Sean joined them in the stands. “This is Katie” was all he said as he scooted past Maisy to claim the two seats on her far side.
Leaning forward, Maisy introduced herself. “I’m Maisy, Sean’s sister.”
Katie smiled. “I guessed as much. Sean has told me about you.”
Maisy could only imagine what her brother had to say. “It’s really nice to meet you.”
“You, too,” she returned. “I understand Patrick is excited for this game.”
Maisy grinned. “You have no idea. There’s plenty I can tell you about Sean if you’re interested.”
“She’s not,” Sean insisted.
Katie laughed. “Let’s not be hasty,” she teased.
Maisy laughed and Sean gave her the evil eye, suggesting that Maisy shut up.
Their grandmother was the last to arrive. Lloyd was with her and held on to her elbow as they carefully climbed up the bleachers to where the family sat. Her mom scooted down so there was plenty of room on the end for them to be comfortable and not need to climb over anyone.
The game was about to start when Maisy noticed a tall figure on the far side of the park, walking in their direction.
She looked again.
No, it couldn’t be.
“Maisy,” her mother said, touching her arm. “Is that Chase?”
“Chase?” Sean repeated. “What’s he doing here?”
Maisy glared at him and was about to comment when Patrick noticed how everyone was staring across to the other side of the field. He broke away from his team and took off running in Chase’s direction. When the two met Patrick practically threw himself into Chase’s arms. The two spoke for several moments, and then Patrick pointed to where Maisy sat.
“Did you know about this?” Sean asked.
Maisy shook her head. “I had no idea.” Chase hadn’t said a word when they’d spoken the night before.
Sean sighed, and under his breath added, “Be careful, little sister.”
“I know,” she whispered back.
Patrick escorted Chase to the stands and then returned to his team. Everyone scooted down until there was space for Chase to sit beside Maisy. It hadn’t been that long since she’d last seen him, and yet it felt as if their lunch date had happened months ago. They’d grown close, closer than was advisable, and they both knew it, throwing caution to the wind.
“Sean,” Chase said, acknowledging her brother before entering the seating area. “Good to see you again.”
Sean frowned. “I wish I could say the same.”
“Sean!” It was Katie who jabbed him hard with her elbow. “That was rude.”
Her brother muttered an apology, and Chase accepted it with a quick nod. His focus fell on Maisy before greeting her grandmother and Lloyd. Ever the gentleman, Lloyd stood, and the two exchanged handshakes.
Her mother greeted Chase with a warm hug as he scooted past. “How thoughtful of you to come see Patrick play.”
“I wouldn’t miss this for anything,” Chase told her.
Chase settled in beside Maisy and automatically reached for her hand. “Are you surprised?”
“Yes. Pleasantly so.” She sounded breathless because she was. Seeing him again sent her equilibrium into a tailspin. He looked good. Better than she remembered. Handsome. Cultured. Intelligent. Her heart raced at breakneck speed as she squeezed his hand to let him know how happy she was to have him join this family outing. That he would make the effort and go to the expense meant the world to Patrick—and frankly to her, too.
“You should have told me you were coming,” she said, without any real censure.
