Page 31 of Make the Play

Everly laughs. “Yes, really. It’s a thing, trust me. If you ever find someone who can put up with you for longer than a night, you might need to know these things.”

“It’s more like if I find someoneIcan put up with for longer than one night.” I chuckle. Instantly, images of Corie pop into my head. She’s the first woman who’s been able to hold my attention for longer than a few hours. It figures it would be the one woman on the planet I can’t pursue.

“Well, can you get on that? Please and thank you. I’d love to be an aunt.”

“What about Matt’s brother?” I ask her. “And Emma, she’s young, but don’t count her out. Why does all the pressure land on me?”

“Meh, he’s a confirmed bachelor for life. Honestly, I think someone broke his heart in his younger years, and he’s sworn off relationships ever since. That’s not you, though, right?” She laughs. “And Emma is too young.”

I smile. Emma is only two years younger than Everly, at twenty-three. Old enough to have babies, but young enough that there is plenty of time to think about that later. “That’s not me. I’m not looking, but I’m not afraid to keep her once I find her.”

“Knox,” she whines. “How will you find her to keep her if you’re not looking?”

“I guess I assume it will work out as it did for Mom and Dad, as well as you and Matt. When the right person comes along, I’ll know. I don’t want to force it.”

“Ugh, but you should still be putting yourself out there.”

“Maybe after the season’s over.”

“Yeah, right,” she mutters. “You say that every year.”

“My schedule is insane, Ev, you know that. It’s going to take a strong woman to deal with the media, being in the press all the damn time, and then my schedule and travel. If we have kids, she’s doing it on her own.”

“We’ll help.”

“You live two hours away.”

“Exactly. Just a short drive to be there for my sister-in-law and nieces and nephews.”

“You’re putting the cart before the horse, sister.” I laugh.

“I’m really happy, Knox. I have what our parents have, and I want that for you and Emma, too.”

“One day,” I tell her. I want that, too. I want that one person in life who is in your corner no matter what. I grew up around healthy, loving relationships. I know how they work. Maybe I’m just picky, but with my career, I have to be careful. I don’t want to end up with the wrong person. When I get married, that’s it. She’s it. I want to do it right the first time.

“Fine, I’ll let you go. I really just wanted to call and say hi and tell you I miss you.”

“I miss you, too. You’re coming to the game next week, right? I know Mom, Dad, and Emma are coming.”

“Yep. We’re all going to be there.”

“Everyone?” I ask, excited to see my family.

“Yeah. I don’t know if all the cousins can make it, but all the parentals will be there.”

“Nice. Okay, I’ll see you next week.”

“Love you, brother.”

“Love you, too, sister.” I end the call, standing and sliding the phone into the pocket of my sweats, and make my way out of the locker room. I’m stoked that my parents, sisters, future brother-in-law, pseudo aunts and uncles, and real aunt and uncle are coming to the game. I hope the cousins, who are obviously not all cousins by blood, can make it, too. I spent a week at my parents' place in June, but it’s now the middle of August, and I miss them.

Pushing open the door that leads to the employee and player parking lot, I’m cursing myself for not grabbing my sunglasses out of my truck this morning before going inside. It was still dusk when I arrived at the stadium for my morning workout before the team started, so I didn’t need them. However, the late afternoon sun is shining bright now.

I’m almost to my truck when someone calls out my name. Turning, I squint, holding my hand over the top of my eyes to shield the sun, and see a dark-haired angel rushing toward me. As Corie gets closer, it’s obvious she’s not going to stop, so I drop my bag and brace myself.

She launches herself at me, and I catch her with ease. My hands grip the backs of her thighs while she wraps her arms around my neck. I don’t know what’s going on, but she was grinning as she ran to me, so I’m guessing she got the job.

“What’s up, Corie girl?” I ask her.

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