Page 78 of Trick Play

I fell into step with Ethan and glanced up at him. He was grinning, but his attention was straight ahead.

“What did they say?” I whispered.

His smile grew. “Hold on.”

I narrowed my eyes at him until Whit jerked to a stop. “What?” He was looking at Mom like she’d grown another head. “You can’t be serious. You know what he put her through.”

She leveled him with one of her signature looks that used to make us stop dead in our tracks as kids. “He was doing what he felt was best for both of them. He might have gone about it the wrong way, but it was done out of love and respect. He’s been nothing but a good, respectable man since. We’ve supported him from afar and hoped for the best.” She smiled, “And we’re glad he proved everyone wrong.”

Ethan was practically radiating, glowing under the praise and likely enjoying Whit’s anger too much.

“But—”

“No, son,” Dad cut him off. “We all make mistakes, but nothing Ethan did was unforgivable. He was put in a very difficult position and did the best he could. Can you condemn him because you might have chosen differently?”

Whit’s eyes blazed. “You guys weren’t there. You didn’t see her.”

“No, and we’re so grateful you stepped in, but she’s strong too,” Mom said. “Look at her, look at the beautiful, amazing woman she is. Part of that is because Ethan gave her the space to grow and become her own person.”

Ethan puffed out his chest, and I nearly smacked him. She was right, but he still broke my heart. Can’t forget that part.

Whit groaned. “Fine. You’re both positively unwell. I should have your doctors do a more thorough check-up next time.”

Mom chuckled and Dad smacked him on the back. “Nice try, son.”

Whit shot a glare at Ethan. “I don’t give second chances often. Do not screw this up.”

Ethan nodded, and Whit turned and went to find his car.

“Here, why don’t you two ride with us?” Mom offered.

This was turning into something bizarre, but I was still too happy to care.

Once we were in the backseat and on our way, I leaned over. “What did they say?”

Ethan winked at me. “Your dad said he’s been rooting for me since day one, and your mom said she missed her other son and it was good to have us all back together again.”

I let out a laugh and leaned back against the headrest. So much for loyalty.

Chapter 26

Ethan

Never in a million years did I expect the welcome I received from Kennedy’s parents. I spotted them several rows away while I was watching her walk across the stage and accept her diploma, but I decided to wait until after the ceremony in case any of them decided to cause a scene. Not that I would have blamed them.

But a hug from her mom and dad? Words of love and support?

I didn’t even get that from my own parents.

My first reaction was that I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t deserve their kindness or forgiveness, but those were my own issues talking.

I knew better now. I was worthy of their praise and acceptance. If they were willing to give it, I’d accept it.

Plus, watching Whit lose his mind made it all worth it.

We might not ever get back to who we were before. He might not ever let me in again. That was fine. But I hoped he would. He was the big brother I desperately wanted.

“Coach wants to see you,” Benjamin said as he passed me on his way to his locker.