Page 60 of A Match Made In Fall

“Mom.”

“What? This is Sammy and Dane’s first party in their new home, and we want everyone there. And since the team doesn’t have a game, Abby and her fiancé can come too.”

“Wait. So you planned the party around the Carolina Bears game schedule?”

“Obviously,” Mom says like I should know this.

Sammy grins. “There may even be a spreadsheet.”

“A spreadsheet?” I repeat.

“Hey, you know how good at party planning I am,” my mom adds proudly. “You have to admit that you had some of the best birthday parties.”

She’s not wrong. My mom can put together an event better than anyone I’ve ever met.

A few hours ago they were going to sing songs with a bunch of babies. And now we’re looking at the party of the century. Even I’m already excited about it.

I continue to listen as Sammy and Mom chat about menu options while my mind shifts to Austin. The thought of inviting him sends a flutter of excitement through my chest. It’s just another opportunity to spend time with him.

A lot has happened in the last few hours. My foot is finally healing, and I have a Halloween party to look forward to. I haven’t felt this excited for the future in a very long time.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

AUSTIN

After a long, stressful day, a few messages from Isabella are exactly what I need to bring a smile to my face. Seeing her name on my screen instantly lightens the mood.

She had a great appointment with her doctor and is moving on to the next step in her recovery. I couldn't be happier about her news, and the fact that she wanted to share it with me makes it even better.

As soon as I get to my hotel room, I throw my bag on the extra bed and call her.

"Hey, how are you?" she answers.

"I'm good now," I tell her, kicking off my shoes. "Sorry I didn't text you back sooner. It's been quite a day."

"I totally understand. Was the coach as fired up as you expected?”

“No—he was worse,” I reply. "But it doesn’t matter. Tell me about the appointment. No more boot?"

"It's gone," she shrieks.

I laugh. "Congratulations. Are you saving it as a keepsake?"

"What? I wasn't planning on it,” she says with a giggle.

"Really? I figured you'd put it in a display case and maybe hang it up in your house. It could be a great decoration, think of it as a conversation piece.”

She laughs. "Hmm…I'll keep that in mind."

"So what else did the doctor say? What’s next? You need to do some therapy, right?”

"Yes, I have a lot of physical therapy ahead of me," she tells me. "It's going to take time, but I'm prepared for it. And I'm determined to come back even better than I was before."

I smile to myself. "Isabella Martin, you continue to impress me. That's exactly the attitude I expected from you, and I have no doubt you will show up and absolutely kill it, stronger than ever."

She lets out a soft laugh. "Thank you for believing in me. I’m determined to do exactly that."

"You're very welcome," I tell her. "And I can't wait to see you without the boot."