Page 75 of Meant to be Falling
“I love you too, more than you know.”
32
LANA
Sitting at my desk, I watch the clock and pray I can intercept Coach Turner before his next meeting. The weekend had been an emotional roller coaster with phone calls and plans in place for the future. There had been no rest, but it was worth it. Gettingherewas worth it.
And I owe so much of the progress we’d made to Mason.
He and Beck came in from theircome to Jesus talksweaty and wrung out, but by the looks of them, it was more than just from running.
They’d both kissed my cheek, Beck asking if we could talk after his shower. I agreed, my heart filling with hope even while my belly dipped with nerves.
He’d come down a short time later, his hair wet and looking so grown up despite the cartoon characters printed on his pajamas.
He apologized and then told me about how strained his relationship had become with his father, how uncomfortable the visits were, and how they pretended to like being there. It was a conversation I’d brought up gently with Holland later and she’d voiced the same concerns. The whole thing broke my heart. Theman I married, the man who had fathered two incredible kids, had made the biggest mistake of his life.
And it was time he owned it.
Despite the extra charge for it being the weekend, I’d contacted my lawyer to start working on a new custody arrangement to submit to the court. Jacob’s threat to file for custody had been a bluff, but mine wasn’t.
He’d threatened a lot during our divorce and I’d toed the line to keep the peace for too long. I’m done being bullied by the man who promised me forever. He’ll have to pry our children from my cold dead hands if he thinks I’m still the same meek woman who’d been too blind to see his infidelity.
If he wanted a scene, he’d get one.
Coach Turner’s door opens, and a couple of students shuffle out, laughing and joking as they head for their next class.
“Coach? Do you have a minute?”
“Of course, come on in.” I close the door behind me and his brows furrow. “Everything all right?”
“Yes,” I say with a shrug of my shoulder, “and no.”
“What can I help with?”
“I don’t want special treatment, but my son was really looking forward to attending the football camp you hold here in the summer. My ex-husband was supposed to make the arrangements, and he didn’t.”
Coach grins. “I got a call from Nessa Hart over the weekend. I’m sorry it slipped my mind. We’d be thrilled to have Beckham…” He draws out his name as he waits for my confirmation.
“Beck.”
“We’d be delighted to have Beck with us,” he says, handing me a couple of forms. “Been catchin’ the eye of some of the staff the days he stays after school in the weightroom.”
“He’s been working really hard. And normally I wouldn’t ask this, especially given my position here but?—”
He waves me off. “A lot of programs are cutthroat at their age, but we’re still tryin’ to make sure they’re having fun too. We want to send these kids out into the world well-rounded and ready to put in the work. If Beck is willing to do that, I have no problem takin’ him on.”
My eyes well with tears because I’m so damn thankful for everyone who not only welcomed us but made us family.
“He’ll work hard for you, Coach.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” He pauses. “Now what about you, young lady?” He pulls a course book from under another pile of papers and hands it to me. “I took the liberty of flagging some of the things in our continuing education department that might interest you if you’re still serious about getting your real estate license.”
“Thank you,” I whisper and he grins, big and toothy, and I have to laugh because none of it seems real.
“I told you I’d help,” he says, his eyes now sparkling. “My job is to make sure the people who come through this door succeed or at least have the tools to do so.” Pointing at the pile of paperwork in my hand, he adds, “And, my dear, that includes you.”
For a long time, I’d thought Jacob was the standard, but he’s not. Not even close, and I’m so damn thankful I can see that now.
