Page 88 of Honest Boys Don’t Play

“To get something to eat. Or coffee. The park? Even the grocery store.”

She bites her lip. “I’m scared to leave.”

“That’s exactly why we should go.”

A heavy sigh rattles her body. “I hate it when you’re right. Food sounds good. I’m kind of craving a burger.”

“Let’s do it then. Our first date with Rory in tow.”

Her cheeks pinken. “You still want to date me?”

I stop halfway across the driveway. “You think I’ve changed my mind on how bad I want you?”

She shrugs, biting her lip. “You did see me push a baby out.”

I blink at her, stunned into silence for a long moment. “Bertie, that was bad ass. You brought life into this world, and you think I’m supposed to what? Be turned off by that? Not want to date you?”

“I don’t know.” Her cheeks turn a light shade of pink. “I’ve heard a lot of men look at their wives and girlfriends differently after they have a baby and I’m not technically either.”

I cross the space between us. I would pull her right into my arms if I wasn’t holding Rory. “I haven’t made it a secret that I want you to be my girlfriend. Do you want to put a label on us?”

“Not if⁠—”

“Bertie,” I interrupt her. “Do you want to be my girlfriend?”

She bites her lip and then gives the tiniest of nods. “Yes.”

“Then it’s settled. You’re my girlfriend.”

“It’s just that easy for you?” she asks.

“Yes,” I reply. “Because I’ve wanted to call you mine for months. Maybe even years.” With my free hand I cup her cheek, rubbing my thumb over her bottom lip. “I’ve just been waiting for you to catch up.”

“I’m with you now,” she says.

“Yeah, you fucking are,” I growl and lower my mouth to hers.

That night I pull out my journal and write.

Dear Rory,

Your mom is finally my girlfriend.

Took her long enough to get on the same page.

Love,

Dad

CHAPTER 32

BERTIE

For some reason, I thought preseason would last a month, maybe longer, but it’s only a week and another week after that Luke has his first home game. Adjusting to this new schedule hasn’t been easy. I’ve barely seen him between practice and travel. I’m putting a brave face on, though, because the last thing I want to do is make him feel guilty. He’s already doing what he can from a distance—sending food and baby supplies through Doordash so I don’t have to worry about it.

He asked if I would come to the first home game along with his mom and even though I’m exhausted, I couldn’t say no to his hopeful expression.

A knock on the door has my shoulders sagging in relief. That’s probably his mom right now.