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The boys know not to grab him, but they’re jumping on each other’s backs, holding out their fists for Edward to bump them. He looks down at the turf, blinking fast, and I jog onto the field to where he’s walking, shoulders squared.

“Evan Noel, St. Stanislaus, made a 61-yard field goal in 2024 to set the state record in Mississippi. Peyton Houstin made a…”

“You did good, Eddie.” I put my hand on his shoulder gently, bending down to speak near his face mask. “You won us the game. That’s better than any record.”

Zane is at my side, hustling over to Edward. “Your backswing and contact were perfect.” He walks beside his young brother-in-law. “That follow-through was the best I’ve seen from you yet.”

Edward’s expression relaxes, and he gets as close to a smile as I’ve ever seen him. “It felt good. I had a feeling it was right.”

Pride swells in my chest, and I look over at Allie. She’s in a group hug with Dylan, Liv, and Rachel, and tears are streaming down their faces.

“Austin Sinclair looked like a pro on the field these last two weekends.” Logan is behind the mic with his headphones on.

It’s noon on a school day, and I’m spending my lunch hour as a guest on his radio show with Zane. Garrett is also with us to talk shop. It’s our usual thing, with me dropping in to discuss the high school players.

Our game against the Bulls was another victory, and Austin is playing as I predicted. Instead of being intimidated by Levi’s performance, this time it lit a fire in him. He’s played better than he has all year.

“I know you were under a lot of pressure after the way Levi Powell started the season,” he continues. “You’ve got two great quarterbacks, Coach.”

“It’s true.” I shift in my chair. “You don’t always get such good talent all at once. I’m trying to be sure both boys have their chance to shine.”

“Looks like it’s Newhope’s year to go all the way.” Zane’s voice is calm and polished after two years of broadcasting with Logan.

“It looks like it,” I say.

Logan and Zane’s talk show is broadcast weekly, focusing on the professional teams. Garrett stops by more frequently than I do, since he’s recently retired, and our youngest brother Hendrix joins them when his schedule permits. He’s still a tight end for the LA Tigers.

Every quarter, they drag me into the booth, and it’s the first year we’ve had such a focus on Newhope.

“You’ve always fielded a great team.” Logan glances at me. “What do you think made the difference this year?”

“I’ve got a lot of seniors.” My answer sends a ripple of laughter through our group.

“You know what that means.” Garrett shifts in his chair.

“Next year might be a rebuilding year, but not necessarily.” I lean on my forearm on the round table between us all. “Our defensive line has a lot of freshmen this year. You’ve been a big help getting those guys up to speed, and a strong D-line wins games.”

“Speaking of freshmen, talk to us about that field goal against the Trojans.” Logan grins at me, and Zane leans back in his chair.

“Zane can speak to this as well as I can. He’s been working with Edward Wells since summer camp, and it looks like it’s paying off.”

“I’ve been working with both the boys,” Zane replies. “Rome Allen is a strong kicker as well.”

“Yet you didn’t put him in the game at that critical moment.” Logan has a degree in broadcasting, so I know he’s trained to ask the follow-up question, even when it’s sticky. “How do you answer parents who might say you show favoritism?”

“I don’t. ”

Logan laughs. “You don’t answer them, or you don’t show favoritism?”

The show is recorded and rebroadcast on YouTube, so I do my best to keep my expression neutral as I answer. “Austin was confident Edward could do it. The team wanted him in there, so I made the call. I don’t play favorites. I give every player a chance.”

So far, no one’s complained about my decision to put an unknown freshman in over our more experienced kicker. Probably because it won the game, and Rome has been unpredictable since Day 1.

“It was a stunning move, that’s for sure,” Garrett jumps in, lightening the tone. “I think it’s safe to say Eddie’s got a bright career ahead of him.”

“Speaking of bright careers, some of these plays are getting regional attention.” Zane shifts us away from his young brother-in-law. “Austin’s on all the highlight reels from Tampa to New Orleans…”

We continue discussing plays and upcoming games, and after an hour, Logan brings it to a close. The lights change, and our mics turn off.

“Damn, Logan, you trying to get Jack in trouble?” Garrett stands up from his chair, hiking up his khaki uniform pants.

“What do you mean?” Logan frowns.

“People don’t need your help getting the wrong idea in their heads.” Garrett pats his shoulder.

“I thought it would be a good way for Jack to tackle it head-on. Edward made a great kick, and Austin’s on fire.” Logan turns to me. “Sorry, bro. I was trying to help.”

I shake my head, chuckling. “Don’t worry about it. I’m glad you did. Now I’ve got to get back to school. See y’all tomorrow.”

It’s just after lunch, and I’m energized and a little amped. A cool breeze winds through town, and that crisp splash of autumn has the kids talking about sweaters and letterman jackets and bonfires on the beach .

The scent of cinnamon and spice floats in the air, and large cranes pile bales of hay in the city park for the Halloween fundraiser and hay maze. It’s only a few weeks away, and everyone’s excited.

Hendrix will be in town with his little family, and I haven’t been able to keep my mind off of Allie and pulling her close, snuggling around a fire, maybe slipping my hands under her sweater.

I’m not thinking about parents or favoritism. I’m thinking about one thing as I head in the direction of the library.