Page 94 of Playing It Forward

“Where should we sit? What are the best seats?” My knowledge of football is seriously limited considering I’m carrying the Seals’ star quarterback’s child.

Dad doesn’t answer. He’s too busy watching the field. The players are lined up. Nolan shouts some numbers and then the ball is in his hand. He dances backward as he studies the field. He lifts his arm and the ball sails through the air before landing in Tanner’s hands.

“Touchdown!” Tanner shouts.

I snort. “Even I know he’s not in the end zone.”

“Again!” Coach Knox yells from the sideline in front of us.

Nolan glances over at him but he freezes when he notices me. Knox looks over his shoulder. His gaze catches mine.

“Water break!”

Nolan rips his helmet off and jogs over to us. He grins at me. “You made it.”

He leans over the fence to kiss my cheek. He’s hot and sweaty. It should put me off. Instead, it makes me think of wrinkled sheets and a wrecked bed. Guessing by the smirk on his face, he knows exactly what I’m thinking. I narrow my eyes at him and he laughs.

He shakes Dad’s hand. “Thanks for bringing her.”

“I wanted to see what you’re made of on the field.”

“Do you want to meet the rest of the team?”

Dad clears his throat. “I don’t want to impose.”

“You can’t impose. You’re family.” He whistles before motioning for his friends to join us.

“Terri, Charlie, this is Gage Edwards, Tanner Long, Corbin Cox, and Brock Porter.”

The largest man I’ve ever seen pushes his way to the front of the group. “Don’t forget me,” he says before offering me his hand. “I’m Lamar. My wife can’t wait to meet you.”

My mouth drops open and I stutter. “W-w-what?”

Nolan pushes him away. “I told you not to stress her out.”

“How is inviting her to a group chat stressing her out?”

Group chat? I can handle a group chat. Maybe. If I forget everyone in the chat is in a relationship with someone the team Nolan plays on.

“Ahem!” I clear my throat as loud as possible. “What group chat?” Nolan purses his lips. I point a finger at him. “You’re not in charge of me. I can decide if something is stressing me out without you acting as my gatekeeper.”

“Nolan’s in trouble,” Tanner sings, but everyone ignores him.

“The wives have a group chat,” Lamar explains. “I thought since you’re bringing the next little Seal into the world, you’d want to join. It’s a great group. My wife claims she couldn’t live without it. They can help you figure out all kinds of pregnancy shit.”

I place my hand on my stomach and glare at Nolan. “You didn’t tell me your entire team knows about our little mermaid.”

“Don’t blame him,” Brock says. “May found out. She told my son, Jace. He can’t keep a secret.”

Dad elbows me. “You should join this chat group. Might be good for you.”

What if I join and Nolan leaves me? What then? I’ll make new friends and then they’ll choose his side. It’ll only make things worse.

“Take a chance, kiddo,” Dad whispers. “Not everyone in this world is going to leave you. I didn’t. Trust Nolan not to either.”

It’s not that easy. I can’t snap my fingers and forget how the person who was supposed to love me most in the world didn’t stay for me. How she was more concerned about nursing her heartache than being my mom.

I glance down at my still flat stomach. Don’t worry, little mermaid. I won’t abandon you. No matter what.