everyone's face, their arms wrapped around one another. And that’s when the word comes to mind.
Family.
It’s a term I use sparingly, for it holds so many meanings. But as I scan the room, it’s never felt so simple.
This is my family. These are my boys, and this is the girl I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.
Simple.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Right, no more fawning about,” I pull my whistle out of my pocket and raise it to my lips. “Let’s get this show back on the road, shall we?”
“Ahem.” Delaney shoots me a look and pulls the whistle out of my grasp. “Don’t we have something important to share, Warren?”
I furrow my brows before it dawns on me. “Right.” I look down at her with a gentle smile. “We do have some good news to share with you all.”
