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“What ifyou agree to be my long-distance girlfriend?” This may be a spin on our“what if”game, but what I’m proposing isn’t a scheme. It’s real.
“Then I should be happy for the rest of my life.”
“I’ll never leave you again.” My words come out in a whispered rush—a desperate attempt to drill my point home. I may physically be gone, but I’ll be with her emotionally and mentally.
“I don’t want you ever to leave.”
My hands frame her face. I swipe my thumb under her eyes to wipe away what I hope are happy tears. “How was your visit to the cemetery?”
Her lips form a soft smile. “Therapeutic.”
I pull her into a hug, amazed by her strength.
“I guess I’ll have to get used to this.” The deep baritone voice that sends shivers down my spine rings from behind us.
Cassie lifts off my chest. “I have something to tell the both of you.”
The seriousness in her tone alarms me. My gaze meets Coach’s. There’s no doubt the panic displayed in his eyes mirrors mine. I brace myself for her following words, wondering how our minutes-long truce will hold. I’m not sure it would survive a surprise pregnancy. We had sex once without a condom, but everyone knows it only takes one time.
“I’ve decided to transfer to Cessna U this year.”
My heart skips a beat. I steal a look at Coach. His jaw tics, and the vein in the side of his head pulses. I’m pretty sure he’s less than thrilled but yet relieved not to be called grandpa.
“How do you propose paying for it?” he asks.
Cassie lifts her chin and straightens her spine. “Last I checked, the loans were in my name. If I need more, I will secure another loan. I’m an adult. It’s time I act like one.”
“You really want to switch schools for your last year?” I ask, a little taken aback by this development. Cassie at school with me? Hell to the yeah. This is like a dream I never knew could come true. “Won’t that set you back?”
She focuses her sole attention on me. “I’m not sure yet, but it doesn’t matter. Every chance you took had been for me. You sacrificed everything for me. It’s time I do the same.”
“This is what you want?” Coach asks with less bite in his tone.
“Yes. The process is already in motion.”
“I don’t know when I lost control.” He sighs but smiles at his girl.
She squeals and hops over to him, tossing her arms around his waist. “Thanks, Daddy.”
“Take care of my little girl.” He peers at me over Cassie’s head, his words more warning than sentimental. But the message is well received.
“I will, sir. With all of my heart.”
I meet Cassie’s gaze and all I see is pure love. I relax for the first time since being reunited with my girl because now, the only time I’ll be left stranded on deck is during a real baseball game. I got caught looking at Cassie, but I certainly didn’t strike out.
Chapter Forty-Four
CASSIE
“Are you ready?”I meet Dalton outside my bedroom door. He’s dressed in his ripped jeans I love so much and signature white T-shirt. A sense of gratification settles over me, dueling with the hunger my body seeks. I can’t believe this man is truly mine.
“Where are we going?” His eyes take in my casual appearance.
“I’m showing you the town in proper fashion.” I give a curt nod. Between the baseball schedule and Dad’s strict regime, Dalton didn’t get a chance to see much of Baytown. “Believe it or not, there’s more to the town than the baseball field and pizza joint.”
He wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me close. Coming within inches from my mouth, he smirks. “Wanting to show me off, huh?”
“Maybe.” I draw out the word. There is some truth to his question. It will be nice to parade my new boyfriend around town without the threat of being caught. If we catch any questionable glances from the church naysayers, then so be it. I’m excited to show off pieces of my past he hasn’t seen.
