Page 456 of Ruthless Court

Same mouth.

She sees her husband.

Then me.

Her hand flies to her chest.

“Oh.”

Coach Goodwin grins.

“Surprise.”

Her eyes widen.

She looks like she's trying not to scream.

Then footsteps rush toward us.

“Dad, did you bring the extra⁠—”

Hannah rounds the corner.

Stops.

Everything in me lights up.

Red sweater.

Jeans.

Glasses.

Hair piled loosely on top of her head.

Flour on her cheek.

She sees me.

Then her father.

Then me again.

Her mouth falls open.

“Haverhill?”

I smile.

“Merry Christmas, Bookworm.”

Her eyes narrow.

Not the response I hoped for.

She marches toward me.

I open my arms.