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“It’s okay. It wasn’t a special one. But it took ten minutes to clean everything up.”
“And you’re still early. I will never cease to be amazed.” He met Hailey’s eyes and winked at her.
She dropped her gaze, wondering if anyone else caught the exchange. “Well, we’re here. So I guess you better play amazing today.”
Landon chuckled. “No pressure, huh?”
“Nah. We’ll still like you, even if you’re terrible at soccer.”
Landon glanced at the kids who were busy setting up their chairs to sit in. He took one step closer before he lowered his voice to say, “I like you, too.”
Hailey didn’t drop her eyes this time, but held his gaze for just a moment as her heart fluttered at an unbelievable pace. She pressed her lips together as she grinned. “Go on,” she said. “Get to work.”
He smiled at her before he jogged back to his position.
Hailey sighed inwardly as she turned her attention to the kids. “Okay, everybody got your seat?”
“Yep. I’m hungry,” Carter said.
Hailey laughed. “You’re always hungry. But we just ate breakfast thirty minutes ago. You can wait a little while.”
She moved behind them where Ally was sitting with her sister Julie and their kids. Hailey took a deep breath as she approached them. “Hey.”
“Hey, Hailey,” Julie stood and gave her a hug. “How are you?”
“Good,” Hailey said. “I’ve missed you girls.”
“We’ve missed you too. I’m so glad to see you here. You guys should come every weekend. Most of our Sunday School class is here, and several other friends from church. It’s a party every Saturday.” Julie bit her lip as if she wasn’t sure she should say what was on her mind.
Hailey understood and reached out to put her hand on Julie’s arm. “I know, I haven’t been around much. It’s hard to call it our Sunday School class when I haven’t been in at least a year. But maybe it’s time I come back.”
A smile spread wide across Julie’s face. “We would love that so much. It’s not the same without you.”
“Thank you. It’s been too long, and I think it took this time for me to realize I need that in my life.”
“We’re here whenever you need us. Anytime.”
Hailey knew that she meant it. “Thank you. Can I sit here with you?”
“Of course. We’ve got plenty of room.”
Hailey settled into her chair next to Julie, with Ally on the other side. She kept an eye on the kids as she chatted with the two women. In some ways, it was like no time had passed, and they fell into familiar conversation.
When the game started, Carter cheered the loudest as they watched the players move the ball back and forth down the field.
Hailey laughed every time he said, “Get it, Landon!” Even though someone else had the ball and Landon was nowhere near it.
How obvious was it to everyone that her kids adored Landon? And more importantly, was it obvious that she was starting to feel the same way?
17
“Richards,” his boss’ voice came over the phone Friday afternoon.
“Yes, sir.”
“I need you to do something.”
Landon grabbed a pen and the pad of paper on his desk, ready to take notes. “Yes, sir.” He mentally ran through his clients and projects and wondered what was coming.
