Page 7 of When You Wish Upon a Wideout

“My dad would roll over in his grave knowing you’re a Spark.”

Beau could only nod at Henry Clarke, still lanky, still wearing glasses. Unable to read the look on Henry’s face—something stern and serious—Beau cleared his throat to recuperate his voice.

“You’re right. Your dad would’ve rather me play basketball than play for Dallas. But here I am.”

Henry folded his lips into a firm line.

Okay, so he hits me, Beau thought.He wouldn’t be the first Clarke to.

But Henry smiled, and after inwardly sighing in relief, Beau did too.

“No. He would’ve been proud.”

The smile fell from Beau’s face.Would he?

Henry started to continue but stopped when the young girl appeared by his side. She looked like Henry because Henry looked like Sienna. The mouth on her heart-shaped face hung open, highlighting her strong cheekbones and wide eyes. But their color was dark brown, similar to Beau’s and his heart fluttered at a thought.

In another place, at another time,she could’ve been mine.

Even though that was what Sienna had wished all those years ago, Beau knew it wasn’t possible.

And I couldn’t handle a kid, let alone a sick one, he told himself but found some relief because, even though Sienna’s daughter was smaller in stature, with protruding wrist bones and knobby hands, there was a pink tinge to her cheeks and her mouth pressed into a smile after she closed it. If she were sick at the moment, it didn’t show.

“It’s you, right?” her daughter asked. “You played for my Papa Jack.”

“Once upon a time.”

“He died.”

Beau took a deep breath. “I know.”

“He saidyouwere the best goddamn wideout he’s ever coached.”

“Grace Clarke,” Sienna hissed. “Language.”

Beau braced himself before he lifted his head to look beyond Grace, where he was certain those green eyes would practically bleed disappointment and heartbreak right into him. Instead, Sienna was focusing on her daughter, and Beau could see the silent communication between them—one he could never understand. When she finally looked at Beau, there wasn’t disappointment—there was nothing.

Beau’s stomach plummeted.

Sienna tucked a blonde lock behind her ear. “Come on. It’s getting late. We’ve overstayed our welcome, and Beau probably has somewhere to be. I bet the team wants to celebrate their win.”

Beau wondered if anyone in the room could hear his heart thumping against his sternum.With you. I should be with you. I should’ve always been with you.

“I don’t waste too much time celebrating the moment.” Beau looked at Sienna. “Seconds later, you might miss something great.”

Sienna placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Well, we wouldn’t want you to miss the next great thing. Come on, Grace.”

Grace ignored her mother in the way only a teenager could. “You played real good today.”

“Really well,” Sienna corrected, folding her arms and glancing down at her feet before adding, “Congratulations on your win.”

Following Grace’s lead, Beau ignored Sienna. “Did you have fun today?” he asked Grace.

Grace beamed.

She has her mother’s smile too.

“There’s an all-you-can-eat candy bar up here.” Grace motioned at Sienna before lowering her voice. “And wine too.”

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