Page 66 of Make the Play

“Why do you think that?” I ask, pretty much giving myself away by not confirming or denying that it’s her.

“Because you mentioned her first. Both times. It’s not Sloane and Landry’s little sister.” He laughs. “Does Landry know?”

“Nope.”

“Son.”

“I know, Dad. I know. It wasn’t supposed to turn out this way. I was supposed to push her out of my mind. I tried, I tried like hell, but it never worked. It only made me think about her more. Then she kissed me. Just a quick kiss, but, Dad, all bets were off after that. We decided to keep things between us and see where it goes.”

“And you’re inviting her to spend an afternoon with your family.”

“You’ll have to meet her eventually.”

“Is that so?”

“More so every day,” I admit. My dad is someone I’ve always been able to talk to. To be open and honest with him. He’s always been there to help guide me, and I guess I want his guidance with this, too.

“How does she feel about all of this?”

“It’s risky, not just with Landry but also with our jobs. She works for the Rampage, too. They have some rule that if two employees date, you have to come forward immediately. We would have had it not been for Landry, so we kept it quiet, and now, as the weeks pass, we’re in too deep.”

Dad whistles. “Knox, your career is on the line?”

“It could be.”

He’s quiet for several minutes, letting the meaning of my reply sink in. I knew what I was doing. I know what we are doing and how it could affect both of us, but I’m not stopping. I can’t. She’s too far under my skin. Let’s be honest. She’s also taken root inside my heart. Football has always been my life, but damn if I wouldn’t walk away from the only professional team I’ve ever played for, for a life with her.

“That’s deep, son.”

“Shit. Did I say that out loud?”

“That you did. You’re in love with her.” It’s not a question.

“I’ve never been in love,” I tell him. “I know I care about her. I know I want to be with her all the time. I know she’s all I can think about.”

“That’s exactly how I felt about your mom.”

“It’s too soon to be tossing out theLword, right?”

“There is no timeline, Knox. You’ve seen it. You’ve lived it. You have many role models to show you what love looks like in all its variations. Only you can decide what it looks like for you. Take it from your old man. The heart knows. Follow those feelings. I did, and it gave me your mom and your sisters. My life would be nothing without the four of you.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’ll let you know for sure if they’re going to be there. I plan to talk to Corie tonight.”

“Sounds good, son. Love you.”

“Love you too, Dad,” I say, ending the call. Ridge Beckett, my father, was a single dad and followed his heart. It led him to my mom, and as a result, they had my little sisters. Their story is complicated and full of heartbreak. I guess it’s mine, too, but everything turned out okay.

Our story will, too.

It’s a few minutes before five when she knocks on the door. Dinner, her favorite Chinese, was delivered not five minutes ago, so it’s perfect timing. Running from the kitchen to the front door, I pull it open, grab her hand, and pull her inside. She drops her bags to the floor, and I lift her into my arms, kissing her like it could be the last time. Her arms and legs are wrapped around me, and it feels right.

She fits me as if she were made for me.

“I’m happy to see you, too.” She grins.

“I ordered dinner.”

“It smells delicious. Thank you.”

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