Page 63 of Open Net

I scanned the room looking for her long, blonde hair. “Where?”

“Chloe sent her off to run an errand, but I wanted you to know.”

“Thanks.”

He studied me for a second. “I told you so you would know to give her space.”

I laughed but stopped when I realized he wasn’t joking. “She’s my wife, Schultz.”

His jaw clenched causing it to bulge. “Yeah, that you walked out on.”

I shook my head. “It wasn’t like that. I left for her.”

“How considerate of you to leave her alone with your baby. Real nice of you.”

He walked off before I could respond, defend myself. What was his problem? I thought we were past this.

Chloe called out and asked everyone to gather for their assignments, so I joined the huddle around her.

“You vets know the routine. Emma and Lucy have your assignments. The new guys can meet me, and I’ll explain things.”

I hung back, letting the other guys go first so I could have a chance to talk to my wife. She hadn’t seemed to notice me yet, but she had to know I was there. I might not be playing in games, but I was still an active part of the team.

After the majority of the guys left to head up to the children’s wings, I took my opportunity and walked up to her. She seemed more relaxed than the last time I saw her. Her eyes were bright and she had her hair twisted up in a braid, something she did when she was feeling fancy. My eyes lingered on her face. I missed seeing her more than anything.

“Hey.”

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been nervous to talk to her. I held my breath waiting for her to respond.

She glanced up from the clipboard she held and froze. “Olli.”

I smiled, but she didn’t return it. “Lucy has your assignment.”

I didn't care about that at the moment. “Can we talk?”

She looked around, probably for a rescue team. My time was running out.

“I miss you, Emma.” I longed to reach out to her, but I didn’t want to push things.

Her eyes dropped to the ground.

“Is Jackson here?”

She shook her head. “Mom’s watching him.”

I nodded but was growing more and more frustrated. I took a deep breath and reminded myself I’d done this. I put myself in this position.

“Maybe you can come by after and see him?” she said softly.

I stared down at her and nodded. Her eyes only met mine for a split second. I felt like I’d just had a game winning save. A victory! My heart pounded in my chest, but I remained calm.

“Just text her when you’re on your way.” She turned and walked away as her words registered. She wasn’t planning on being there. She was extending an olive branch, just not the one I wanted.

I sighed. I’d take what I could get. A few moments with her was the best thing to happen to me in days.

Lucy walked up to me and handed me a small sheet of paper. I didn’t bother looking at it. I knew the routine by now.

“She’s going through a lot, Olli, ”Lucy said. “More than you may realize.”