Page 91 of Small Town Sizzle

I glance at Garrett, who’s completely engrossed in the game, his face lit up with excitement. He’s so good with me, so good for me, and the thought of losing him makes my throat tighten. But I can’t keep this from him. He deserves to know the truth, no matter how messy it is.

It’s wild to be at this game with him and to see how much pride he’s emanating for Mason and Alex. I catch him reacting and my heart swells with happiness. I can convince myself that everything is going to be okay.

When the game ends, Garrett stands and stretches, offering me a hand to help me up. “Well, that was fun,” he says, grinning. “It’s so cool to watch Mason and Alex out on the field. It’s almost like they’re the same person with how in sync they are.”

“Someone asked me if they were related earlier,” Laura laughs.

I almost choke on the water I’m drinking.

“Greta always said they reminded her of Ethan and Garrett out there,” Mom says.

None of them even knows how true their words are. Will they all be mad at me when they find out?

I clear my throat and blow out a breath. That’s an old intrusive thought rearing its ugly head again. I push it away and focus on the present.

Chantelle and Jaz come up to us, both girls hugging me and Garrett as they do.

“Let’s go, Jaz,” Dad says as he rubs his hands together. “Tonight is the one night a week your grandma lets me get Miss Betty’s and a milkshake is calling my name.”

“Mine too,” she giggles.

“Alex,” I start.

“We’re going right down to the fencerow so he can get his hugs,” Dad chuckles as he waves me off.

I laugh as the rest of us start making our way down the bleachers. Alex and Mason are standing there beside each other, helmets in hand, as they shake hands and talk to the people pouring out of the stands. My breath catches as I realize how much they really do look alike now that I know.

Their eyes are different colors, but they have similar cheekbones and that same McAllister smile and jawline. They have a similar build, and they both have longer hair that curls up at the ends.

“I’ll be waiting up for you tonight,” Alex teases as he hugs me tightly.

“Who says you won’t be home after me?”

“I may be fourteen, but I’m not dumb.” He rolls his eyes playfully.

“Be safe, bub. You killed it out there.”

“Thanks, Aunt Maya. You be safe, too.”

“Great game, bud,” Garrett says as he claps Alex on the back.

I hold my breath, watching their interaction. It’s all different now. Garrett is calling him bud and telling him he had a great game, things that dads would do. Except, he doesn’t know that he’s a dad.

My chest feels heavy and tears prick at my eyes. I am not cut out to hold secrets, which is probably why my sister never burdened me with it back then. I can feel myself getting physically sick as I worry about what is going to happen when Garrett learns the truth.

“Thanks.” He smiles.

We sit and talk to the two boys for a few minutes before I feel Garrett’s fingers lace with mine. I glance up at him and he nods for us to go. I smile and we say our goodbyes.

As we make our way out of the stadium, I can feel the journal in my purse like a lead weight. The thought of what’s coming makes my stomach churn, but Garrett’s hand on the small of my back steadies me. He’s here, and for now, that’s enough.

For now, I let myself enjoy the warmth of his touch, the sound of his laugh, the way he looks at me like I’m the only person in the world.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Garrett

As we get to my car, I can feel the tension radiating off Maya. She’s been anxious all night, and while she’s doing a damn good job of hiding it with polite smiles and casual conversation, I can see through it. I’m not sure what’s going on, but it’s eating at her. The game was great, but I could tell her mind was somewhere else the entire time. Now, it feels like her nerves are about to break through the surface.

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