“I seriously can’t take you anywhere,” Julia muttered under her breath as she waved at a couple with two elementary-aged kids walking by.
“You can pretend you’re embarrassed all you want, but I know the truth.” She flashed Julia a smile. “You’d be lost without me.”
“That I would.”
“Now that that’s settled, let’s go watch my niece kick some serious ass on the field.”
My fingers locked with Julia’s, we made our way toward the athletic fields located behind the massive, brick building of Brookhaven Academy.
As we walked, I noticed quite a few people looking our way and whispering to each other. Especially the women. It didn’t take a mind reader to know what they were saying, their upturned noses and crossed arms making it clear they wondered what someone like me would see in Julia.
I kept expecting her to shy away, maybe increase her distance from me. But she didn’t. If anything, she held her head higher, waving at a group of moms who were obviously talking about her.
Just as we were about to climb the bleachers to find a seat, I tightened my grip on her hand and yanked her body to mine, treating her to a sweet kiss. It wasn’t deep or full of longing. Just a simple kiss to let her know how much I appreciated her. Plus, a part of me wanted to make all those catty mothers jealous.
When I stepped back and saw the shocked, borderline envious expressions on their faces, I knew I’d succeeded.
Once we made our way up the bleachers and found some seats, Julia pointed toward where Imogene was warming up on the field.
I watched as she bounced the ball from knee to knee, her quick footwork rather impressive. This was a vastly different game than baseball. While there were times it called for fast reflexes, especially when going for a double play or attempting to throw out a runner heading home, it wasn’t remotely close to the constant action of football — or soccer, as Americans called it. And the fact Imogene made the varsity team as a sophomore meant she was pretty damn talented at the sport.
“People are definitely figuring out who you are,” Julia whispered into my ear when the coaches called the kids over to the sidelines for a pre-game pep talk.
I tore my attention away from the field for the first time, too proud and excited for Imogene to look anywhere else. But now that I did, I observed quite a few people looking our way, as well as several younger kids and teens holding hats and a marker as they timidly approached, obviously hoping for an autograph or photo.
“Shite,” I murmured. “I didn’t even think.” I shook my head, meeting Julia’s gaze. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come. I just wanted to watch Imogene play…”
“Hey.” She placed her hand on my leg. “It’s okay. I’m thrilled you’re here.” She nodded toward the field. I followed her line of sight, smiling when I saw Imogene waving excitedly at me. “She’s thrilled you’re here, too. It means a lot to her.”
I waved back, then returned my eyes to Julia’s. “Well, she means a lot to me.”
“Then stay. Maybe just tell your adoring fans you’ll sign autographs and take photos after the game.”
I chuckled. “And here I thought styling my hair and wearing a button-down shirt would be enough of a disguise.”
“Maybe if my daughter weren’t a teenage girl, it would have been.”
I looked at her quizzically. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“Because teenage girls love to talk. When she first learned I was dating you, it killed her that she couldn’t say anything to her friends. Now that she can, I guarantee she drops your name every chance she gets.”
“I’m sorry. I—”
“You have nothing to apologize for, Lachlan. She’s a huge fan. And she’s proud of you.”
“I’m proud of her, too. She’s just… She’s an awesome kid.” I nudged Julia. “But that’s to be expected.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because she has you for a mum. And if you ask me, I think you’re pretty awesome.” I pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, then stood, slowly making my way toward the growing group of students hoping for an autograph.
After telling them I would happily sign autographs at the end of the game, I made my way back to Julia just as the ref blew the first whistle.
Over the past few months, I’d watched Imogene practice different drills in her back yard. Even did some drills with her, although I was complete rubbish when it came to football.
But watching her in an actual match was incredible. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride as I watched her block any ball that came remotely close to her. It was similar to how I felt whenever I learned one of the kids in my Little League had achieved something that hadn’t been possible before they joined, whether it be higher grades, turning a double play on the field, or getting into college.
But here, the pride was even more profound.
Because, in the past few months, Imogene had become important to me.
She may not have been my biological kid, but I felt a deep connection to her.
I’d do anything to protect her and this little family I’d managed to find when I didn’t think I’d ever have a family again.
When I didn’t think I ever wanted a family.
Now I did.
And I’d be damned if I let anyone attempt to take them from me.