Page 92 of Make the Play

“I’m looking forward to it,” she replies, and so am I.

“Why don’t you get settled? Are you hungry?”

“We hit a drive-thru about an hour ago. I was starving,” I tell my mom. “Are we in my old room?” I ask her.

“Yes. Is that okay?”

“That’s perfect. I’ll show Corie and then go get our bags.”

“I’ll take her to your room,” Mom offers.

“And I’ll help with the bags,” Dad says, placing a hand on my shoulder and heading out the door.

“You good?” I check with Corie.

“Yes.” She smiles.

It’s not a fake,I’m suffering through this moment,smile; it’s a real one. One that makes me want to kiss her. Who am I kidding? I always want to kiss her. Bending, I peck my lips with hers. “Be right back.”

I’m not ashamed to admit that there’s a pep in my step as I meet my dad outside at my truck. He’s leaning around the tailgate with his arms crossed over his chest and a smile tugging at his lips. “I see you got your girl.”

“She’s mine.” I nod. What else is there to say?

“I like her.” He grins.

“Me too, Pops, me too.” I grab our bags from the back seat of my truck, and we head inside. I didn’t need his help, but it’s his way of checking up on me and on us, and I love him for it. I got damn lucky where my parents are concerned.

I find Corie in my old room, staring out the window. Closing the door softly behind me, I place our bags on the floor and move toward her, wrapping her in my arms. “Everything okay?” I ask her.

“Yes. Just admiring the backyard.”

“We’ve had lots of touch football games, barbecues, and bonfires in that backyard,” I tell her.

“Where is the wedding going to be?” she asks.

“At first, Everly wanted it in the backyard. Then she decided to have it during our bye week, and it’s cold in Tennessee in October. So, there’s a small venue. It’s actually an old barn that’s been renovated, not too far from here. The wedding and reception will be held there.”

She turns in my arms and smiles up at me. “Are there any events tonight?”

“Nothing official. Dad's got a pork loin in the smoker, and everyone will bring a side, and we’ll sit around and shoot the shit while we eat. Maybe play a game of touch football.”

“I love that,” she says, her eyes sparkling.

“Are you tired? We can nap before dinner.”

“We can’t just take a nap in your parents’ house,” she says incredulously.

“Yes, we can. I could use a nap with my girl.”

“It’s okay if I stay in here with you?”

“This might be my childhood home, but I’m a grown man, Corie girl. Yes, it’s more than okay. Come on. Let’s lie down.” I guide her to the bed, and we kick off our shoes and climb under the covers. We both wore comfy clothes for the trip, so sleeping in them won’t be an issue.

“No funny business, Knox Beckett. Your parents are downstairs.”

“We can be quiet,” I say, slipping my hand beneath her shirt.

“Knox!” she scolds, but I see the smile in her eyes.

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