Page 122 of Playing It Forward

I huff. “I don’t want you to give up your career for me.”

He kisses my nose. “I’m not giving up my career. I’m pivoting. Growing. Playing it forward.”

“You really want to be a coach?”

“I do. I’ll still have to travel with the team, but the college football season is shorter. And I’ll be working with Knox. He’ll understand if I need time off.”

I chew on my lip as I stare up at him. Do I dare give him a second chance?

He only needs a second chance because you got scared and ran.

I hate it when my inner voice is right.

“Okay. Let’s do this.”

His smile stretches from ear to ear. “You’re going to keep me on my toes for the rest of my life, aren’t you, sprite?”

“I wouldn’t want you to get bored.”

“I love you. I can’t wait to begin our life together.”

Fear tries to push its way through my happiness, but I don’t allow it. Nolan has shown he’ll stay. He’s been there every step of the way. I’ve tried to push him away, but he didn’t let me. This is real. We’re real.

“I love you, too.”

Chapter 39

Sirena was worth the wait.

March

Nolan

“And this is the library.” I motion to the building.

Someone snickers. “Not spending my time there.”

I glare at the kid. He’s a junior in high school and checking out potential colleges. He’s got a good arm, but Knox and I are both worried about his attitude.

“You don’t need to spend time in the library, but you do need to keep your grades up.”

He rolls his eyes. “A C average. Big deal. I can do a C plus average in my sleep.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “Let me guess. Your future plan is the NFL.”

He puffs out his chest. “I’m good enough.”

“And what happens when you get injured? What’s your back-up plan?”

“I’ll be careful.”

“A careful quarterback is a crappy quarterback. You need to—” My phone rings and cuts me off. “Excuse me,” I say before walking away to answer the call in private.

“Hey, Charlie. What’s up?”

“Terri’s in labor.”

“In labor? She’s not due for another two weeks.”