Page 63 of Playing It Forward

My stomach dips, and my hands clench the armrests. How dare she? Nolan isn’t hers. But he isn’t mine either. I have no right to be jealous.

I glance up at Nolan from underneath my lashes. He winks at me and his blue eyes sparkle. I nearly sigh. Maybe I want him to be mine. Maybe I’m pushing him away because I’m afraid he’ll leave me if I don’t.

“Who’s ready to toss their football through a hanging pirate barrel?”

Everyone cheers. Including the women gathered behind me watching.

“We’re going to step into the throw.” He mimics throwing the ball. “Step forward and let the power come from your hips and legs. Your arm follows your feet.”

He throws the ball and it sails through the barrel.

“I’m loving his aim,” another mother mutters behind me. I tighten my hold on the chair before I stand up and tell her to back off; he’s my man!

Not my man, I remind myself. He’s this little mermaid’s father. Nothing more.

“Line up!” he commands, and the kids hurry to stand in a line. No one complains or argues. The man is a miracle worker when it comes to kids.

“Aim small. Don’t look at the whole barrel. Pick one spot.”

The first kid throws the football and it sails straight over the barrel. Nolan claps. “Great job! Future quarterback here!”

The kid beams at him before racing to his mom.

The next kid darts forward and throws the ball. It doesn’t reach the barrel. Nolan picks it up and kneels in front of the kid. “Don’t rush. Plant your legs and then throw.” He hands him the ball. “Try again.”

“There you go!” he shouts when the kid’s ball sails through the barrel.

Three more boys take turns and he yells encouragement the entire time. Next up is a girl. He motions her forward but she shakes her head.

He crouches beside her. “You know the secret?”

“What?”

“Quarterbacks miss throws all the time.”

“You don’t.”

“Oh, sweetheart. You should’ve seen me when I was seven.” He hands her the ball. “Try it once. You might enjoy it.”

“Okay,” she whispers before planting her feet, lifting her elbow, and throwing the ball. It sails straight through the barrel.

“Touchdown!” Nolan yells before lifting her up and whirling her around. The kids shout before rushing him. He pretends to let them tackle him to the ground. He collapses and they giggle.

I clasp my chest. He’s adorable. I can imagine him with our child. Teaching her to play sports. Being patient. Being loving. My heart hammers in my chest.

This is what I want. What I’ve always longed for but been afraid to try for – a loving family. Is the quarterback the answer to my dreams?

Chapter 21

Apparently, becoming a father starts before the baby arrives.

Nolan

I walk into Terri’s office. “You ready?”

She grunts as she stands. “You don’t have to come with.”

Today is her first prenatal appointment. There’s no way in hell I’m not going with. I want to be there for her. Support her when she gets worried about carrying the baby. Celebrate the small victories with her. I want to be there for everything.