Page 49 of Retaking the Shot
“You are?”
“Absolutely. I can’t think of someone more deserving of love and happiness than you. And it looks like you have both in spades.”
My chest got tight, and I could feel my own tears forming in my eyes. “I do. He’s pretty amazing, and I’m a lucky guy.”
Grandma cupped my face with both her hands. “You’re pretty amazing too. Please never forget that.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. “That means a lot to me.”
“Good. Now go rescue your boyfriend. I’m sure your parents and grandfather are taking advantage of you being in here with me and giving him the third degree about his intentions with you.”
Pushing away from the table, I stood. “You’re right.”
We spent the next few hours with my family, and then it was time for us to leave.
“Thank you so much for having me here.” Coop hugged my grandmother.
“Of course,” she replied.
“You’re welcome any time,” Grandpa added and shook his hand.
“Don’t forget to let me know when you get the okay to travel, and I’ll get you tickets to a game,” Coop added.
My parents walked us to my car, where we hugged and said our goodbyes. As I pulled onto the road, I couldn’t help but think the day had been a success.
16
COOP
I hurried around the kitchen,preparing a romantic dinner for Ford. The scent of steak and herbs drifted through the air, and jazz music played in the background. It was our first Valentine’s Day together, and I couldn’t wait for him to arrive. In fact, it was my first Valentine’s with anyone and I couldn’t be happier than I was knowing I would be spending it with my boyfriend.
As the door opened, he walked in, a tired smile on his face. He shrugged off his coat, looking around the apartment with a raised eyebrow. “Hey, baby. The place looks amazing, and something smells delicious.”
I wiped my hands on a dish towel and walked toward him, greeting him with a sweet kiss on the lips. My heart did a little dance at the sight of him. “I’m making you dinner. Have a seat.” I gestured to the dining room table I had never used.
“You’ve really outdone yourself. Since when did you become a chef?” He chuckled and took a seat at the candlelit table I had set.
I grinned. “Oh, you know, I picked up a few things here and there.”
His brow furrowed. “I’ve known you for a long time, and I’ve never seen you cook before. I had no idea. When did you learn?”
The question hung in the air for a moment because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to bring up Baylor. Not because anything bad had happened between him and me, but because it was weird to talk about my ex on a romantic holiday. I took a deep breath before answering, “Baylor, my ex, taught me.”
Ford blinked. “Your ex?”
I grabbed the bottle of sparkling apple cider and started to open it. “When you and I were broken up, I got close with our goalie. We dated for a while, but then he was traded to the Rangers.”
Ford’s eyes softened. “Oh, right. Of course, you dated other people. So, he taught you how to cook?”
“Yeah, but just a few things.” I poured the juice into two flutes.
Ford reached for his glass. “Well, I’m grateful because it smells amazing.”
I smiled, glad he didn’t seem bothered by the mention of Baylor. “Well, I guess I owe him a thank you, then.”
Ford decided to take a quick shower, so I went back to the kitchen to finish our dinner.
As we dug into the steak and lobster dinner, Ford shared how his day was, and I couldn’t help but get lost in the warmth of his eyes.
