Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Now, it looks like we’re going to be sleeping in the same room. I offered to take the couch—granted, it was a weak offering at best—but I forced the words out of my mouth when all I wanted to do was cheer that I’d get to be close to her.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling when I think about us sharing a room this week. Amanda and Mia, they’re… important, and the chance to spend time close to them this week is why I’m here. I know it’s wrong, and I know we made our choice, but still, I’m here, in her orbit, and that has to be enough for me.
With the time difference between Nashville and Florida, it’s after seven in the evening. The kids are rushing around, letting out some energy after being cooped up in the car all day. I’m in our shared room, having just brought our bags upstairs. I place mine on the bed closest to the door, and lay Amanda and Mia’s on the opposite bed. There are two dressers, so I unpack my things, using the dresser closest to my bed, and store my empty suitcase in the closet. I don’t allow myself to think about how tonight is going to go. Instead, I make my way back to the living area and find Amanda. She’s standing with Bellamy, with Mia on her hip. As soon as I get close, Mia reaches for me, and I smile as I take her into my arms.
“I unpacked. I took the bed closest to the door. I’ll keep an eye on this little cutie if you want to go do the same.”
“That’s okay,” Amanda says.
“Go, we’re all here to help. Freshen up from the drive. Dad’s got this,” Bellamy assures her.
“Come on, Mia. Let’s go see what Coral and Camden are getting into,” I tell her. I glance up, catching Amanda’s eye. “I’ve got her. Go unpack and get the two of you settled.” I nod, not waiting for her reply, before turning and walking toward the rest of the guys, who all have their kids. Well, everyone but Foster, but it won’t be long before Eden is delivering their first baby.
“Looks like this is where the party’s at,” I say, stopping next to Knox.
“Coach,” they all greet me.
“Will,” I remind them. “This one”—I nod toward Reid—“made us family in more ways than one. You can call me Will outside of the stadium.”
“Will,” Landry says, and immediately shakes his head. “Nah, it’s Coach,” he says, and I nod.
“You got an extra, it seems,” Baker says, nodding toward Mia as I set her down so she can play with the other kids. She crawls over to Coral and jabbers away as if my granddaughter understands every word. Camden hands her a football, one of many on the floor already, and she immediately takes it, placing it in her mouth.
“Yeah, I told Amanda I’d keep an eye on her so she can unpack and get settled.”
“I can keep an eye on her if you need to unpack or anything,” Foster offers. “I can use the practice.” He grins.
It’s good to see him happy and opening up. Meeting his wife has changed him. While the offer to unpack is tempting, I know that I’d better keep my ass right here. My roommate is too tempting. “Nah, I already unpacked,” I tell him. I hate that I can’t take him up on it, but I’m not here to seduce her. I just want to be where she is.
I’m aware that somehow, I’ve allowed myself to fall ass over heels for my daughter’s best friend. I also know, as Amanda and I have decided, it can’t go anywhere, but I’m a desperate man. I’ll take the time with her—even knowing she’ll never be mine—any way I can get it.
The guys and I stand around, watching the kids, while the ladies do their thing. The kids are laughing and playing, and I’m glad my daughter and granddaughter have this support system. I’m glad Amanda and Mia have it, too. Speaking of Mia, she’s pulled herself up on the small table and is bouncing on her legs.
“She’s going to be running all over soon,” Corie says, coming to stand next to Knox.
“I thought Alexander was fast when he was crawling,” Knox says. “How do their little legs move so fast?” He laughs.
I smile, all while keeping my eyes on Mia. She looks over at me, those big, curious eyes locking on mine like I’m the only thing in the room. I take a few slow steps closer, careful not to startle her, and bend down so I’m on her level.
“I see you, sweetheart,” I murmur, smiling wide enough that my cheeks ache. I’m rewarded with a grin that shows off her two bottom teeth. Then, like she’s been waiting for permission, she lets go with one hand and turns toward me. She wobbles, her knees doing that uncertain baby bounce, but she’s still grinning like this is the best game she’s ever played.