Page 50 of I Loved You First

Cam grinned. “Yeah, he did. Singing to him was a tolerable amount of fuss and attention.”

Her smile was back. “I’m glad you had a good time.” She looked at Brady as he took a huge bite of his second cupcake. “He should sleep well for you.”

“I’m counting on it.”

Fiona looked toward his mom and dad. “I should go help them wrap things up.”

He nodded. “I’ll see you around. Thanks for helping my family make this into such a special night.”

“Anytime. Let me know when Brady’s ready for a fan at one of his games.”

“I’ll do that.”

And they went their separate ways.

fourteen

Cam sat in his portable chair next to the center line of the soccer field while Brady warmed up with his team. He watched as the kids fiddled with each other’s stars and stripes bandanas when it wasn’t their turn to kick the ball into the net.

The patriotic addition to the uniform for the Fourth of July tournament had created all the buzz. Brady had rushed into Cam’s room at five thirty a.m., eager to have the bandana tied around his head when they didn’t have to be at the park until eight forty-five.

He pulled a sip from his water bottle as the morning sun beat down, glad he’d gone with white athletic shorts and a cobalt-blue sleeveless top. Lots of sunblock had been a must because it was lining up to be a hot one.

He glanced up when Fiona wandered over in a pair of short shorts and a red and white striped tank top, carrying her collapsible chair and a bulging cooler tote on her shoulder. She’d tied her hair back with a navy-blue scrunchy, leaving the line of her graceful neck exposed. The stylish aviators covering her eyes added to her summer look. Somehow, she always managed to pull off effortlessly sexy. “Here she is.”

“Here I am.” Smiling as she set her seat up next to his, she sat down. “This place is insane today. I had to park on the street.”

Cam nodded. “It’s definitely packed. Teams from all over are playing until lunchtime.”

“Fiona! Fiona!” Brady yelled from across the field, waving to her.

She laughed, waving back.

“He’s crazy excited that you could come today.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it.” She looked around among the people everywhere. “Where are your parents?”

“They’ll be here. They’re having breakfast with Grandpa first. They’re also grabbing some stuff for the barbecue they’re hosting tonight. They’ll head this way after. You’re welcome to come. To the party.”

She nodded. “Your mom mentioned something about it when I saw her at the office earlier this week. I’ll probably swing by.”

“You know you’re always welcome. Everyone would love to see you.” And if she stuck around to watch the fireworks with Brady and him, that would be a holiday bonus.

The coaches blew their whistles, and the kids huddled up with their teams.

“Do you need a snack?” Fi asked. “I brought juice boxes, orange slices, string cheese, pepperoni slices, and a couple of different types of gluten-free granola bars that are really good. I don’t think Brady’s tried this brand yet.”

He smiled, remembering how Fi had always packed way too many snacks for the long Saturdays she’d spent at his wrestling tournaments. “I’m good for now, but thanks.”

“No problem. But help yourself. I brought enough for everyone.”

“I don’t doubt it.”

Fiona chuckled as she pulled something from the pocket of her bag, unfolding a white cloth. She’d painted Go Brady! in his cobalt-blue and black team colors.

Cam grinned, absolutely adoring the woman who’d gone above and beyond to make his son feel special. He had no doubt she’d packed the various snacks for Brady. And the banner would make his day. “He’s going to love this,” he said, holding on to one end.

“It’s my name!” Brady yelled as he took his spot on the field, grinning and waving at them again.