Page 62 of Penalty Kill

I didn’t answer, instead turning the corner so she could see the candles and flowers that I’d scattered around the room. The table was set for two.

“This is scary,” she whispered as she sat and looked around.

I wasn’t going to ask anything of her. I’d learned that lesson already. No, this night was my last chance to make sure she had all the cards. It wasn’t time to hold anything back.

A server appeared and set salads in front of us.

“Oh wow.” She smiled, seemingly impressed.

“I hope you enjoy.”

She narrowed her eyes, just slightly. “What is all this?”

“It’s your recovery celebration.” As of today, she was officially off bed rest. The doctor warned her to take it easy, but we both knew she wouldn’t stay down for long. She was restless and dying to get out of the house.

“Well, thank you. You didn't need to do all this.”

“Actually, I did.”

She sucked in a breath and looked away. I didn't want to ruin the meal, not yet, so I picked up my fork and quietly ate the salad. She followed my lead, and we had a careful conversation about the team and the boys. Surface level stuff.

It wasn’t until she was done with the risotto that I sat up straight. “I know you’re leaving, Syd.”

Her eyes didn’t leave her plate.

“I’m not going to stop you.”

“Brandon—”

“No, just let me finish.”

She sighed and leaned back.

“I’m not going to stop you, but I also can’t let you leave without knowing everything.” I held her eyes while gathering the courage to say what I needed. “You know how much you mean to the boys. How much the Pride loves you. I hope you know how much I appreciate all you’ve done for my family, but there’s one thing you don’t know.”

She shifted, and I knew this was pushing her, but I had to keep going.

“I love you, Sydney. I never expected this to happen when we first met. I didn’t know I could feel love again, but you helped heal my heart. You gave me something to believe in. I’m not asking you to stay. I know your mind’s made up, but I’m selfish and had to tell you the truth.”

She clenched her jaw. “That was selfish, Brandon.”

My words affected her. I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of joy.

“We had an agreement. Fourteen months, then I was gone. You knew that. I was upfront with my intentions.” She shook her head. “You have no right.”

I didn’t speak. She was absolutely right. Too bad falling for her hadn’t been a choice. It happened as effortlessly as breathing. Day by day, she took a piece of my heart until she owned it all.

“You knew this was temporary for me. I was never meant to make friends with your teammates or the Pride. I wasn’t supposed to fall in love with the boys. I didn’t want to care about them like I do.” She closed her eyes. “The thought of leaving them kills me, but I know it’s for the best. The longer I’m here, the worse it’s going to be because whether it’s now or next summer, I’m leaving.”

“But you did fall in love with boys.”

“Yes, I did.” She let out a breath. “It’s not fair, for any of us. That’s why I have to leave now.”

“The boys are going to be devastated.” I was going to be devastated.

“They’re resilient,” she countered. “You’ll find another nanny, and they’ll like her just as much.”

“They already lost their mom.”