It’s not something we’ve talked about. We’ve talked about a lot of serious topics, but kids never came up. Why would we talk kids when I’m in love with a man who has one? They’re a package deal.
“There you are.” Candice walks out from underneath the canopy wrapping me in a quick hug. “I was hoping you’d be here.”
Grant’s on the field watching the boys kick a ball around and I take a moment to look at him. He’s so handsome with his tanned legs in black shorts and a white t-shirt, his light brown hair sticking out of a black ball cap. Yeah, I’d say I hit it out of the ballpark with this one.
He spots me, a toothy grin splitting his face as he gives me a quick wink.
After my official introduction to Harrison, Grant and I have been more open about our relationship, but I haven’t had the time to tell Candice and I’m not sure that right now is the time.
“It’s his last game of the season, of course I’m here. Where’s Tony?” I spot Wells and Cole by the player's bench, but my brother-in-law is nowhere to be seen.
She guides me under the shade taking a seat in her folding chair before pulling out a bag of balloons. “Mom and Dad arecoming so he went to get extra chairs from the car. Here.” She hands me a dozen balloons. “Blow these up.”
“What is this? A rave?” I laugh, stretching out the neck of a yellow balloon before placing it in my mouth and blowing.
Candice chuckles. “It felt like we were missing something and I remembered I had balloons in the car that we forgot about for Mason’s birthday. I think it’ll be a nice touch.”
How in the world does she do all of this? I don’t think I’ll ever understand.
There it is. That tiny little piece of me that wonders whether or not I’d make a good mother. Whether or not I even want kids. Want the responsibility and the lifestyle change. Hell, at times I don’t feel responsible enough for just me, how could I take care of a child?
I push it to the back of my mind, choosing to focus on Mason and Harrison and cheering on all their hard work. During halftime, Candice gives me the side-eye when Grant asks me to hold onto his water bottle. I can feel the hole she’s drilling into the side of my head with her stare, but I ignore her.
Not the time.
The game ends with roaring applause accompanied by enthusiastic cheers. Pride swells for the team's hard work—they’ve come a long way since their first game. The boys run around hugging each other until they’re piled together in the middle of the field, only breaking away to run through the bridge their families make.
Candice takes over, ushering them all to her canopy to grab their personalized gifts. Watching her command ten five-year-olds, I’m even more dumbfounded by her seeming perfection.
A familiar arm settles across my shoulders and my arm wraps around his waist instinctively. “Are you ready to retire, coach?”
“More like take a much-needed break. I’ve got other important things to spend my time on.” Warm lips press to my temple, the bill of his hat brushing against the top of my head.
“Important things, huh?” I can’t help but smile up at him. He’s making it clear that I’m a priority and my heart soars. Right before it crashes to the ground in a heap of smoke and dust. “Don’t freak out, but my mom’s coming over here.”
“Are you talking to me, or yourself?” I can hear the smile in his voice, but this situation is less than thrilling.
I suck in a steadying breath. “Both.”
This was bound to happen sooner or later. Especially with how close I am to my family. I’ve never had a relationship reach the point of formally introducing my parents to someone I’m dating. Middle and High School flings don’t count—they had to know about them to drop me off at the mall so we could hang out. This is unfamiliar territory and I don’t know what to expect.
It’s clear that Lynn Bryant is where Candice got her athletic build and winning smile. The one thing I managed to inherit from her is my wild mane. Hers is more tame and elegant, more Greek Goddess to my Medusa, with classy streaks of silver sparkling like glitter in the sunlight. “Grant, it’s nice to see you again.”
I want to die.
She offers her hand and Grant loosens his hold around me, giving my back a reassuring rub before shaking her delicate hand. “Likewise. Did you enjoy the game?”
Although her eyes are blocked by stylish sunglasses, I can feel the weight of her gaze on me. “I loved it. Mason’s come a long way since the start of the season.”
All this small talk is going to kill me.
Grant hooks his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him. He’s making it clear that we’re a couple and I’m both elatedand terrified. As much as I want to be with him, I need to sort out this mess going on in my head.
“Um, do you need help carrying things to the car?” I don’t see Tony in the crowd of people celebrating the end of the season and I’ll use any excuse to get away from this conversation.
Mom dismisses me with a wave of her hand. “We can get it later.” She tilts her head curiously, offering a warm smile before she goes for the kill. “This is new.” She gestures at us, her voice full of hopeful curiosity.
“Here we go.” The whispered words slip from my lips only loud enough for Grant to hear. He chuckles softly.
