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“I know that Meg wouldn’t have put up a fight on this one,” Leo says quietly, leaning on the tile counter of the outdoor kitchen. “She’s always supported the hell out of you.”
“And she supports this, too. Whatever I decide. I don’t know… I spent so many years traveling with the team, being gone for long lengths of time. I hated being away from the girls and missing out on my nieces’ and nephews’ important moments, too. If I take this job, it’ll be full time again. No more working as a consultant or commentating on the weekends here in Seattle.”
“You didn’t anticipate coming out of retirement,” Nate guesses.
“No. I didn’t. I like calling my own shots and being available to my family. Sure, the girls are grown and out on their own now, but I’ve been having a good time with my wife.”
“She still works full time,” Uncle Dom reminds him.
“Actually, she went part time about a year ago,” Will says. “And we planned to start traveling for fun. So, I don’t know… It’s a lot to think about.”
“I know I’m new here,” Dylan says, catching everyone’s attention. “And it’s not exactly my place to give you advice, especially when you haven’t even asked for any.”
“You’re family,” Will says simply. “Everyone is welcome to speak. What’s on your mind, Dylan?”
“You love football. It’s not just a hobby or a former job; you live it. You’ve helped the team for years since you retired—for free. The players trust you.”
Dylan looks over to Ike, who simply nods.
“Seems to me, with the new owners not knowing jack squat about the game, the team and the staff would be more comfortable with you in a leadership role. It doesn’t mean you have to commit to it forever. You could even state that you only want a three, or hell, even a one-year contract to start.”
“I was going to say the same thing,” I add, nodding. I shift on my feet when all eyes turn to me. “Dylan’s right. It would help the transition for the team, give them some stability and confidence.”
“It doesn’t have to be another twenty years of your life,” Uncle Mark adds quietly. “It doesn’t have to be as difficult as you’re making it.”
Will chews on his lower lip, thinking it over. “I’ve never really been someone to overthink every little detail, but maybe that’s what I’ve done here.”
“If Rome and London—which, by the way, only rich people name their kids after cities—want to bring you on, I say do it. And ask for a fuck ton of money,” Caleb says. “Because you’ll earn it, and you’re worth it.”
“I wonder how much a fuck ton of money is,” Gray ponders, speaking for the first time. Most of us kids have just been listening.
“Well into the eight figures,” Nate says, his eyes narrowed.
Several of us whistle at that, and Will grins. “I guess I could use a little extra cash.”
“Just some pocket change,” Dad says with a smirk.
“I honestly didn’t intend to ask for advice today,” Will says. “But thanks for giving it. I’ll double-check with Megan and make sure she’s still on board, but I think I’ll take the job.”
“Thank fuck,” Ike says, making everyone laugh.
“I wondered why you were so damn quiet,” Will says, grinning at the younger quarterback and Will’s protégé.
“Because I didn’t trust myself not to beg,” Ike replies. “Dylan’s right. Everyone will feel a lot better about the situation if we have you there with us.”
“No pressure or anything,” Drew adds with a grin.
“I wanted to speak with you and planned to do it alone, but this is as good a time as any,” Will says to Drew. “With more than five years of coaching experience, I want to hire you as the defensive line coach.”
Drew’s jaw drops, and his dad, Caleb, looks so fucking proud, I’m surprised his chest doesn’t explode.
“I only have college coaching experience,” Drew reminds his uncle.
“You have plenty of experience,” Will says. “You have excellent instincts and a good comradery with players. They respect you.”
“I’m only twenty-seven,” Drew counters.
“Are you trying to talk him out of it?” Leo asks Drew.
“I just don’t want to be offered the job because I’m Will Montgomery’s nephew and share the same last name. Besides, I still have one more year on my contract at the University of Seattle.”
“I bet we can buy that out,” Will says with confidence.
“Would it be a lot more money, moving to the pros?” Hudson asks.
“Probably double the money. Seven figures,” Will says, still watching Drew, who’s starting to look hopeful. “And who gives a fuck what people say about us being related? If you were a pissy coach, I wouldn’t hire you.”
“Let me do some thinking,” Drew says slowly as he shoves his hands into his pockets. “And thank you. Really, thanks for trusting me with that. I just have to think. You kind of sprung this on me.”
