Page 61 of Crazy Love

“Well, I think maybe it’s going to work out after all…but fuck me, it’s going to be hard.”

It’s quiet for a beat, and then I say, “In more ways than one.”

We both laugh a little too loudly at that. I glance at him over my shoulder and his eyes drink me in.

“It’s hard for me too,” I whisper.

His lips lift. “It helps to hear that.”

I nod and then turn away from him. It’s too tempting to look at him and not climb him. “We should make a fun breakfast for Sam and then go tell my parents.”

He groans. “I was hoping you’d forget about telling them just yet.”

“Ha. Not possible. Once we tell them, I think I can relax a little more. And telling the team…I’m nervous about that.”

He puts his hand on my shoulder. “The team will be fine. They’re gonna freak out that I’ve settled down, but they’ll be happy for us. It’s your dad I’m worried about.”

Now I groan. “Let’s go get it over with.”

Driving up to my parents’ house, I feel queasy. This is ridiculous. I’m reverting to my childhood, that feeling I’d get before knowing I’d be grounded.

My mom answers the door and quickly covers her surprise over seeing Penn, pulling me in for a hug.

“I was so happy when you said you were coming over. It’s fun to see you here, Penn,” she says, smiling warmly as she hugs him too. “Hello.”

“Hello, Mrs. Evans.”

“Please, call me Danielle.” She laughs.

He nods, his dimple popping out with his smile. My heart does that little flutter.

“Dad’s here, right? We were hoping to talk to both of you.”

My mom’s eyebrows lift. “Yes, he is.” She turns and yells, “Rex! Adeline’s here.” She motions for us to follow her and we go to the living room. Usually our big hangout is in the oversized kitchen, so my nerves amp up a little more.

I sit stiffly on the couch, my fingers laced so tightly that my knuckles ache. Penn is next to me, his posture tense. He puts his hand on my back and rubs it slightly, until the sound of my dad jogging down the stairs. He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. My dad walks in, all smiles…until he sees Penn.

“Hey, baby girl. Penn. What’s this about?” he asks.

My parents sit across from us, my dad’s face unreadable, and even my mom looks nervous now. I’ve rehearsed what I would say on the way over here, but now that it’s time, my throat feels tight.

“I wanted to tell you in person,” I begin, my voice shaky. “Penn and I…we got married.”

My mom gasps, bringing a hand to her chest. But it’s my dad’s reaction that I fear the most. His expression hardens instantly, his eyes snapping to Penn’s like a laser.

He leans forward and points at Penn. “You married my daughter,” he says, his tone cold. “And you didn’t think to ask me first?”

Penn exhales slowly. “You’re right. I should’ve. I know this isn’t what you expected, sir. But Addy and I?—”

“Dad, it’s a whirlwind, we know, but?—”

“He is the last person you should’ve married!” Dad yells, standing up and walking behind the couch.

“Coach, with respect—what is it that you dislike about me so much?” Penn asks. I’m proud of how respectful yet firm he sounds. “I’ve wondered this for a while now.”

My dad’s eyes narrow. “You’re a player. And I’m not talking football. You’re never seen with the same woman twice. You don’t take anything seriously. I see what’s written about you on social media. And now you think you’re ready to settle down with my daughter?”

Penn stiffens next to me. He turns back and looks at me, swallowing hard. I can see the pain in his eyes. He looks at a loss for words. I take his hand, threading our fingers together.

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