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“Okay. Bye, Dad. Bye, Saylor.”
“See ya!” I call out as Grady takes off at full speed.
“And don’t run!” Owen yells, watching Grady’s little legs eat up the distance to the entrance.
With a laugh, I take in Owen’s concerned expression as he waits for his son to slip on some ice before I squeeze his arm playfully.
“You’re cute when you’re overprotective,” I tease. “But don’t worry. There’s plenty of salt on the pavement. I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
“That kid’s gonna be the death of me,” Owen mutters under his breath. His focus stays glued to the sweetest little boy I’ve ever met until the heavy doors swing closed behind Grady.
Letting my fingers trail along the zipper of Owen’s coat, I ask, “So…what’d you want to talk about?”
He grips the back of his neck and rocks back on his heels. “I, uh, I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor.”
My mouth quirks up on one side. “I mean, we might have to find a bit of privacy, but––”
His dark chuckle sends tingles racing down my spine. “Not that kind of favor, but I appreciate the sentiment.” He tangles our fingers together, warming my icy grip as the chilly air swirls around us. “Do you remember me mentioning that interview a while back?”
I frown. “What interview?”
“For the college championship banquet.”
“Oh.” My brows furrow. “I’d forgotten about that.”
“Yeah.” He clears his throat and steps closer. “I was wondering if you’d like to come with me?”
Nibbling on my thumbnail, I take a deep breath and ask, “Um…when is it?”
“It’s next week. You’d have to take a couple of days off from work, though. I know it’s short notice and that you might not be comfortable with the whole football aspect and everything, but I’d love it if you’d come with me.”
Football aspect.
I snort, but my eyes well with tears regardless.
“Hey.” He cups my cheek and almost drowns me with his concern as he runs his thumb along m
y skin while trying to figure out why I just lost my shit over a simple invitation.
Good question, Owen. I have no idea.
“Why are you crying?” he whispers.
“It’s just…all I ever wanted was to be part of that with you, ya know? The banquets. The games. The rallies. All of it.” My lower lip trembles. “I wanted to show my support. To show my love. And how proud I was of you. For everything you accomplished. And I––”
“Shhh.” He pulls me into his chest and presses a warm kiss to my forehead. “I’m so sorry, Say––”
“I know,” I interject. “I know you are. And I know that this response is totally over the top right now. I just…I’m sorry I missed it, and now I’m sorry that the idea of being surrounded by all things football is kind of terrifying. Like I have PTSD or something. Which is ridiculous.” I cover my face with my hands and laugh dryly. “I’m acting like a crazy person.”
“You’re not a crazy person. And I’m sorry I didn’t let you experience it with me the first time, Say,” he rasps before prying my fingers from my face while demanding my full attention. “But I’d love for you to experience it with me now. Trust me. That’s my first choice. You. Me. Away for a long weekend. With a hotel room to ourselves. No cockblocking sons.” He smirks. “Just us.”
“That does sound kind of amazing,” I admit.
“But,” he adds, “if you’re not ready for that, then I’d love for Grady to experience some one-on-one time with you here.”
My breath hitches. “Y-you want me to watch Grady while you’re away?”
“If you’re not comfortable coming, then yeah. I just…I want you to be part of my life, Say. In every aspect. I trust you.”
