Page 101 of Rookie Season
Mitch strides around the corner, his eyes softening as he spots me. With Ally’s permission, I explained what happened with Tyler, and why I acted the way I did. After hearing me out, Mitch apologized profusely for being so hard on me, then confirmed what Carter said…that he would’ve done the same thing in my shoes. That he was proud of me.
My brother-in-law smiles—well, it’s a smile for Mitch Anderson at least—then takes Harlow from me. She swings easily into his arms with a giggle, wrapping her small arms around her father’s neck then pressing their faces together. The attention from her brings a real, beaming smile to his face.
“Welcome, Ally,” he says. “Everyone’s out back.”
“Thanks so much for having us,” my girlfriend replies as she takes my hand again and starts dragging me in the direction of the back door.
Behind us, I hear Harlow askingFishyif he has an aquarium in the loft. Ally glances up at me, also hearing the exchange, and we both laugh.
As my hand reaches for the door handle of the French doors that lead to the patio, it opens abruptly, and my sister appears. Her hair is pulled into a ponytail, and she’s dressed casually in jeans and a white sweater. She smiles at me, her eyes dropping down to me and Ally’s joined hands. Andie can barely hide her excitement. I roll my lips to keep from laughing at her as she tries and fails to compose herself.
“Hi, you two,” she says finally, her voice high and slightly unhinged.
“Andie,” I say, bringing Ally’s hand to my mouth andpressing a small kiss to the back of it. “I know you’ve met Ally several times. But I’d like to introduce her to you again…as my girlfriend.”
My sister bounces up and down with a squeal, pulling me into a hug, and then doing the same to Ally. Ally hugs Andie right back.
“This is so wonderful,” she tells me, then turns to Ally. “Also, your mom is awesome. I think we became best friends about five seconds after meeting.”
Ally’s head falls back as she laughs. “She’s pretty awesome.”
Mitch and Harlow, followed closely by Penn and Fisher, walk toward us—both of my teammates openly gawking as they check out their surroundings. They’re still a little stunned they’ve been invited to “Coach’s Lair,” as Fisher put it. Mitch leans in to give my sister a disgustingly thorough kiss, which makes my friends’ mouths drop open further.
“Get it, Coach,” Fisher whistles, which earns him a stern glare from Mitch before he opens the door and arches an eyebrow in silent decree for us to head out back.
The back deck is arranged for a beautiful outdoor luncheon with a white tablecloth and a floral centerpiece in the middle. Whatever Mitch has going on the grill smells incredible.
Paige and Laini are crowding Ally’s brother, Jamie—who’s way too old for them. While they’re staring at him like he hung the moon, he’s scowling and crossing his arms. I chuckle, knowing I was just like that at his age. Carter and Lana Mae are seated at the head of the table, and when they see us, they both get up to hug their daughter. Lana Mae then turns and hugs me warmly, and Carter shakes my hand and pats me on the back. We’ve spent a lot of time together over the last few days, and I love howseamless it feels to be with Ally’s family, like I fit right in and belong.
It’s a chilly November day, but the outdoor heaters are going, and the sun is shining. Mitch gathers the food from the grill onto a large platter while Andie asks everyone what they want to drink.
Mitch narrows his eyes at Penn and Fisher. “Only water for the boys. They have a game tonight.”
Fisher and Penn groan in unison.
Once everyone is seated and passing food around the table, I realize I haven’t had this since I was a kid, having meals with Mitch’s former hockey team—the D.C. Eagles, who we’re playing tonight. I’ve missed the feeling of being surrounded by a big family. A large group of people to share life with.
And maybe I could’ve had this sooner, if I would have opened my heart to it. But Ally was the one to burst into my world and show me what was missing. I think she’s the only one who could’ve shown me that.
There’s a prickle up my spine, the hairs on my neck standing up. And I swear I can feel Mom and Dad here in this instant, like they’re watching over us and enjoying what they see. Seeing their children happy and loved…it’s all they ever would’ve wanted for us.
Ally places her hand on my knee under the table, and I look over at her, our eyes meeting. My throat grows thick with a strange and overwhelming emotion.
Love.
Because of this girl, I have all of these people around me right now. Because of Ally, I know how to love and be loved. She has changed my life…she’s changedme, more than she will ever know.
“I love you,” I whisper to her.
Her eyes grow glossy with unshed tears, like she can read my every thought. At this point, I wouldn’t even doubt if she could. “I love you too, Noah.”
Before I remember we’re surrounded by family and friends, I lean in and place a soft kiss against her lips. She kisses me back, then smiles against my mouth.
Whistles and groans and giggles erupt around the table, and I’m brought back to the present.
Mitch is shaking his head but smiling. “There are children present,” he teases.
Ally’s mom claps her hands together, her eyes soft and full of love.
