Jake stepped out in dark jeans and a charcoal coat over a deep navy sweater, casual but still expensive-looking, the collar of a crisp dress shirt peeking out at his neckline. His hair, as always, was perfectly styled.
Kylee straightened without meaning to. Her fingers brushed down the front of her sweater as he made his way across the field, purposeful and clean-cut against the messy tide of screaming kids and snack wrappers.
She watched Jake Jr. spot him first.
“Daddy!” he shouted from the bench, his voice carrying across the turf like a flare in the sky.
Kylee’s breath caught as she watched her son light up from the inside shoulders back, chest puffed out like he’d grown two inches taller just seeing his father there.
Jake gave him a proud nod and a smile. It wasn’t forced. It was the smile Kylee remembered from when they were just kids full of energy, belief, and love.
He climbed the bleachers two at a time and dropped onto the bench next to her, slightly out of breath but grinning.
“Sorry I am late,” he said, adjusting his sunglasses. “Had to wrap up something at the clinic.”
“You made it,” she said, loudly but sincere.
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
For a moment, she believed him. The noise of the crowd faded, her body softened into the space beside his, and it was like theyears peeled back to when they were young, and everything felt new.
His shoulder touched hers. Not by accident.
Her chest fluttered.
Maybe this time would be different.
Maybe he still remembered how to be hers.
The horn blew, and the boys ran onto the field like a mini stampede cleats kicking up grass, helmets bobbing. The crowd erupted with cheers, and Kylee stood with the rest of the parents, clapping as Jake Jr. took his spot as starting quarterback.
“Let’s go, number 19!” she shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth.
Jake leaned in and whistled, loud and sharp. “That’s my boy!”
Jake Jr. turned toward the stands and gave a quick wave, grinning beneath his helmet.
Kylee couldn’t help it, her heart swelled. It was one of those rare moments that made all the long days and sleepless nights feel worth it. Her son, on the field. Her husband, here. Her little girls bundled in fleece beside her. It looked like everything was finally clicking back into place.
“Well damn, if this isn’t the picture of a perfect family.” Taylor yelled.
“Oh, hush it!” Kylee said, laughing, but her smile tightened just a little.
“No, really,” Cassie said, setting the tray down and tugging her puffy vest tighter. “It’s like watching a Hallmark movie. Hot surgeon husband. Gorgeous kids.”
Taylor leaned forward, eyeing them with mock suspicion. “Okay, seriously though. Yall still have sex, right? Because you give off that ‘still secretly do it in the garage vibe.”
Kylee choked on a laugh while Jake gave a soft, surprised chuckle.
“We’re just here for the game,” he said smoothly, draping an arm over the back of Kylee’s seat not quite on her, but close enough.
Taylor grinned and whispered behind her nacho tray, “The hottest dad at this field. Hands down.”
Kylee smiled again, the kind she’d mastered warm, humble, and effortless. It was easier than correcting people. Easier than explaining the distance they didn’t see. Easier than admitting last night’s intimacy was the first time in months she’d felt like a woman, not just a mother.
Beside her, Jake leaned forward, shouting encouragement to Jake Jr. as the team lined up. His voice was strong, his presence steady.
To everyone around them, they were goals.
