Page 36 of Wildflowers and Wide Receivers

Jonah: What’s that supposed to mean?

Reid: (Send GIF of eating popcorn)

Chapter 15

Sophie

There’s a feeling I get whenever I’m on this island. It’s a place not far from home, but it makes me feel like I’m somewhere else entirely. The air is salty but breezy, the sky appears brighter, and as I stand on the deck this morning after completing a yoga workout and look out at the blue-green water edged with white sand, I can’t help but wonder why it is that I’ve stayed away for so long.

Camille was right. I needed this.

It’s quiet, except for the slow rolling of the tide against the shore, the rustling of the seagrass as it sways back and forth over the dunes, and the cawing of the seagulls. Not many people have found their way out yet this morning, and I’ve immensely enjoyed the peacefulness and the serenity of my surroundings. During my residency days, I read a study that talked about different ways to lower blood pressure. Did you know that all it takes is one minute and forty seconds of looking at an open body of water for a person’s blood pressure to lower? Such a short amount of time has such a positive effect on the human body.

Gratitude sweeps over me that I’ve met such a generous soul. She didn’t even think twice about offering me her house, and it’s a house that I absolutely love. Then again, she has this unique decorating ability and could make a run-down shack or an igloo look appealing.

Grabbing my mat and rolling it, I walk back into the house and take in the details I’ve always loved. While the walls aren’t stark white, they aren’t fully cream either. They’re painted just so that the interior feels bright and warm. Large windows face the water with sheer white curtains, the furniture in the living room is a soft caramel leather, and there are pops of color and beach decor like a pale-blue-seafoam-and-white swirl area rug, blue fabric chairs at the island, navy-and-white-striped pillows, and fish accents. The lamp bases are fish, fish artwork adorns the walls, and there’s even a large glass fish on the dining room table filled with shells she’s found.

I should collect some shells while I’m here. When I end up moving back to Minnesota, they will be a nice reminder of my time and friends here.

Friends.

All along the hallway wall to the upstairs bedrooms are pictures of Reid, Camille, their families, and their friends. Of course there is a recent one with the guys from the team in it. I shouldn’t be surprised, but as I search for a smiling Jonah, my eyes lock on him when I find him.

I’ve always thought that Jonah Dallmann is the best-looking guy I’ve ever seen with his kind eyes, gentle smile, and spectacular body. But after seeing his vulnerability and love for Vivi last night, my attraction for him moved to a whole new level. There’s something about seeing a guy who is head over heels in love with their child—after all, that is what she is now—and who wouldn’t find that attractive?

I know what’s happened to them both has left some deep scars, but as his eyes shined bright while staring at Vivi’s every move, mine couldn’t help but do the same. All those people were there for her last night, but I hope he realizes they were there for him too.

Gently, I touch the photo, then make my way to the shower. I have three whole days to myself where I don’t have to think about work or what I want to do next with my life, assuming the Minneapolis dream doesn’t turn out. Should I be using this free time to do just that? Probably. But there’s sunshine, a brand-new book in my bag to read, and I just want to have food delivered while I sit back with my feet up.

Coming out of the bathroom, I round the corner as I head toward my room and run right into another person. A small person. It’s so jarring to me that I screamed because I didn’t expect someone else to be in the house.

Loudly.

And so does the little person. Or should I say little girl.

We are screaming at each other for a good couple of seconds even though our brains have recognized who we’re looking at.

The massive sound of thunder hits the stairs as Jonah heads our way, yelling for Vivi.

Like the train wreck that is about to happen, in slow motion, he rounds the corner with his features a mix between severe and terrified, snatches her up without even looking to see what the problem is, and his hand lands in the middle of my chest as he shoves me hard away from them. Hard enough that the wind is half knocked out of me, and I’m thrown backward. With a resounding thump, I ricochet off the floor twice.

“No!” Vivi yells at the same time I roll to my side, curl into a ball for self-preservation, and let out a noise that sounds like a whimper.

It’s not like I think he’s actually going to kick me, but what if he did? Fear does crazy things to people, and sometimes they can’t see straight.

“Ms. Sophie,” Vivi calls out, wholly distressed.

“Sophie?” Somewhere in the short span of me hearing her trying to get down out of Jonah’s arms and me with my eyes squeezed shut, the red haze he saw clears, and he breathes out, “Sophie. Oh my God, are you okay? I’m so sorry.”

Both of them are now squatting down next to me, and it’s then I realize that I’m lying on the floor and remember I’m only wearing a small towel. The one that was wrapped around my head has half fallen off, and for all I know, my butt and other bits are hanging out for both of them to see.

So humiliating.

“I didn’t expect for there to be anyone else here. What are you doing here?”

My eyes shoot to his, and I’m not sure what he sees, but he blanches.

“Please let me help you up,” he says, putting his large, warm hands on me and lifting me to a sitting position.