Page 109 of Sweetheart

"That," Aunt Sally said, sidling up to us, "was Becks Kent, still one of the best players of all time, and Ash 'The Whip' Stryker. Two legends, fully unleashed and playing to win."

"Well, they definitely did that," I said with a laugh.

Snow joined us and gave me a nod. "It was nice of you to let this happen, Scarlett."

I shrugged. "The kids loved it."

"Ash does so much coaching now, but he still loves to compete."

My aunt nodded. "Becks too."

"I don't think they could play like that if they didn't," I said.

"They've always played so well together—even when they thought they hated each other."

Snow sighed. "Well, I better go grab my husband and son. You want to cometoo, Charlotte? Bo might need some consoling after that loss."

"Yeah," my sister said with a smile. "And wow, Mrs. Stryker.Mr. Stryker was on fire."

"He's the best," she said simply.

Once she and Charlotte were gone, Aunt Sally leaned over to me and said,"For the record, your Uncle Becks is the best. Justsayin'."

"Do you think he and Dare will be okay after this?" Viola said.

As the two joined us, they were nothing but smiles.

"You have to teach me how to do that last move," Dare said, and my uncle just laughed.

"Maybe someday," he said.

"I've got time next week.If you're not busy."

"Sounds good." Becks pointed at him. "But just rememberwhat happened here today."

"Trust me, Coach, I'm not likely to forget a beatdown like that." Dare grimaced, butitturned into a grin when Viola slipped under his arm. "Your dad wasn't playing around out there."

"I know," she said, laying a kiss on his cheek. "But you'll get over it."

"You gonna help with that?"

"Of course."

Viola rested her gaze on her father and sent him a smile.

"Dad, you're still my favorite muggle," she said.

"Thanks, Viola. I love you too," he said.

After she and Dare left, Uncle Becks looked to my aunt and said, "Hey, Sal. Can you come here?"

"Yeah," she said, walking over to him. "What's wrong?"

"Think I pulled something inmy back on that last goal," he said. "Might need a little help getting to the car."

My aunt shook her head but wrapped her arm around him, letting him lean against her. "I can't believe you sacrificed your back just to win a game," she said.

"Worth it."

---