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“I became friends with Patty Sanders, the team’s assistant physical therapist. We were both single and our relationship has since progressed into more. I am in love with her and plan on marrying her,” I continue, and Coach’s head snaps sideways as he looks at me wide-eyed. Was I not supposed to profess my undying love for his daughter?
“I’ve had full knowledge of the relationship since January,” Coach states sternly, not looking at anyone in particular.
“Is that why Patty Sanders asked for an immediate medical leave?” Alan asks.
“Patty’s medical leave is due to medical issues she does not need to disclose. I am aware you received medical documentation from a physician,” Coach says and, whoa, he’s really professional and cool as water. I, on the other hand, am shaking quite a bit.
“I see,” the GM says. “So, am I to understand you are not sorry for the said relationship and you do not plan to terminate it?”
I look at the GM like he’s crazed. “I’m not sorry for falling in love with Patty Sanders. We were two consenting adults who fell in love, and I plan on asking her to marry me. I appreciate this goes against team policy. I respect the team, my teammates, and Coach, but a love like this happens only once in a lifetime and I don’t ever plan on walking away,” I declare.
“Okay, men. We’ve heard all we needed to,” Alan says. “We will review the matter and get back to you within forty-eight hours. Not a word to any of your teammates or the team on this matter. I understand you kept this relationship a secret. I’d like it to stay that way. We don’t want anything disruptive to the team this deep into playoff season.”
“Yes, sir,” I say.
“Yes, sir,” Coach replies too.
“Mr. Sanders, you continue to run things in the same manner you did before. No disruptions,” Alan reiterates.
“Of course, sir. That team is my heart. I want them to win as much as you do.” Coach nods.
“All right then. We’ll be in touch,” Alan says.
Coach and I shake their hands and leave the room.
I blow out a shaky breath when I get into the hallway.
“I told you to keep it simple,” Coach grumbles angrily, but his smirk says something else.
“I did,” I reply.
“That wasn’t simple, Hayworth. You were a mumbling mess. Just like that night you came to my house for dinner when we saw the sonogram.”
“I get nervous and talk a lot,” I admit.
Coach shakes his head like he doesn’t approve. “What I can tell you, son, is that was one heck of a speech. You should use it when you propose to my daughter.”
My jaw falls slack, and Coach walks off and heads for the elevator. I follow after him.
“Does that mean you approve?” I ask.
“Seriously?” Coach asks.
“Yes, I need to hear you say it,” I say to him.
“I approve,” he confirms. I reach over and hug the hell out of him. “I didn’t realize you were a hugger, Hayworth.”
“That’s because you were never my future father-in-law before.”
“Just make them fast,” he groans.
I laugh and release him.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE
Patty
I hated leaving the team on such short notice. I took pride in my work but I was also completely drained and playoff season was more demanding. I just felt like all my body’s energy was being used up to grow a baby, and I didn’t have more to give. The days Evan has games in town, he spends them at my place in my bed. Something has shifted in our relationship and it feels good. We still have to keep things on the down low though because that is what management asked for, and it’s the least we can do after breaking the rules. The team is doing well and tonight Mom and Dad came over to my place with takeout since the guys have a night off in between games. Tomorrow is game seven and if we win, we move on to the conference finals. Tonight is also the night management scheduled a group call with my father and Evan to find out their fate with the Rangers. Even though Daddy doesn’t say it, I know he loves New York. He and Mom are settled here. Mom has her firm where she is a partner, even though in the last week she has told me she wants to cut back her hours about five times. Evan also loves the city and he’s super close with the guys on the team. Truth is, I also love New York. Skylar and Crew are here and so are my friends. I was also looking forward to working with Rebel once I complete my maternity leave.
