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Chapter thirty-five

Luca

Sunday, July 26, 2026

“ S eriously, thank you so much for watching her tonight. I know it’s a big ask.” Mateo puts his palm up to stop me mid-sentence.

“Dude, it isn’t a big ask at all. You’ve watched Mya for me countless times. It’s my turn I repay the favor. Besides, it’s just for a few hours, and Mya’s excited to get to hang out with Gia,” he tells me, his broad smile calming some of the anxiety I have about leaving her with someone who isn’t family.

Though honestly, Mateo kind of is my family. Just like all the guys on the team are, but he and I played together before we were on the Scarlets, so we’re closer than I am with the other guys.

“I’m happy to watch Mya anytime; you know that.” I smile down at the little girl latched onto her dad’s calf. Her wide brown eyes shine up at me as I muss her hair.

“Can I hold the baby now?” she asks me.

I chuckle as her dad explains to her, “Not yet, Mya. I don’t want you to accidentally drop her, okay? You can hold her on the couch, yeah?”

“Okay,” she says shyly as her eyes cast downward.

“Ve y siéntate, mi nina. 1 I’ll bring Gia over in a minute.” She nods her head rapidly and runs inside, catapulting herself onto the couch in the far corner of the room.

I shake my head, a smile turning the corners of my lips. “Good luck, man.” I laugh.

“Nah, I don’t need luck.” He winks at me, extending his arms for me to place Gia gently in them. I kiss the top of her head before transferring her over to his waiting arms.

“Thanks again. Just call if you need me.”

“Will do,” he tells me, shooing me away as he heads back inside.

By the time I’m buckled into my seat, he’s already sent me three pictures and a message saying, “Proof of life.”

I shoot him a quick reply and head over to the dance studio.

1. Spanish: "Go and sit down, baby girl."