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Was he? He looked at Autumn again. He had no doubts now that what he felt for her was strong. Stronger than anything he’d experienced before.
He looked to the opposite side of the court. The sheriff stood there with his sister and nephews. Was he her father, or was it a coincidence? But how could it be when Robyn Duke looked identical to Autumn?
One thing he did know was that Autumn needed him right now. Needed him to support her through whatever choice she made. He had to make things right with her.
“Apologize then.” Nash elbowed him again.
“I tried. She’s not ready to talk to me yet, and like I said, I’m not sure I’m a happy-ever-after guy.”
“You are not that dumb. The woman was made for you, and her son idolizes you.”
He watched Autumn move around the court. Luna dived, getting the ball in time, and it rose. Piper lobbed it, and Autumn slammed it over the net.
He put his fingers between his teeth and whistled. She didn’t look his way.
Why did hearing Nash say she was made for him feel so good?
“There now, you see. Mama is on the court.” He turned to see Aunt Jess holding Ritchie’s hand. He looked like he’d been crying.
“Hey, buddy. What’s up?”
“He fell and scraped his knee,” Aunt Jess said.
“It… it hurts.” The tears started to fall again.
“I got him, Aunt Jess.” Ford lifted the boy into his arms. It felt natural and right. Like it did when he was with Autumn. It was a weird thing to feel protective of a child who wasn’t his blood, but he felt it then.
“It’s all right.” He rubbed his back. “Ouchie?”
Ritchie nodded.
“Did you know your mom is killing it out there on the court? She just hit that ball so hard the other team didn’t see it.”
Ritchie lifted his head and looked to the court.
“I think you need to shout out some encouragement to her. She’s pretty nervous.”
Ritchie sniffed loudly, and Ford rubbed his thumb under the boy’s eyes, removing the tears.
“Go, Mom!”
Autumn turned, and her eyes took in the scene. They narrowed. Ford mouthed, “He’s fine,” but the ball was coming back across the net, and she turned away at Piper’s shriek.
“Hey, Ritchie. You okay there?” Joe asked.
“I fell.”
“No way. Did it hurt?”
Ritchie stuck out his leg and the scraped knee for everyone to see.
“Ouchie,” Nash said. “This help?” He held out a Twizzler.
“It might.” Ritchie took it and stuck it in his mouth.
“Your brother get one?” Ford asked.
“Nope. I only have one left and it’s for me. And you don’t deserve it after your behavior this morning.”
