Page 77 of Under the Lights

Chase took a step toward the porch, and Kelly slid her hand into his to walk with him. “From now on, we’re a team.”

He grinned and squeezed her hand. “Then I’ve already won.”

Coach met them at the bottom of the stairs and gave Chase a hard look. “I was beginning to wonder about you, son. I was pretty sure I’d taught you better than to give up on what you wanted most.”

“I always had to learn the hard way.”

Coach turned to Kelly, and she smiled for her dad. “I’m trying to think of a football analogy that doesn’t sound weird in front of you. Scoring drive. In the end zone. They all sound a little inappropriate, though.”

He chuckled. “I’ll just say welcome to the family, son.”

Kelly’s throat tightened as she watched the two men she loved shake hands. Then her dad went back inside to give them more privacy.

“You should probably shut your truck off before it runs out of gas,” she said, wiping away the last wetness from her cheeks.

“Uh, yeah.” He did that, then pulled her into his arms again. “I really do have to go back. I was thinking I could spend a couple more days here, though. With you.”

“I want that more than anything. I’m on duty for a few more hours, though.”

“I can sit on the curb in front of your apartment until you’re done. That’ll give people something to talk about.”

She slapped his shoulder. “Or I can give you the keys.”

He kissed her until she could barely breathe. “I’ll be waiting for you when you get home. I’ll make us a frozen pizza.”

Happiness curled through her, and she laughed as she threw her arms around his neck. “It’s a date.”