Page 3 of Run the Play
“Smart and beautiful,” Foster says, standing beside her, putting his arm around her shoulders.
“Go on,” Sloane tells him. “Don’t stop now.”
Foster tosses his head back in laughter, and Sloane’s smile lights up her face.
“My place then. I’ll see you all there.” I’m talking to the group, but my eyes are on Rowan. She nods, and that’s all I need. I know the others will be there. “See you soon,” I tell them. Leaning around Knox, I kiss my little sister's cheek and turn to walk away from them.
Today, one of my dreams came true, and I’m pumped to have everyone I care about continue celebrating this win with me. Iwish my parents were here, but they’re watching over me, over us, and they’re celebrating just as hard as we are.
Chapter One
Landry
Sitting on this white sandy beach with my toes buried deep in the white powder, I look out over the clear blue water. The setting sun is food for my soul. It almost feels as if the world is paused.
For me.
For this moment.
Closing my eyes, I let the gentle hush of the waves lapping at the shore fill the void around me. This last month has been a busy one, to say the least. We won the championship, there were celebrations, a parade throughout Nashville, press meetings, and, of course, getting ready for this week.
My little sister married my best friend today.
Technically, he’s now her best friend, too, but that’s okay because he makes her smile, and I’m certain there is no one on the planet who would love Corie the way Knox does.
The reception is going strong here at the Bahamas resort, where Corie and Knox tied the knot. Knox’s family, his parents, sisters, his new brother-in-law, and his aunts and uncles, a fewof his cousins, along with me, Reid, Baker, Foster, Sloane, and Rowan. For a destination wedding, there was quite a guest list.
Tears sprang to my eyes when I watched Knox’s dad, Ridge, spin my sister around the dance floor while Knox danced with his mom, Kendall. Not for the first time today, either, but it was the first time I was able to excuse myself for a few minutes to take a short walk down to the water to clear my head.
I miss my parents every damn day, but today, I’m missing them a little harder than usual. I would have given anything to have been able to see my dad walk Corie down the aisle. I was honored to do it, don’t get me wrong, but I’m a sorry replacement for our father. And Mom, she would have loved Knox. I can picture her laughing and smiling with him as they danced. She wouldn’t need to tell him to take care of her baby girl, because you can see it in every look and every touch they share that Knox worships my sister. Instead, she would welcome him into the family and tell him how happy she is to have another son. I know this with my entire being, and yeah, I just needed some air.
They’re here with us today, but fuck, I miss them. Corie does, too, especially today. I’m happy that she has Knox’s family to welcome her with open arms and shower her with all the love she deserves.
My baby sister is a wife, and my best friend is now my brother in the eyes of the law. Today was good, watching them pledge their love for one another.
I’ve been gone far too long, and someone will notice my absence soon. With one last look over the ocean and the setting sun, I say a silentI love youto our parents before standing from the lounge chair and heading back inside.
I’ve barely taken two steps when I see her.
Rowan Mills.
I wasn’t surprised when Corie told me Rowan was coming with us to the Bahamas. She and Sloane have taken Rowan, who was new to Nashville, under their wing. The three of them quickly became the three musketeers.
She’s walking along the beach alone, and her presence pulls me toward her. What kind of gentleman would I be if I let the beautiful lady walk the beach alone as nightfall sets in a foreign country?
Decision made, I take off jogging down the beach to catch up. When I reach her, I step beside her, matching her gait. She stops walking and there’s a little fear in her eyes, until she registers it’s me who has snuck up on her.
“Fancy meeting you here.” I flash her a grin.
Her hand is resting over her heart, where her chest rises and falls with a rapid beat. “You startled me.”
“Sorry about that.” I smile as I lean my shoulder into hers. “Watcha doing out here all on your own?”
“Just enjoying the view.” She nods toward the ocean. “What about you?”
“I was doing the same. I spotted you as I was headed back inside.”
“Don’t let me keep you,” she says.
