Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“Wait for me, okay? I’m going to go shower and see the guys.”
Cat nods. “Yeah, we rode here with King.”
I pull her to me for another hug. “And you’ll leave with me.”
After hugging the rest of my family, I make my way back to the field. I’ve thought about this all day, and I know what I want to do.
When we finally make it to the locker room, I talk to my coach first, then my team. After a quick shower, I make my way out to the concourse to find Cat and Cole.
They’re both all smiles when they see me, and I hold hands with Cat as we walk out to my truck. We’re almost to Whiskey Run, and I know I need to tell them both what I did tonight.
“There’s something I need to tell you two.”
Cat and I are holding hands, and they’re resting on the console between us. She squeezes mine a little tighter. “What is it?”
Cole leans up as much as his seatbelt will let him, and I meet his gaze in the rearview mirror. My only hesitancy is him. I hope he’s not disappointed in me when I tell him. “I told my coach and my team that today was my last game. I’m officially retiring.”
Cat turns in her seat and looks at me with wide eyes. “Oh, Holden.”
I shake my head, not wanting her to worry. “I’m happy with my decision. It’s what I want.” As soon as I see the acceptance on her face and I get to a stop sign, I turn to Cole. “You okay, bud?”
He’s looking out the window. “What does this mean?”
Patiently, I explain to him, “Well, I won’t be playing for the Jasper Bears anymore. Coach McGuire wants to talk to me about coaching, but that’s something I’ll have to think about. I don’t know if I want to travel anymore.”
“If you’re not playing, does that mean that you’ll be around more? That I’d get to see you more?”
I choke up at the question. “Would you like that?”
Finally, he turns his head away from the window and looks at me. There’s so much longing on his face, I make a promise right then and there that I’m going to always be there for him. It’s almost a whisper, but I hear him say, “Yeah, I would.”
I’m too overcome with emotion to say anything, so I just nod my head, and after looking both ways, I push on the gas.
Everyone is silent the rest of the way home, and when we get to my house, I park the truck and walk up to the front door with them.
Cole is all smiles, but Cat is more reserved. “Holden, what are we doing here?”
“Well, I thought we should talk. Is that okay?”
Her interest piqued, she nods her head, and I lead them to the living room. They both sit down on the couch, and I sit on the coffee table in front of them. I decide not to beat around the bush. “I want you guys to move in here.”
“What?” Cat asks as Cole pumps his fist in the air. “Yes!”
“Holden, we can’t do that.”
“Why not?” I ask her, ready to argue any excuse she can give me.
“Well, because…” She looks at Cole and then raises her eyebrows at me. “Holden, it wouldn’t be appropriate.”
I nod knowingly. “For now, you would be in your old rooms, but I want you both here, under my roof, with me.” I leave out the part where I want her in my bed. Now is not the time to say that.
“But—” she starts, and I shake my head to stop her. “Cat, I’m willing to go as slow as you need me to. We can date, do family stuff together, and eventually, when you’re ready… you will be my wife.”
“Wife!” she exclaims.
“Yes!” Cole screams, jumping up and down now.
Cat stands up and puts her hands on Cole’s shoulders. “Hey, bud, since it’s late, we’re going to stay here tonight so why don’t you head up to your room, and we’ll talk more in the morning.”
Cole looks alarmed, no doubt fearful that she’s going to say no. The other day, I would have felt the same, but now after she told me she loved me and I claimed her in front of the whole stadium tonight, she’s going to say yes. It’s just going to take some convincing.
I fist-bump Cole. “Your room is ready for you. There’s some clothes to sleep in, and I put a toothbrush in the bathroom for you.”
He nods. “Good night, Holden. Good night, Mom.”
He hugs his mom, and as soon as he’s out of the room, she turns on me. “Holden Gray, what are you thinking? You should have talked to me about this first.”
I grab her and move us to the couch so she’s sitting on my lap. “I know that. Do you forgive me?”