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Through the chain link fence, I saw Maggie standing next to Rhonda. My eyebrows drew together as I looked from them to Liv. “What are they doing here?”

“Rhonda sponsors the team,” Liv said as Maggie and Rhonda drew near.

Rhonda added, “And we provide an assistant coach.” She put her arm around Maggie’s shoulders. “Maggie offered to do it this year.”

Maggie’s face was pale and her lips were pinched into a smile, but that just frustrated me more. I didn’t want her to spend time with me because she had to. I wanted her to spend time with me because she was open to giving me an actual chance.

“I don’t need an assistant coach,” I said. “I can handle it on my own.”

“What?” Liv said at the same time Rhonda replied, “Don’t be silly. Twelve preteen girls is a lot for two people to manage, let along one. Maggie will be great help, won’t you, dear?” She gave Maggie a pointed look.

Mags pinned a fake smile on her lips. “Absolutely.”

Liv gestured toward the bleachers. “There’s Fletcher with the snacks.”

“Brilliant.” Rhonda rubbed her hands together. “Do you want to talk to all the parents and players at the bleachers?”

I nodded grimly. I knew coaching was a bad idea.

I approached the bench, noticing Maggie following as far behind me as she could while we passed through the gap in the fence and stood in front of all the parents and players.

Maya ran up to me, jumping into my arms for a hug.

“Hey, sweet girl,” I said, spinning her around. She was why I was here, and I’d do anything for that girl. Time to remember that. “Ready to obliterate the competition?”

I set her down, and she banged her fist into her palm. “We’re going to crush them.”

Raising her eyebrows, Liv said, “Isn’t this supposed to befun?”

Maya and I both turned to her, giving each other and then Liv skeptical looks. “What’s the fun of playing if you can’t win?” Maya asked.

I nodded in agreement. “I ain’t coaching no losing team.”

“Yeah!” Maya pumped her fist.

I heard my friend’s chuckle and saw Fletcher walking up with Graham on his leash.

“No dogs at practice,” I told him.

Maya went to Graham, putting her arms around his neck. “We need a mascot, don’t we, Uncle Rhett?”

“That’s coach to you,” I said. “And no.”

Mags made a sound.

I turned to stare at her. “Don’t tell me you’re already undermining my authority.”

She seemed way too pleased by that prospect. “Only saying a mascot could boost team spirit. And that dog would look awfully cute in a unicorn horn.” She glanced toward the stand where Rhonda was now perched, looking like she was already watching a game. Maybe she was.

Rhonda gave a thumbs-up.

Fletcher chuckled. “Looks like you’re outvoted, Rhett.” He walked to Mags, outstretching his arms for a hug. “It’s good to see you, Maggie.”

Seeming pleasantly surprised, she gave him a hug back, and I hated how jealous I was of my friend.

“Good to see you too,” she said warmly, rubbing his back. “And you too, Liv,” she said to my sister. “Pregnancy suits you. You’re glowing, and I’m having some serious hair envy.”

Liv smiled, rubbing her stomach instinctively. “Pregnancy might suit me, but morning sickness does not.”