Page 140 of Homecoming

“Damn, that’s a lot of cars.”

“Kendra was thrilled when the girls gave up soccer for dance. She said youth soccer was the craziest thing she was ever involved in, and the games were horrible. If you looked away for one second, you’d miss the only goal of the game.”

“That sounds about right. My sisters hated it when their kids played, too.”

“Is this what’s in store for us in a few short years?” Kara asked as Dan grabbed their chairs from the back of the Jeep and tucked them under his arm. They walked toward the field, holding hands.

“Maybe we can steer Dylan toward baseball instead. It’s not quite as unhinged as soccer.”

“Do we have youth soccer on the island?” Kara had never paid much attention to such things.

“Of course we do. All the kids play.”

“Yay.”

Dan laughed as he dropped her hand to put an arm around her.

Renata spotted them and came over to greet them. “Um, so don’t shoot the messenger, but Matt’s nephew is on the opposing team, and they’re here.”

“Awesome,” Kara said through gritted teeth.

“I didn’t know. I feel bad.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s a big field.”

“Can I hug you now that I’m finally meeting you in person?” Renata asked Dan.

He put down their chairs and held out his arms to her.

Seeing the two of them hugging each other made Kara emotional as a good-looking man joined them.

“Um, this is Myles. My cousin Kara and her husband, Dan.”

“Heard a lot about you both,” Myles said as he shook hands with them.

“Likewise,” Kara said, earning a glare from her cousin.

“Is that right?” Myles asked. “What does she say about me?”

“Please,” Renata said disdainfully. “I never mention your name. Let’s go watch the game.”

Myles and Kara laughed as they followed Renata to where Ellery and Pete had set up camp for their family and friends.

Her friends greeted Kara with hugs and excitement to meet Dan.

Kara received hugs from Ellery’s parents and her sister, who were also thrilled to see her and meet her husband.

Jessie and her boyfriend, Doug, arrived a few minutes later, and more hugs were exchanged.

“You look wonderful, Doug,” Kara said when she hugged her old friend.

“Thanks. It’s been a journey.”

Their group formed a loud cheering squad for Ellery and Pete’s son, Keaton, who scored two goals for his team’s winning effort.

“Pizza’s on us tonight,” Pete said as they prepared to leave.

“Kara.”

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