Beckett laughs. “Nah, and the crowd likes it. I think they’ll be even happier when he’s playing for the home team.”
I frown, looking from one man to the other. “Theo’s being traded to Boston?” I scan the Boston sidelines. In most professional sports, New England teams dominate, but that’s not true when it comes to football. They’re awful. I can’t imagine my cousin wanting to come here, even if it meant coming home.
“Not exactly,” Uncle Cash says with a grin.
Beckett eyes me, distrust still swimming there. “I made a bid for the team.”
I suck in a breath. “You’rebuyinga football team?”
My dad nudges me, a silent reminder of who I’m talking to. He’s one of the most powerful men in Boston and he’s one of my dad’s closest friends, but more than that, he’s Adeline’s father. If there was ever a person I should act respectfully toward, it’s him. I swallow. “I mean, good for you.”
Smirking, he surveys the field. “I’ve never been a huge fan of the sport, but considering all of Brooks’s sons play, I figure we should build them a team. Ya know, family tradition.”
My dad nods like it makes perfect sense. Like buying a football team for his nephews is like buying them a car. No big deal. Perfectly sensible.
“And Theo is part of that deal?” I ask.
Uncle Cash beams. “It’ll be good to have both my kids back in New England. Grace is ecstatic.”
“It’s not a done deal,” Beckett reminds him.
But I know Beckett. If he wants it, he’ll make happen.
On the sideline, Theo looks up and waves.
I’ve got to admit, it will be nice to have him home for good.
By halftime, Tennessee is up twenty-one to nothing. Theo is having a blast doing all sorts of trick plays that are completely unnecessary, considering how weak Boston’s defensive line is, but he even ran in one touchdown himself, then threw to his running back, only to rush to the endzone to catch the second touchdown.
“He’s such a showoff,” Hope says to Savannah and Adeline.
“Eh, he’s having a good time.” Adeline smiles down at the field. “There’s nothing better than doing the thing you love and doing it well. Especially when your family is around to watch.”
Savannah beams. “Well, you would know.”
“I can’t wait to watch you again,” Hope says.
Head snapping up, I frown at my cousin. “Huh?”
“We’ll have to update the readers of the column this week. They’re going to be so excited when they find out the girl looking for love is the first female goalie in the NHL,” Savannah squeals.
“What’s she talking about?” I say to Adeline.
With apology in her eyes, she takes a step toward me. “I wanted to tell you myself, but Aunt Sara has a big mouth and announced it to the girls five minutes ago.”
My heart stumbles a little. “Announced what?”
Those brown eyes of hers are full of caution when she murmurs, “I’m not going to be your coach anymore.”
My lungs seize up. “No. You aren’t fucking quitting because that asshole is coming to play. I’ll fucking quit before that happens.”
Inhaling sharply, she shakes her head. “No. Dirk—no. I’m not going to be coaching because I’m taking Sidney’s spot on the team.”
“What?”
Her lips twitch, the first sign of true excitement from her. That flicker of competition that used to flare between us. “Yup, so you better watch out, Hanson. Competition’s back.”
True joy rocks through me. I wrap my arms around her and spin, reveling in her squealed laughter. When I set her down, it’s impossible to release her. So with my hands on her hips, I stare into those gorgeous brown eyes. “It was never a competition, Adeline.”
