Page 114 of Playing It Forward

He nods.

“But your career.”

He grimaces. “My career is over.”

“Since when? You literally went to practice today.”

“I can’t keep doing it.”

My brow wrinkles. “Doing what?”

“Playing with my shoulder.”

“Your injury? I thought it was better.”

“It’s manageable, but it’s not better.”

“And so you’re quitting?”

“I’m not quitting. I’m retiring.”

“Now? Before the Super Bowl?”

“Yes, before the Super Bowl.”

Before the Super Bowl? All he’s talked about all summer is the Super Bowl. How he’s leading the team. How it’s the Seals’ year.

And yet he’s quitting. Because of me.

I won’t be his regret. I won’t ruin his life. The same way pregnancy ruined my mother’s life. No. I won’t allow it. “Would you have retired if it weren’t for me and the little mermaid?”

He grimaces. It’s all the answer I need.

“You wouldn’t have. You would have kept playing. You would have had a chance at the Super Bowl ring you’ve been dreaming of your entire life. I’m not allowing you to sacrifice the goal you’ve been working on for years.”

“You’re not allowing me to do anything. I made my decision.”

“A decision you wouldn’t have made if it weren’t for me.” I stand. “I can’t do this. I can’t ruin your life. We’ll co-parent.” I place a hand on my belly. “The little mermaid is as much yours as mine, but this relationship is over.”

He jumps to his feet. “I tell you I love you and you end our relationship? This is not how things work.”

I wipe the tears falling from my eyes. “I’m sorry, Nolan. I can’t do this.”

I rush away and practically slam into Addy. She places an arm around my shoulders and leads me to the back hallway and into the office.

“Sit. Relax. Stress isn’t good for the baby.”

The baby. I need to think of the little mermaid. I place my hand on my stomach and inhale deep breaths until my tears slow.

Chapter 37

It turns out retirement looks a lot like staying.

Nolan

I knock on Charlie’s door. I hope he opens. But I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t. His daughter dumped me. He probably doesn’t want to have anything to do with me.

“Nolan,” he says when he opens the door. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”