Page 97 of Catching the Coach
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Later on, after another round in the bedroom. We’re sitting on the back porch, in the rockers Kessler had placed back there, taking in the sunset. I’m lost in my thoughts at how much my life has changed for the better over the last couple of months.
I roll my head to the side and smile looking at the man I never thought I wanted, but was everything I needed.
Kessler’s phone buzzes and he grabs it off the table between us. His eyebrows raise and he turns his screen to me. I read the text Dale sent him. My eyes shoot back up to his. “That explains it,” I tell him.
Turns out the magazine that kept publishing all the trash about Kessler and me is owned by none other than Tommy’s father. The pictures that were taken at our practice, were taken by Linda. My number was given out to the press by her too. “That’s why she was so mad when I declined dinner,” I say more to myself than Kessler.
“Probably thought she was going to get an inside scoop for her husband to sell,” he says.
I shake my head. What people will do for money. I feel sad for Tommy having to grow up with parents like that, but there’s nothing I can do about it.
Gravel crunches in the front yard and I cock an eyebrow at Kessler. He gets up from his chair and holds his hand out to me. “Come on, let’s welcome Hudson home.”
Taking my hand in his, we walk around to the front of the porch where we welcome Hudson, Kessler’s parents and Judd.
Hudson flys out of the passenger seat of Judd’s car and races up the steps. “Kessler, is this your new house?” he says in greeting. “It'shuge!” He spins in a circle on the porch, taking it all in.
Kessler laughs. “Actually, Hud, it’s your new house too,” Kessler says, hugging me tighter into his side.
Hudson’s eyes widen in shock and he looks from Kessler to me. I tip my head towards the front door. “Go pick out your room.”
With a whoop, Hudson rushes through the front door. We can hear him yell “Woah! So cool! I can’t wait to show Kade” as he wanders deeper into the house.
Marlene and Henry come up the steps. I peel myself from Kessler and meet Marlene for a hug. “I’m so happy for you, dear,” she whispers into my ear. I manage a nod, but don’t trust myself to speak with the flood of emotion that has hit me. This woman has been an absolute godsend, and I am so grateful she’s a part of Hudson and mine’s life now.
She steps back and swipes at her eyes. “I know for a fact this is a big house. Lots of rooms to fill,” she says, giving me a wink. I give Henry a quick hug before going back to Kessler.
Kessler’s arms come around me again and I tuck myself back into his side, where I belong. “We haven’t discussed that yet. But I’m not opposed to it,” Kessler says, looking down at me hopefully.
I never really put much thought into having more kids, but it doesn’t sound like such a bad idea now that I have someone who I know will be there with me through it all. I nod. “It’s definitely open for discussion.”
Judd clears his throat. “Well now that that’s settled, can we have a tour? All I’ve seen are pictures Kess has sent us throughout the process. He didn’t want anyone seeing the finished product before you.”
We walk towards the door and Kessler opens it with his free hand.
“Welcome to our home.”
epilogue
KESSLER
FIVE MONTHS LATER
I’m goingto throw up. I close my eyes for a second and take a couple of deep breaths.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this pale,” I hear a voice whisper to my right.
“Not even when we were all hungover as fuck after that bachelor party and had to play at that noon game in Philly,” whispers another voice.
I open my eyes and look at the three goons staring back at me with shit eating grins.
“You good, brotato?” Judd asks, slapping me on the shoulder before taking a seat.
Judd is a Silverback now. I did as Coach asked and talked to him about making the switch when he became a free agent. It’s been fun playing on the same team as my brother again, and I like to believe our team work is a big reason we’ve made it as far as we have this season.
“Does it look like I’m good?” I ask. I’m not good. “I’m freaking out. What if she says no? Why did I think it would be a good idea to do this in front of a stadium full of people? What if she hates the ring?” My breath comes faster, making me a little light headed.
