Page 117 of Call Your Shot

“Donotfinish that sentence,” I cut him off, scrubbing a hand over my face. “Jesus Christ, this is achild’sbirthday party.”

“Relax, Nathan. I was only having a little fun.” Deandra winked at Leo. “There’s no way he could handle me.”

She started walking to the house, then turned, a sultry grin on her face when she found Leo still staring. “See y’all later.”

Leo spun back to me. “I think I’m in love.”

“You’re an idiot,” I said, shaking my head slowly. “And she is totally out of your league, dude.”

I clapped him on the shoulder, then headed to Brenna and Molly floating in the deep end of the pool.

I discarded my shirt and cannonballed into the water, soaking them with my splash. Molly and Brenna screamed, then splashed me as soon as I surfaced. I threw Molly over my shoulder. She shrieked, begging me to put her down, calling to Brenna for help. After a few minutes of swimming, Brenna managed to dunk me under water, freeing Molly from my grasp. She smoothed Molly’s wayward blond hair back from her face.

“Do you like your party?” I asked Molly.

She grinned so wide, I could see the gap where she’d recently lost a tooth. “It was the best.” She launched herself around my shoulders. “Thank you, Nathan.” She moved to Brenna next, settling in the crook of her neck. “I love you, B.”

It wasn’t only pool water reflecting in Brenna’s gaze. “Oh, Molls, I love you more than you will ever know.”

Bren’s hand found mine beneath the surface. We remained like that—this little family we’d created against all odds, soaking in the gift of each other’s company.

Eventually, Molly’s friends called her to the other end, leaving Brenna and me alone.

She hooked her legs around my waist, and I went willingly, finding her waiting lips. With Brenna in my arms, the rest of the party fell away, leaving only her lips sliding against mine, her contented sighs every time my tongue swiped hers. It was always like this. A fuckingrelief.

This week, I’d start throwing pitches for the first time since surgery. They would all go to the woman who knew me best, who owned my heart. My life started when I met her, and she’d remain with me until the end.

The two of us could take on anything, as long as we did it together.