Page 221 of Even Exchange

Noah’s protective husband senses must be tingling because before I can argue, he says, “That’s fine. Under one condition.” This is the first time Noah’s spoken since we began, and my father eyes him curiously. “We choose the lawyer.”

“Isn’t Tony more used to family court law?” I ask Noah, although it is the best way for us to be uninvolved but still aware of everything.

“He worked as a high-profile defense lawyer for years before that,” Noah states. “And besides, this definitely sounds likefamilylaw.”

“Fine by me,” I say, returning my attention to my father. “We’ll stay out of the way. But you have to use Noah’s stepdad for your lawyer.”

“Deal,” Dad says immediately. Relief trembles under the surface. If we play this right, my mother will go away for a long, long time and Dad should be able to plead forced coercion.

* * *

“Are you okay?” Noah asks as we’re snuggled up on the couch hours after Dad left. Gabriella is in my arms, sleeping peacefully, and Noah’s uninjured arm is around me as I lean against his chest.

“I will be,” I tell him, eyes finding his. “Are you?”

“I’m fine,” he says, swallowing hard.

“Have you heard from Coach Bexley?” I ask hesitantly. I’d like to say I’m shocked Noah left a professional game to save me, but after all he’s done for us… I know he didn’t hesitate for a single moment.

Noah nods. “I talked to him when we were in the hospital.”

“Really?” I ask, a rock in my stomach. “What did he say?”

“I explained everything. Porter helped too…” He sighs, and my anxiety heightens. “They’re going to help me in my recovery, and if I’m cleared to play, I’m back on the team on a probationary basis.”

“Oh my god,” I squeal, and my eyes widen, darting to Gabriella, whojustfell asleep. She squirms. I brush a finger over her soft brown hair, and she dozes right back off.Sweet little thing.“That’s great,” I murmur.

“Yeah.” He shifts in place, jaw clenching.

“What’s wrong?”

“I was thinking maybe I should just take this as a sign to stay home with you and Ella,” he says, reaching out and lightly rubbing her head. The tenderness in his eyes is so strong I can feel it to my core.Absolutely not.

“Noah.” His gaze returns to mine. “There is no way in hell I’m allowing you to do that.”

“It’s my choice,” he says, but I can see the flicker of indecision.

“No.” I shake my head. “You’ve worked so hard your entire life. You weremadefor that job. I appreciate you’re willing to give it up for me, for us.” He runs his fingers along my arms, my sense of security overwhelming. “But I wouldn’t be a good wife if I allowed you to.”

“You’re a great wife,” he says, with a teasing smile.

“Thank you,” I say, returning the gesture. “And this great wife is telling you there’s no way in hell you’re quitting.”

“What if?—”

“No,” I say firmly. “I forbid it.”

He chuckles. “So bossy.”

“Damn right.” I grin up at him. “My husbandisan NFL quarterback, and it’s going to stay that way.”

“The doctor said recovery’s going to be hard,” Noah says, masking the concern in his eyes.

“And I’ll be here for you every step of the way,” I assure him, placing a hand on his cheek.

He presses a soft kiss to my lips, and my eyes flutter shut. My arms are filled with love, my heart filled by him.

Basil. Cedarwood.Home.

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