Page 156 of Need You To Choose Me

“I mean it. I know this last year has been rough for you, between the divorce, moving here, Savannah, and the baby…” I shake my head. “Don’t think I don’t see that you’re trying because I do, and I really appreciate it.”

Daniel tilts his head, his expression distant. “You like her. Savannah, I mean.”

It wasn’t a question, but I still answered him honestly. It’s the least he deserved.

“I do. I like her a lot.”

Another nod.

He starts to turn around. I expect him to leave, but he holds back for a heartbeat longer.

“Maybe you should ask her to stay.”

SAVANNAH

“You can do this! Go, Bears!” I yell loudly as the kids get into positions.

Between the huge ass helmets on their heads and the shoulder pads tucked under their purple jerseys, they seem even smaller than usual. If I weren’t nervous, I’d find it adorable. As it was, I was happy I didn’t pass out.

Just then, Munchkin kicks against my bladder.Again.

Cursing under my breath, I glance at the clock. The second half barely started, which should leave me more than enough time to get to the bathroom and back.

Pushing to my feet, I hurry to do exactly that, but when I open the door, I find Rose O’Neil standing inside, a phone to her ear.

“John, where are you?” Her back is to me, her fingers gripping the phone tightly as she listens to whatever he’s saying. “You promised! You promised him that you would come.”

“This is more important, Rose!” John’s muffled voice comes through the speakers.

“I’d imagine keeping a promise to your son would be more important.”

“I don’t have time for this bullshit, Rose. We’ll talk about this later.”

“Of course,” Rose mutters to herself, letting her hand drop as she pinches the bridge of her nose. “Everything is always more important than your family.”

I start to pull back to give her a moment, but the door slips from my fingers and closes with a bang that has her turning around.

“Sorry.” I wince. “I didn’t want to interrupt you.”

“No worries.” She slides her phone into her bag and tucks a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “I should get back out there anyway.”

With a forced smile, she leaves. I watch after her for a moment longer before shaking my head and slipping into the stall. I do my business and wash my hands, hurrying back outside.

My gaze goes to the clock as the kids line up, and I take my seat. It was the final minute, and the opposing team was at four and twenty. If the Bears wanted a chance to win, they needed to intercept this play before the clock ran out or their opponents scored, which would put them in the lead.

I wanted them to win so badly.

For the kids.

For Blake.

All of them have been working so hard since the beginning of the season and have come a long way.

My gaze darts to the sidelines where Blake is standing. His shoulders are relaxed, the bill of his ball cap throwing shadows over his face, his clipboard tucked under his arm as he stares at the field, seemingly completely at ease.

The whistle blows, and the kids get into action as the clock ticks down. My teeth sink into my lower lip as the ball flies through the air, and one of the receivers catches it.

He tries to go for the end zone, but one of our boys gets in front of him.

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