Page 103 of Unexpectedly Falling
INDIE: I just need to tell Beau first.
JENSEN: Well let me know what you need.
INDIE: I’m going to need you to not let Mama get on a plane when I tell her.
JENSEN: Let me know and I’ll ask her to watch Remi that afternoon
INDIE: I love you big brother.
JENSEN: I love you too. It’s all gonna work out— you’ll be an amazing mom
INDIE: I’m gonna go before you make me cry xoxo
“Maybe you should fly out there now,”Nessa says, nibbling her bottom lip. “I’ll be in preseason so it’s really the best time, before everything gets really hectic.”
“I’ll think about it,” I say, placing my phone back on the nightstand and rolling her under me, “but right now, the only thing I want to think about is how many times I can make you come before you leave for Nashville.”
“Well, Sheriff, the clock starts now.”
47
NESSA
“Miss Hart, come in, come in,” Coach Turner says as he stands from his chair and offers me his hand. “Thought you’d be on your way back to Nashville by now.” His grin is knowing, and I can’t help but return it as I close the door and take the seat across from him.
“Nashville is my next stop,” I confirm. “But I wanted to talk to you before I left.”
“Is that right?” His tone says he’s not surprised at all, and I have to wonder if I’ve always been this transparent or if Blackstone Falls has truly changed me.
“I’ve decided to retire from the Tornadoes. This will be my last season.” Holding his gaze, I add, “I’m trusting you’ll keep that to yourself until the formal announcement is made.”
“Of course. And congratulations are in order.”
“Thank you.”
His lips quirk up on one side. “Is that all you wanted to talk about?”
I laugh, shaking my head as I glance around the room. “I’m hoping you’re still looking for a head coach for your women’s soccer program in about eleven months, give or take.”
“Wouldn’t you know, I drafted the job posting this morning. Our club coach, the one that you filled in for, just told us she’s expecting a little one and doesn’t think she’ll be returning after the baby’s born. That’s some coincidence,” he muses dramatically as much for his benefit as mine.
“Unbelievable—truly,” I agree before sobering as I sit forward. “Thank you.”
“I haven’t given you the job yet,” he retorts, and I stop just short of rolling my eyes.
“Being here has given me back my love of the game and I want to share that—nurture it—for the students who come through those doors. I want to see them thrive on and off the field and I want to empower them—prepare them to take on the world.” Taking a breath, I add, “So much of my life and career have been dictated by things outside my control, and I think it’s about time I take it back.”
“Well, Miss Hart,” Coach Turner says, his voice a little shaky and his eyes glassy, “it would be an honor to have you as part of our coaching staff here at Blackstone University.” Holding out his hand, he adds, “Unofficially, of course.”
His wink has me chuckling as I slip my hand into his and return his shake. “Of course.”
“We’ll be rootin’ for you this season. There’s been nonstop chatter among the students, and I think they’re hoping to stream some of your games in the rec center.”
Warmth swells in my chest becausethisis what I’ve been missing—the knowledge that I’m doing something bigger than myself.
That I’m right where I’m meant to be.
“I’ll make sure to give them a show.” He nods, contentment radiating off him, and it makes me feel good to know I’m part of that. Looking at the clock, I stand. “I have to get on the road, but it was great seeing you, Coach.”
