Page 46 of The Love Comeback
Nothing compares to the simple, profound joy of being called “Mom” by the boy who holds my heart.
Chapter Seventeen
Kade
I settle into my seat on the charter jet, feeling the satisfying weight of victory in my bones. The cabin buzzes with the energy of twenty-something guys riding the high of tonight’s 2-1 victory, but my mind is already hundreds of miles ahead in Atlanta.
Cam’s phone rings as he plops down in a seat across the aisle, breaking through the post-game chatter. His expression immediately softens as he answers. “Hey, babe.” His voice drops to that tone he reserves for Nila alone. “Yeah, we just boarded. Should be home in about an hour.”
I spot Blaze pulling out his phone as well, his face lighting up as Addy presumably answers. Something twists in my chest as Iwatch him laugh at whatever she’s saying, his whole demeanor changing from exhausted athlete to besotted husband. He and Addy have been inseparable for as long as I’ve known them, but it took themten years—and apparently being forced to share a room at her little sister’s wedding in Hawaii—to realize they had feelings for each other. The guys and I knew itlongbefore that, though.
I’m just glad they finally got their happily ever after.
Now if only I could get mine…
I fish my phone from my pocket and stare at the lock screen. It’s nearly eleven at night. Ella’s most likely in bed by now, making sure she gets enough sleep before waking up to pack Colton’s lunch and start another day of teaching math to hormonal middle schoolers.
I scroll to her contact, my thumb hovering over the call button.
But what would I even say?
“Hey, sorry to wake you, I just wanted to hear your voice”?
Yeah, that wouldn’t be weird at all.
I put my phone away just as Dylan slides into the empty seat beside me. He shoots me a lopsided grin, the kind that’s pure trouble, and elbows me in the ribs. “Wanna hit the town with me tonight, Kade? Celebrate our big win?”
“Nah. Think I’ll pass. I just want to get home.”
“To what? Your empty house?” Dylan scoffs. “Come on. Live a little. I’ll even let you pick the music in the Uber.”
I roll my eyes, but there’s no real irritation behind it. Dylan’s just being … Dylan.
“I’m good, man.”
“Dang it, Kade,” he huffs. “When did you become soboring?”
“Maybe he’s just not into having a different girl in every city,” Cam pipes up from across the aisle, having finished his call. “Some of us actually grow up.”
“Speak for yourself, old man. Variety is the spice of life,” Dylan shoots back with a wink.
Cam shakes his head. “You’ll never change, will you?”
“Why mess with perfection?” Dylan smirks.
I lean back in my seat as the charter plane lifts off into the night, the Nashville skyline fading into the distance.
I eventually notice Dylan studying me in my peripheral. “Wait … this is aboutElla, isn’t it?” he says. “You don’t want to go out with me because you’re hung up on her, huh?”
I snap my head up in surprise.
“What? I pay attention sometimes.” Dylan shrugs.
“That’s surprising, considering you’re obsessed with yourself,” I joke.
He chuckles. “Regardless, I know I’m right.”
“Yeah…” I relent.
