Page 140 of The Wildest One

“You did great.”

“I’m so glad that’s over with.”

“Don’t get too comfortable. I’m sure there are some lingering in the back of the restaurant.” Still holding her hand, I walkedher into the bar, where my entire family, minus Walker, was standing.

“Uncle Beck!”

Colson’s daughter, Ellie, was running to me, and I picked her up.

“How’s my girl?”

She rested her tiny hand against my shoulder. “I’m the best!”

“Yes, you are.” I laughed and kissed her cheek. “Do you remember Jolie?”

Ellie had met Jolie at one of our home games, but my niece didn’t always recall the people she was introduced to.

Ellie reached for Jolie’s hair and began to twirl it. “Mmm, I remember!”

“It’s so nice to see you again, Ellie.” Jolie was rubbing my niece’s back.

“You have the best hair in the whole wide world.”

“Maybe if you’re good tonight, Jolie will let you braid it.”

Ellie’s eyes went wide. “You will?”

“After she has a very stiff whiskey with a splash of sour mix, which you’re going to help her get.”

Jolie playfully slapped my arm. “You’re not sending your niece on a drink run, are you?”

I set Ellie down and said to her, “See that woman over there?” I pointed toward Ginger. “Once she hugs Jolie—and that’s going to happen at any second—take her by the hand and bring her to the bar. I bet she’ll get you the best Shirley Temple you’ve ever had.”

“Ginger!” Jolie yelled once she followed my finger.

Ellie smiled at me. “I’m on it, Uncle Beck. I love Shirley Temples.”

“Oh my God, what are you doing here?” Jolie squealed as she ran into Ginger’s arms.

“Apparently, I have to come all the way to Texas to see my best friend.” While Ginger hugged my girl, she gave me a smile and mouthed,Thank you.

Since she couldn’t make the time that our corporate jet was taking off, I’d bought her a first-class ticket and arranged transportation to the hotel I’d booked for her.

I grinned back and joined my siblings.

“I can’t believe you’re here on a game day,” Eden said after she hugged me.

“That’s one of the perks of playing an early afternoon game,” I said to her.

Colson gave me a pound. “You must be beat?”

“I will be, I’m sure.” I gripped the back of my neck after man-hugging Hart. “I’m still seething over the loss.”

“What would you tell me?” Hart asked.

I let out a long, loud breath. “That you can’t win them all …”

Hart shook my shoulder. “Exactly.”