Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79800 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79800 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
“You’re both incredible,” Corie says, wiping at her eyes.
“You can’t do that,” Sloane says. “I have a rule: My girls can’t cry without me crying with them, and today is a happy day. A good day,” she adds.
“I know that I’m the odd girl out, but thank you for always including me. Bellamy, you falling in love with Reid turned out to be great for both of us. I don’t know what I would do without all of you. And the gifts you all brought to Mia today are incredible. I feel so broken yet whole at the same time. It’s a weird place to be, but I need you to know that I appreciate all of you. Thank you,” Amanda says.
“Damn,” Reid mutters. He stands up from his chair and moves around the table, bending to wrap Amanda in a hug. “Whatever you need,” he whispers, and I’m not gonna lie, the moment has me all up in my feelings. Maybe it’s just me and the fact that I’m no longer hiding; everyone important to me knows me, and that’s freeing.
You know, changing the play and all that.
Reid makes his way back to Bellamy, leaning in to kiss her softly, before dropping a kiss to Coral’s cheek. She lifts her head and reaches for him, and he takes her, cuddling her close, and her eyes close again.
“Camp starts soon,” Landry says, winking at Amanda.
I watch her as she gives him a grateful smile, wiping at her eyes.
“Yeah, this one’s never been to a game,” I say.
“What?” everyone asks.
Eden laughs. “I know, but the opportunity never came up.”
“Oh, this is going to be so much fun,” Corie says. “We have so much to teach you.”
“Do you know anything about football?” Bellamy asks.
“I know that the guys play.” Eden chuckles.
“My dad’s the coach,” Bellamy tells her.
“Right, yes, I knew that, too.”
“We need a shopping day,” Rowan announces. “You need some Vaughn gear, and just Rampage gear in general.”
“I’ll handle that,” I speak up.
“Oh, sure you can, but we’re still going shopping,” Rowan assures me.
“Yeah, that sounds like fun,” Eden says.
I know she’s worried about the money. She’s going to be shopping with ladies who don’t have a budget. Technically, she doesn’t either, if she’d just take my damn card. She and I talked to her boss, and as long as I’m happy with her performance, there is no clause saying an employee of Dust ‘N Shine can’t date a client of the company. Apparently, the owner met his wife that way, and he claims he’s not one to stand in the way of love.
Eventually, I’d love for her to decide whether she loves the job or if there is a career path she would have pursued if she’d had the opportunity. I don’t care what she does. Hell, I’d be okay with her not working at all and staying home to raise our kids. We both feel strongly about our kids knowing how much they are wanted and loved, and if that’s what she decides, that’s fine. I don’t care what she does—works, stays at home, whatever, just as long as she’s happy.
The conversation turns back to the season and everything the ladies need to teach Eden. The day is full of laughter, love, and hope. So much hope for what’s yet to come for all of us.
It’s been a long time since my life outside of football has taken precedence. That’s all about to change. I fell in love with an amazing woman, and we’re about to start the next chapter of our lives together. She just doesn’t know it yet.
A few hours later, the sun has set, the kids are inside sleeping, and the adults are enjoying each other’s company. We’re all winding down, and I’ve thought about heading home more than once in the last hour, but I remain seated, with Eden on my lap.
She’s laughing at something Landry said, and my chest feels tight—not from pain, but from happiness. I love this woman. She fits in my life like the final puzzle piece.
“Move in with me,” I whisper in her ear. The words flow out of my mouth before I can stop them, but that’s okay, because I don’t want to take them back. I want her in my space, in my bed, and so much more.
She turns to look at me. “Did you just ask me to move in with you?”
“Nope. I told you to,” I say, moving in for a kiss.
“That’s a big step.”
“We have bigger ones coming our way,” I remind her.
“I work there.”
“Quit.” I shrug.
“Foster, I have to work.”
“Then find another job, but no, you don’t have to work. You want to stay home? Do that. We have enough money for you to pursue a new career or to stay home and manage our family. Manage me,” I say, kissing her cheek. “Is there something you’ve always wanted to do?” I ask her.