My phone buzzes again.
Tiff:Ella wants to know if you will come watch Zach in his game tomorrow. It’s kind of a tradition to go to all his home games.
I smile. This is my life now, and I’m so fucking happy about it.
Tiff, and my daughter.
Yeah, I’m here for the long haul and no one can stop me.
Jamie:Tell her I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Chapter 29
“Is Jamie still coming?” Ella asks as I carry her on one hip, weaving through families and tailgaters in the packed parking lot.
“Yes, baby,” I say, scanning the rows of cars and folding chairs, the smell of grilled food thick in the air. “If you see him, or Honey, will you let me know?”
Ella twists in my arms, craning her neck, her little hands gripping my jacket as she studies every passing face.
“I don’t see him,” she says after a beat, sounding almost offended by it.
Then she gasps. “She’s there!” she squeals, pointing and pulling her body so far forward, I almost lose my balance.
Honey smiles as she locks the car and heads towards us.
It’s only when I see Jamie round the hood that everything around me ceases to exist.
He’s here.
My fingers are still trembling as they hold our daughter tight, but I feel a little more secure with every step he takes.
He’s really here.
He really came back.
With a bag slung over his shoulder and his hair a little messy, he looks too good for someone who supposedly blew up his life just to be with me.
Withus.
“Special delivery,” Honey says, patting Jamie on the back and pushing him toward us. “Well, he’s not that special, but he’s here.”
Jamie rolls his eyes before locking eyes with mine, giving me a bashful smile.
It’s unfettered, and relaxed.
It’s also the best thing I’ve seen today.
“Hi,” I breathe out.
“Hey.” He opens his arms, wasting no time to take Ella and me in a double hug.
“I missed you both,” he says warmly, not letting us go even though the crowd are starting to push around us now as the game is starting soon.
Jamie eases back, pushes a few strands of hair away, and kisses her on the forehead before whispering something in her ear. Whatever he says makes her giggle.
As he backs away completely, Ella holds her arms out. Jamie scoops her up. “Princess!” he says, glancing at the face paint on her cheek. “You’ve got something on your face.”
She nods happily. “It’s Zach’s number.”