Page 74 of Endurance
Sedgwick answers. “It’s called Shirt Off My Back. It’s a nonprofit Tanner is starting to help feed those in need and find them shelters, clothing, and jobs.” He gestures to himself as if he’s the prime example. “Tower Park is partnering with us.”
You could knock me over with a feather right now. My throat closes up and I nod woodenly, overwhelmed by this new information. Finally, I croak out, “Well, that is exciting indeed. You must let me help somehow.”
I glance at Tanner, who smiles and kisses my temple. “I would love that.”
Sedgwick’s eyes sparkle. “Well, go on. The match is about to start. I’ll be seeing more of you two very soon, I’m sure.”
We say our goodbyes to Sedgwick and begin our journey to our seats, swerving through the crowds of people drinking beers and eating food. The longer we walk, the more I become overwhelmed. I’m in awe of how much Tanner has achieved in the short amount of time I’ve known him. He went from a slutty, self-sabotaging footballer to a grown man in a relationship and starting up a charity. It’s…humbling.
I halt our movements and Tanner turns to face me, concern marring his beautiful features.
“Belle, are you all right?”
I nod. Smile. And kiss him like I’ve never kissed him before. Right in the middle of people buzzing around us. Right in our dopey T-shirts.
I pull away after feeling satisfied and murmur against his lips, “You’re crazy cool, Big Spoon.”
He chuckles against my cheek. “You’re crazy cool, too, Little Spoon. Now control yourself, woman. We’re in public for Christ’s sake.”
I look out to see several people’s mobiles pointed at us and I don’t even care.
When we find our seats, I’m stunned by the familiar couple I see sitting in the two chairs beside ours.
“Vi?” Tanner exclaims, cutting a serious look at Hayden. “What are you doing here? You shouldn’t be here. You should be at home with your feet up.”
Tanner ushers me next to Vi and the two men bookend us.
Vi’s blonde ponytail bounces as she rolls her eyes and rubs her belly. “Oh stop. I couldn’t miss this match.”
“Wouldn’t miss this match is more like it. I tried to stop her,” Hayden defends, his eyes strained from obvious stress over having her here. “I all but laid down in front of the cab. It was either go with her to the match or die. I can’t die, man. We have a baby coming.”
I stifle my giggle because Tanner’s face is still so serious. “Vi, this isn’t smart,” he says, shaking his head.
She smiles softly at him. “I needed to be here for you. I know today is hard.”
My heart lunges at her sweet words, and I can see the manipulation tactics she’s pulling over on Tanner right before me. His face turns soft and he half smiles his gratitude. Oh, she is good. This is how she has those Harris Brothers wrapped around her finger. I must have her teach me all the things.
Vi’s pretty blue eyes fall to our shirts, taking them in for the first time. “Man! Had I known you were wearing those I would have had a T-shirt made, too!”
I frown and ask, “What would yours have said?”
She looks at me as if I’m stupid. “Baby spoon, of course!”
We all laugh. Even stressed-out Hayden’s eyes alight with amusement.
He puts an arm around her. “Remember, no screaming at the refs or the players, or I’ll be carrying you out of here like a baby. I mean it.”
Vi nods solemnly and puckers her lips up to Hayden until he leans over and kisses her. They are so cute, I could die.
And here Tanner and I are in our stupid fucking T-shirts.
Tanner tweaks my sides excitedly when the Bethnal Green Pride song begins and the team comes running out onto the pitch with the energy of a thousand galloping horses. The crowd goes wild as our men in green and white line up on the sidelines for player announcements.
When Booker Harris is announced over the PA system, he jogs out in his brightly coloured keeper’s shirt and waves a gloved hand to the crowd. His eyes search the stands until finds us. Grinning sheepishly, he makes a beeline our way. Everyone watches with curiosity as he hops over a couple of barricades and comes to stand right below our row. He raises his fist to us and Tanner leans over the rail and knuckle bumps him. Pride and sincere happiness drip from every part of his body.
The crowd erupts even louder as Booker blows a kiss to Vi who’s full on bawling her eyes out at the tender exchange between the two brothers. Two teammates. A family bonded together through football.
He turns and runs back out to join his team as the crowd begins to chant,“Harris, Harris, Harris.”
