It was hard to believe how far I’d come, and how much had changed in such a short period of time. I was living a different life—one that was infinitely better.
One I hoped would last forever.
As if he could sense my presence, Theo turned, his dimples appearing with his smile. I was so excited, I bounced up and down, waving like a dork. Then I held out my fist. He did the same, but instead of spreading his fingers wide and making an explosion sound, he lifted his hand to his mouth and blew me a kiss.
Biting my lip, I giggled and waved again. I loved him so much.
There was a designated wheelchair spot in the front row, so I moved Grandma and took the seat next to her. A moment later, Melanie and Luke arrived. Melanie rushed over and gave me abig hug. I introduced her to Grandma, and they took the seats next to me.
Theo’s parents, siblings, nieces and nephews arrived—including the babies, all bundled up against the cold. They packed in behind us, taking up several rows. Melanie’s parents came, too, as did the other big Tilikum family, the Baileys.
“I’ve never been so nervous for a football game,” Melanie said. “I miss not caring about sports. This is so stressful.”
“They’re going to do great,” I said.
“Pickle?”
“What?”
She held out a large dill pickle. “Do you want one? I have plenty.”
“No, thanks.”
With a shrug, she took a bite.
The cheerleaders started another cheer while the players warmed up on the field. I pulled my hands into the sleeves of my coat to keep them warm and watched Theo confer with Coach Lewis on the sidelines. He glanced up, and for a second, our eyes met. His subtle smile sent a shiver down my spine—one that had nothing to do with the cold.
The announcer came on and welcomed everyone to the game. The roar of the crowd was so loud, he had to wait for us to quiet down before he could continue. Timberwolves fans clapped politely as the visiting team was announced and each player took the field.
When it was time for the home team, we all surged to our feet. Each starting player was announced to renewed cheers. Our entire section went wild when Owen’s name was called, and again when head coach Theo Haven was introduced. Theo lifted his hand in a wave and our eyes met again.
So many butterflies.
Grandma raised her eyebrows at me as I sat down.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing.”
The announcer’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker again. “Before we begin, we’d like to thank the faculty of Tilikum High School. Can any faculty members in attendance come down to the field?”
“That’s you.” Melanie nudged me. “Get down there.”
Suddenly self-conscious, I hesitated, glancing around to see if any of my coworkers were there. Theo was on the field, of course, but would I be the only other one?
Derek got up from his spot and walked down the stairs to the field. So did Jeremy and Sharon. That probably meant I needed to go, too.
“Go on, Penny,” Grandma said.
With a deep breath, I got up and adjusted my glasses. Melanie cheered for me, her voice carrying over the din. My coworkers lined up in a row, and Theo made his way to the end so I could stand next to him. I gave him a grateful smile. He winked back.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our Tilikum High School faculty.”
The crowd clapped and a few people whistled. Snow fell softly around us, and the lights were bright from where I stood. I lifted my hand in a little wave and was ready to dart back to the bleachers, when Theo slipped his hand in mine.
Our relationship wasn’t a secret, exactly, but we’d been keeping it quiet at school, avoiding any physical contact in front of our students, even hand-holding. Either Theo wasn’t thinking about the fact that most of the student body was watching, or he’d decided not to care.
He squeezed my hand, and I squeezed back. Our coworkers went back to the bleachers, but Theo didn’t let go. I glanced at him, wondering what was going on. The game was about to start. Didn’t he need to take his place on the sideline?
