Page 48 of Tiger Lilies and Tight Ends

Last night, over dinner, Lily announced she was coming to the game. I had been mid-chew of the grilled chicken I had made for us and paused to look her in the eye. I don’t know what she expected my response to be, but after the shock of it wore off, all I said was, “Okay. I have a ticket and a pass for you in the truck.”

Did I grab them, hoping she would come? Yes, but I didn’t tell her because I didn’t want her to feel pressured or obligated.

“Hey, squirt,” I say to Vivi, ruffling her hair. She hates it when I do that, but it hasn’t stopped me. She knocks my hand away.

“Uncle Tyler, we’ve talked about this,” she scolds. “I am a young woman, and we don’t like our hair to be messed up.”

“You are a beautiful young woman too. But fair warning, you’re my squirt, and that won’t stop me. Ever.”

She frowns. “Well, then I’ll have to come up with something just as annoying to do to you.” She crosses her arms over her chest.

“I’d like to see you try.” I smile down at her.

“Just you wait.”

“How ’bout you give me a good luck hug in the meantime?” She holds her arms up, and I pick her up and hug her tight. “You know you’re my good luck charm.”

“You should remember that when you mess up my hair. I’d hate to become your bad luck charm,” she sasses.

I laugh and feel Lily’s eyes on me. Not being able to help myself, I glance at her and wink. Pink crawls up her neck and into her cheeks.

Setting Vivi down, I glance at Jonah. This is also the first game that he has someone here for him too, and at this moment, he is completely in Sophie's orbit. It may as well just be the two of them here as they stare at each other. I’m happy for him.

I move over to Camille, who is openly smiling at me. It’s good to see her out here, too. There are dark circles under her eyes from the lack of sleep I’m assuming she’s not getting, but she still has that new-mom glow. I lean in and give her a kiss on the cheek.

“Nice to see you. Feeling okay?” I ask her.

“Every day, it’s a little bit easier. I’m glad this game is at four today instead of eight.”

“Amen to that. I like to be in bed at eight. No shame in admitting that either.”

“Good luck today,” she says, patting me on the shoulders.

“Thanks, but we’ve got this,” I tell her.

“I know you do.”

Behind me, Reid knocks me out of the way so he can get to his wife.

“Lily,” I say as I move to stand in front of her next. “You doing all right?” I scan her face for any signs of discomfort, and while there are lines around her eyes and a few on her forehead, for the most part, she looks resigned.

“Can’t stay hidden forever, right?” She gives me a small smile. “That’s become the motto lately.”

“Right.” I smile back.

I know people are watching us. People have been watching her since she stepped onto the field wearing another team’s colors. I can’t imagine how she’s feeling, but she’s holding her head high, and I’m so damn proud of her.

“I like your outfit,” I tell her, scanning her again now that I’m closer. Yep, I would definitely like to see her in just the boots.

“I thought you might,” she teases, and heat curls through my stomach.

Two can play this game.

“Although for next time, maybe we revisit that conversation where you said you used to wear a Tarpons shirt with my name on it.”

“You want to brand me with the name Quinn?” She gives me a flirty smile.

“Damn straight,” I tell her, no teasing needed.