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“We would love that,” I say as I tuck my kit back into my bag and look up to see SJ staring at me with desire burning in his eyes. The kind of burning where he used to look at me like that and I knew where we’d end up shortly. Probably making out in his truck if he has his way. And I like his way.
“We’re going to check out a few more things,” I say to Ty and Mellie.
“Looking forward to dinner with you guys. See you around,” Ty adds with a wave, his hand on Kase’s shoulder.
SJ takes me by the hand. When we get around the corner of the barn and out of view, he presses me up against it and kisses me.
“What’s this for?” I whisper as he kisses my neck and pulls me into him, his flannel shirt tickling my neck.
“You’re good with kids, Doc,” he says with a smoldering look that makes me weak in the knees.
“Comes with the territory.” I shrug.
“I love the woman you’ve turned into,” he murmurs, placing his lips to mine and pulling me into his arms closer.
I never thought of myself as a kid person, but I don’t think I would mind having a family of my own. I never really saw myself having kids, but now that I’m here in Freedom Valley, I imagine myself as a mom, and I look over at SJ and imagine what he would be like as a dad. Warmth fills me. I picture us with our little family at the cabin, eating pancakes in the big kitchen and watching sunsets together at our lookout view. I see us attending football games, eating dinner at Freedom Pie, and taking our kids to the fall festival to chase down candy and do the corn maze. I want that, but I think I’ve only wanted that with him. Maybe I never wanted to do that before now or saw myself with a family because it was never right with anyone else. I didn’t have the best family life growing up, but Sam and Goldie showed up for me. They stepped in when they didn’t have to and made sure I knew what it felt like to be loved.
“Do you want kids, SJ?” I realize I have no idea what he wants. We never talked about that in high school. High school SJ and grown-up SJ are so different, yet…both still feel at home.
He slows and threads his fingers through mine and pulls me closer. “Only with you.” His husky voice makes me still.
“With me?” I whisper.
“Wouldn’t want them with anyone else, Otter.” He tips my chin up to look at him, his whiskey eyes drinking me in.
I lean in and kiss him softly, then rest my cheek on his cozy and warm flannel.
We walk around and talk to a few people, getting curious looks from people who look down at our hands together and back to us and then to each other with knowing smiles. I don’t even care. I want to pinch myself right now. This feels right. I do have a feeling that keeps trying to creep in on whether he’ll leave me again, and sometimes I think about it and start to get upset, but it’s less and less.He’s here, and he's not going anywhere,I remind myself. But I didn’t think he would leave before. What would stop him from doing it again?
“SJ!” someone calls out, and we turn to see Coach Murphy strolling up to us. He’s in his usual Freedom Valley hoodie, jeans, and ball cap. “Callie, good to see you again.”
“Good to see you too, Coach Murphy.” I hug him.
“Coach Murphy.” SJ reaches to shake his hand. “Enjoying the festival?”
He sighs. “SJ, I have an update. Can we talk?” He looks around nervously as if this isn’t a conversation he wants to have. It doesn’t look good.
“What’s up?” SJ asks, pulling him off to the side.
“Listen, the board got back to me. They didn’t approve you for the position. I’m sorry,” he says, looking disappointed.
“Why?” SJ asks, showing no emotion on his face.
“They don’t think you’re a good fit.”
I bite my lip to keep from saying anything. SJ just nods and shows no emotion. My heart freezes hearing this.
“I thought you said I had this, and they just needed to formally offer it?” SJ shakes his head, confused.
“I thought that. But this is what they decided. You’ve made such an impact with the team; I honestly don’t get it,” he says, running a hand over his beard. “For what it’s worth, I think you should fight it.”
SJ nods and says calmly, “Thanks for letting me know.” I can feel emotions rolling off him, though. He may be hiding it with Coach, but I know he’s upset.
“Unfortunately, there’s more. They…uh, want you to stop volunteering effective immediately. I’m so sorry.” Coach Murphy shifts his feet. “But I’m going to tell them you’re still volunteering if you’ll do it. The team needs you. The board can...” He shakes his head angrily, looking away, not finishing that sentence.
SJ nods and shakes his hand, and we walk away. I’m stunned. I don’t even know what to say, my hand gripping his. We get to the truck, and I turn to him. “It was my dad, wasn’t it?”
He nods. “Your father threatened me that I wouldn't get the position if I didn’t stay away from you. He’s on the board.”
