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Clara
The Bears’ arena is almost like a small community of shops, restaurants, and in the center is not only the Bears statue, but a huge courtyard for people to hang out. Peepaw said he wanted a spot for people to tailgate before the games, and it’s been one hell of a success. I love the trees out here, the large eastern redbuds that make the whole park look magical. I hadn’t planned on coming here today. I need to clean out the bus, but when Riggs said he wasn’t going to be able to come home before catching his flight to Michigan, the boys and I decided to stop by to wish him luck. While I got my fill of him the last two days, it’s never enough.
I watch as Gretzky, Darcy, and Gordie run circles around the park, thankful that no one is around as I text Riggs.
Me: Hey.
Riggs: Hey, you okay?
I smile. Why wouldn’t I be okay? I’m in love with an incredible, amazing man. Not that I say that.
Me: Great. What are you doing?
Riggs: Watching tapes and putting the final touches on my notes.
I bite my lip. I don’t want to distract him or pull him from his work, but really, this guy is always watching tapes and taking notes. At this point, I’m pretty sure he could write out what his players will do before they even think to do it.
Me: Can I steal you for an hour?
Riggs: Of course.
God, I love how he just gives me what I ask for. No questions. He wants to be with me as much as I want to be with him.
Me: I’m outside the arena.
Riggs: Now?
Then my phone rings. I smile when a photo of him and me snuggling on the couch fills my screen. “I didn’t know you were coming up here,” he says without a hello.
“I know. I wanted to see you before you left. I brought the boys.”
“What a nice surprise. I’m on my way.”
His line goes dead, and I smile brightly. “Daddy is coming, guys,” I call to Gordie, who is currently lying at my feet, breathing hard from running circles. Before he can give me a look or even acknowledge the news, I hear my peepaw’s voice.
“Clara Drew, what are you doing here, sweetheart?”
I look over just as my peepaw pulls me into a tight hug. “Hey, Peepaw,” I say, my heart kicking up. “With Coach McCoy leaving, I thought he’d like to see the pups before he left.”
Peepaw’s eyes crinkle at the sides as he smiles widely at me. He looks over to where Gretzky is chasing Darcy. “That’s sweet of you. I’m sure he’ll be thankful.”
I nod just as Riggs’s voice meets us. “I am, especially since this wee bit wanted to meet my boys.” I turn just in time to see Riggs with the most gorgeous little boy in his arms. The toddler has the brightest blue eyes and sandy blond hair. He can’t bemore than three, with a little pouty lip and a wide nose. The little boy squeals when Riggs calls the boys over, even Darcy. Riggs likes to act like Darcy is a pain in his ass, but he loves him. Riggs leans down with the boy in his arms and tells the boys to sit. When Darcy plants his ass down, I don’t blame him.
I almost sit at Riggs’s sexy command.
“Okay, Jessie, this is Gretzky, Darcy, and Gordie.”
Jessie giggles sweetly as the dogs lick his hand and wiggle for him. The look on Riggs’s face knocks me on my ass. It’s so serene, sweet, and my heart feels like it’s shattering into a million pieces. I have to look away, but when I do, my gaze falls on a gorgeous blonde with the same blue eyes and pout to her lips as the boy. This must be the mom. Hopefully married to a player.
Or Riggs has a wife and kid he never told me about, and this is about to get awkward as fuck.
Peepaw beams over at her. “Hey, Jelanie. You and Jessie hanging out?”
She smiles sweetly, nodding. “Yeah, with Willy leaving tonight, we wanted to spend some time with him. It’s been rough on Jessie this round.”
Okay. This doesn’t need to get awkward.
Peepaw sends her a supportive smile. “I know, but it’ll be worth it.”
