Page 48 of Love on the Sidelines

“How about a quick flight to New York? We can take in the sights and then have lunch at my favorite place.”

My stomach drops and I say, “I need to check on Gran.”

Charlie reaches over and says, “Sorry, I forgot to show you something.”

He pulls out his phone and opens it to the gallery, clicking on a video. And there on the screen is my grandmother, with her faded bubblegum pink hair, sitting in the hospital bed.

“Ava, dear, you’ve been holding out on me. Since when did you start hanging out with Charlie Danielson?” She pauses and wiggles her eyebrows, making me laugh. “I hope what he tells me is true. If you like him, let him take you on a trip. I’ll be here for at least three more days. Enjoy yourself, be young for once instead of hurrying back for responsibilities. Tina and I will keep each other company while you’re gone.”

The screen pans over to the bed next to Gran and I see Tina smiling back. “Marsha will take care of Emily. Go have fun for the day and we’ll see you back here soon.”

The video cuts off and I’m stunned. “You visited Gran?”

He looks panicked and says, “I apologize. I just wanted to make sure I’d covered my bases and taken care of everyone before I whisked you away.”

I try to hold back the tears, but a couple of them fall, trickling down my cheek. Charlie reaches over with a finger to swipe it gently and says, “I’m sorry. We can ask the pilot to head home.”

Shaking my head, I say, “No, it’s not that. I’m just surprised that you took into consideration my family. Thank you.”

“Family means a lot to me, too. I just think you deserve some time exploring without having to figure out what to do next as an adult.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t listen. I let my views cloud the situation, making it so I didn’t see it clearly. You’ve done nothing but take care of me, even when it was the smallest acts. Will you forgive me?” I bite my lip, not sure how his answer will go from the somber expression on his face.

“Of course I forgive you,” Charlie says, his voice breaking on the last word. “A few weeks ago, I thought I was fine with working myself to the bone, because it helped me cope with the loss of my father and sister. But now I know that life isn’t the same when we’re running from it.”

“You’re right,” I say, grinning at him.

Giving me a shy smile, he says, “So, I’m not sure I heard your answer on the girlfriend situation. Do I need to write it on a piece of paper so you can check yes or no?”

I laugh, taking his face into my hands and pulling forward. “Charlie, I would absolutely love to be your girlfriend.”

We close the distance with a quick kiss before I sit back a few inches.

“I’m going to need the source of that chicken soup again.”

Charlie laughs. “Done.”

I lean over and kiss him deeper, grateful for that awkward moment on the pickleball court when I made him get stitches. And for every moment after that.

EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR LATER

Ava

Ican’t believe it’s been a year since everything happened with Charlie.

He’s been one of the brightest parts of my life so far. He’s taken me on a trip here and there, but mostly, we’ve been able to mesh our families for holidays and other events. We’re still a small bunch, but we’re mighty. Bobby even came to visit for a week a few months ago and laughed at our antics, just like when we were growing up. The best part now is that I can kiss Charlie anytime I want.

Gran healed up well and joined me on the pickleball court. There have been no more stitches or surgeries needed, though. She loves Charlie and all that we’ve been up to.

Tina also recovered from her injuries and has been like a second mother to me throughout this time. She’s one of the best cooks I know, and I’ve learned a lot from her about how to make something other than casseroles.

Emily already has some interest from college coaches, but she’ll be returning to the elite camp in two weeks and will probably get more interest going there.

Charlie has been working on not working as much, and I’d say he’s doing a pretty good job of it. The first year of the NHL team was a lot, but he didn’t let it consume his schedule, leaving plenty of time for the two of us. They did pretty well for a first-year team, making it to the first round of the playoffs before being eliminated.

We’re down at a tournament in Park City, just outside Salt Lake, and I’m so proud of the girls. They’ve worked and worked to get to a higher skill level and the way they pass and work together is paying off on the scoreboard in each game.

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