Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
She stops to turn to face me. “Who?”
“Your mom. She’d be proud of both of you.” I thought saying that was the right thing, but more tears well in her eyes, just like earlier, and the panic is back. The need to stop them sits heavy on my chest. “I’m sorry. Please don’t cry.” I don’t know what to do this time. I want to pull her into my arms and hold her, letting her know I’m here, but that’s wrong.
I’m not allowed to touch her.
Landry walks into the room and sees her. He glares at me before rushing to her side. “What’s wrong? Why are you upset?” He pulls her into his arms, and she snuggles into his embrace. I shove my hands into my pockets because he’s doing what I want to do, what I can’t do. “What did you say to her?”
I open my mouth to tell him, but Corie beats me to it. “He didn’t say anything wrong. He mentioned his mom and then told me ours would be proud of us. Both of us,” Corie points out.
Landry’s shoulders relax. “He’s not wrong. You know she’s up there cheering us on. Dad, too,” he adds.
“Probably.” Corie sniffs.
“I didn’t mean to upset you,” I speak up. My voice is gritty and rough.
“It’s not you, Knox,” Corie assures me. “I just miss her. Some days, it hits me harder than others.”
She steps out of her brother's embrace and slowly steps toward me. It’s not until she’s standing right in front of me, with her arms open, that I pull my hands from my pockets and return her hug.
Looking up, I find Landry watching us. I can’t read his expression, and I quickly look away, scared that he can read mine. Can he see that having her in my arms like this feels right? Can he tell that I’m having a hard time releasing her?
Knowing the hug has lasted long enough, I drop my arms, and she steps back, out of reach. Too far.
“Thanks again for dinner. Reynolds.” I nod at Landry. “We still on for poker tomorrow night?” I ask him.
“I think you mean, am I ready to take all your money? The answer to that is a hell yes.”
“Here?” Corie asks.
“Yeah, unless you have something going on. One of the guys can host it.”
“We can have it at my place,” I offer. I’m bummed that I won’t get to see her, but I know it’s best if I keep my distance until this—whatever this is that’s sparking between us—fizzles out.
“No, it’s fine. It’s your house. I was just going to offer to make snacks.”
“Best sister ever,” Landry praises.
“I’m out. Text me and let me know what to bring.” I wave and rush out the door, putting some much-needed distance between me and the dark-haired beauty.
I’m lying in bed, willing sleep to claim me when my phone rings. Lifting it from the nightstand where it’s charging, I see Mom flash on the screen and smile. “Hey, Mom,” I answer.
“I know it’s late. I got busy with your sisters and wedding planning, but I wanted to call and see how the last day of training camp went.”
“Not too bad. I wasn’t in as bad of shape as some of the others.” I chuckle, thinking about Landry whining about how out of shape he was. I tried to warn him. This isn’t his first rodeo. It’s as if he forgets the pain and suffering of letting himself go in the offseason every year.
“Will Landry ever learn?” she asks with a small laugh. She’s been around him almost as long as I have, so she knows his habits.
“Nope. So, what’s new with you and Dad? How’s Everly and the wedding planning? Is Emma dating anyone?”
“We’re all good. Wedding planning is done; now we just wait for the big day, and as far as I know, Emma isn’t dating anyone. Your dad has hired more help, younger guys, and he’s spending more time supervising than he is actually working.”
“I bet he hates that.” My dad owns Beckett Construction. He and four of his best friends, one of whom married my dad’s sister, Reagan, have worked together longer than I’ve been around. They’re all getting older, and like me, with football, aches and pains take over. Your body can only last in strenuous situations for so long before it gives out on you.
I’ve been trying to get my parents to retire for years, telling them I’d take care of them. They both tell me that they’re too young to retire. They sacrificed so much for me growing up, all the football practices, games, and gear. It’s the least that I can do. They gave me unwavering support; I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
“You know your dad. He enjoys the work but knows he won’t be able to do the heavy lifting forever.”