Page 68 of Hello Quarterback

“She’s the best,” I agreed, then lowered my voice so only Mia could hear. “She was exactly what Fletcher needed to get back on his feet after the divorce.”

Leah led us dutifully to the back sliding door and pointed at it for me to open. When I pulled it aside, the chaos really began. Dad was out there grilling, the sound of sizzling meat adding to the cacophony of food cooking, children laughing, and cattle mooing in the distance. The younger kids were running through the sprinkler and splashing on a long Slip ‘N Slide.

My sister-in-law Larkin sat on the porch swing, sipping a sweating glass of iced tea. Hayes was at the patio table, arguing with Bryce about why trade school was better than four-year-college, and Dad’s dog, Gracie, was huddled at his feet like a furry trip hazard.

But all conversation stopped when they realized who was here as they turned to stare at Mia like she was an exotic animal in a zoo exhibit.

Leah was over it and ran toward the sprinkler.

Dad was the first to break the silence. He set his tongs down, shut the grill, and then stumbled over the dang dog as he walked toward Mia. He grinned and said, “Welcome to our home!”

The next couple hours were a rush of activities. The little girls wanted to know who Mia was and had a million questions for herabout her shoes and fancy sunglasses. My sisters-in-law poked fun at me like I was just another little brother bringing home a new girl. And Dad watched it all with a smile on his face, happy his kids were all together.

And Mia? She fit into it all. Talking, laughing, listening, getting to know the people who meant the most to me.

We stayed up talking late into the night, until the littlest ones in the family were yawning and falling asleep in their parents’ arms, inaudibly declaring it bedtime.

Soon enough, it was just Bryce, Hayes, Dad, Mia, and me sitting around a small fire in the backyard.

Even though she wore designer clothes and had her hair perfectly done, Mia looked right at home, a beer in her right hand, feet propped up on the fire ring, with the fire’s glow making her look golden.

I’d never seen anyone more beautiful.

She caught me looking and smiled at me. “I think I’m going to head inside and get ready for bed, if that’s okay.”

“Of course.” I made to stand up and walk her inside, but she shook her head. “It’s okay. You stay out here and chat.” Then she looked at Hayes, saying, “Don’t stare too hard as I walk away.” And then she winked.

I didn’t think I’d ever seen Hayes blush before, but he got pretty dang close as the rest of us cracked up at her comment.

We were still laughing and making fun of him as we heard the back sliding door open, and Mia went inside. But as our laughter fell silent, Dad said, “Okay, we’ve gotta talk.”

38

FORD

Everyonearound the fire sobered because we all recognized Dad’s come-to-Jesus voice. All eyes were on him as he said, “What’s going on with you two?”

Then all focus turned to me. “What do you mean?” I hedged.

Dad scoffed. “You’ve had your eyes on her all night long, brought her home to introduce her to your family, and yet, you’ve never once introduced her as your girlfriend, the love of your life, the one... You’ve only ever called her Mia. Something’s off with you two, but I can’t tell what, so you’re gonna need to fill me in.”

As they watched me to see my reaction, I realized I’d been riding the fence, and it was high time to choose a side. “If I tell you something, promise you won’t tell anyone else?”

Each of them nodded.

And I knew it was time to tell them the truth. Even if it hurt to do. Even if I knew they’d be disappointed in me for lying. “I started dating Mia to keep my spot on the team,” I said.

Hayes said, “What the fuck?” at the same time Bryce said, “That doesn’t make any sense!” Dad’s surprised and disappointed features spoke even louder. Finally, Dad held hishands up, silencing everyone. “Why in the hell would you do a harebrained thing like that?”

He always did have a way of cutting through the bullshit. I took a steadying breath and looked into the fire as I explained the situation. “My contract is up for renewal this year, and Trent threatened to sell me to another team if I didn’t date his daughter.”

Hayes said, “You turned down a supermodel?” He reached over and hit my arm. “You dumbass.”

I rolled my eyes at him. “There’s more to a woman than her looks. She’s got to have it all to be worth spending your time with. And I’d rather fake something with Mia than try something real with a woman I don’t care for.”

Hayes said, “There’s just one problem with that, brother.”

I raised my eyebrows at him.

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