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Isobel shows him everything and he lets her explain all of it, though I know he’s wanting to know what she means to me. His parents follow her as I start ordering enough food for an army.

By the time I’m done ordering from about twenty-five different places, the tour is done. The doorbell rings and Tyler is waiting on the other side along with a few more teammates, including Hart.

“Food is on its way. There is an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. Make yourselves at home.”

Hart sidles up to me, “you know we have another couple of games.”

I snort, “I do, but this is still cause for celebration.”

He shrugs, “no alcohol.” I know the rules, I’m dating a football player.

Dasher finds me and I hand him a glass of iced tea I just poured from the fridge, “Dasher meet Isobel. Isobel, Dasher. No, I’m not sleeping with her, she’s been a great companion as I’ve been lonely, missing you.”

He hugs her and then turns back to me, “I was stupid, wrong, horrible.”

I wave him off, “you felt a lot of things in that moment. I wanted to give you space.”

He shakes his head, “I don’t need space anymore. I miss you.”

I pull him closer, kissing his forehead, “I’m here, you aren’t going anywhere ever again.”

He grins and goes to mingle with everyone. Isobel just watches, unsure of what her place is now. I have an idea, but it will have to wait until later. It will mean corrupting a quiet, elementary teacher, but I’m okay with that.

I watch the man I’m falling in love with, smile, relax, and have fun. That’s all that matters for now.

54

Chapter 54

Raine

Five years later

The yard has been turned into a pink palace and I’m not sure how I feel about it. It’s a dual birthday party. One for Tyler’s little girl, Sasha, and this spitball that has been my life for five years, Maia.

After that fateful moment that is now viral of Dasher running up the stands to kiss me, lots of things have changed.

Isobel is our girlfriend and four years ago we found out she was pregnant. Maia was born and it’s been hell on wheels ever since, not that I don’t love that little girl.

Isobel still teaches; she likes her job. Dasher nor I want her to quit something she loves.

Maia runs up to me, “Daddy, it’s so pretty.” She spins around, pointing at all the pink. Sasha is now twelve and her and Maia share a birthday. She said she didn’t mind the pink, and she loves Maia like a little sister.

I glance over at the table where Sasha and her friends are sitting, talking about fashion and boys. I’m not looking forward to that stage at all.

Poppy and Tyler are huddled in the corner, talking quietly. They haven’t made it official, but we all know they’ve been seeing each other for about two years. Poppy has grown up as one would say. I even hired her back on. Dasher gave her a second chance, and I stated I would as well. The surprising part was that the team welcomed her back. Whatever happened after she left really humbled her.

Dasher joins me at the grill, “you have that look.” I spin around, “what look?”

Isobel giggles, “the look of constipation, like you’re not looking forward to something.” I just point at Sasha’s table and nod. They get it.

We only have a few more weeks before camp starts again. Exciting season predictions. Daniela steals Isobel to grab some more things from the kitchen as Dasher steps closer.

“I know what will relax you,” he smirks, and I have to laugh at that.

“We’re in public.”

He agrees, “I meant after. As soon as Maia goes to bed.” I redid our room with insolation to cancel noise. Dasher can get loud sometimes, Isobel as well. Maia’s room is downstairs but still can’t have her hearing everything.