20. Chapter 20
Watching Nolan with children should qualify as emotional warfare.
Terri
I study the Welcome to Mermaid he’s my man!
Not my man, I remind myself. He’s this little mermaid’s father. Nothing more.
“Line up!” he commands, and the kids hurry to stand in a line. No one complains or argues. The man is a miracle worker when it comes to kids.
“Aim small. Don’t look at the whole barrel. Pick one spot.”
The first kid throws the football and it sails straight over the barrel. Nolan claps. “Great job! Future quarterback here!”
The kid beams at him before racing to his mom.
The next kid darts forward and throws the ball. It doesn’t reach the barrel. Nolan picks it up and kneels in front of the kid. “Don’t rush. Plant your legs and then throw.” He hands him the ball. “Try again.”
“There you go!” he shouts when the kid’s ball sails through the barrel.
Three more boys take turns and he yells encouragement the entire time. Next up is a girl. He motions her forward but she shakes her head.
He crouches beside her. “You know the secret?”
“What?”
“Quarterbacks miss throws all the time.”
“You don’t.”
“Oh, sweetheart. You should’ve seen me when I was seven.” He hands her the ball. “Try it once. You might enjoy it.”
“Okay,” she whispers before planting her feet, lifting her elbow, and throwing the ball. It sails straight through the barrel.
“Touchdown!” Nolan yells before lifting her up and whirling her around. The kids shout before rushing him. He pretends to let them tackle him to the ground. He collapses and they giggle.
I clasp my chest. He’s adorable. I can imagine him with our child. Teaching her to play sports. Being patient. Being loving. My heart hammers in my chest.
This is what I want. What I’ve always longed for but been afraid to try for – a loving family. Is the quarterback the answer to my dreams?