“Yeah, it went pretty well…” I can’t help teasing her. “You could have told me before I’d had a vodka shot and two purple drinks I’d be defending my character today.”
“I think it was one of those situations where everybody thought somebody told you, and ultimately nobody did.”
“Nobody told him?” Dylan’s brown eyes widen behind her protective goggles. “Allie!”
“I’m sorry! I thought his dad did it. That’s why he went into your room—he was supposed to tell you!”
I think back to Austin, Dad, and me in my bedroom talking about all kinds of things, finding that tiny pink coat. “He probably got distracted.”
“Well, it’s time to get this party started…” Aunt Deedee steps back, rolling the gloves down her arms. “Allie, ready to make the announcement?”
“Only eat this if you have a cast-iron GI-tract?” Mom laughs, and warmth fills my chest.
This is how I grew up, with laughter and teasing and family and warmth. It’s how I want my daughter to grow up. It’s how I want Melody and me to be.
I think we can do it. I’m pretty sure her family is as big and close as ours is.
“Knoxey, get out there and let Uncle Craig know we’re coming.” Aunt Dylan points to the door.
I give her a little salute as I back through the double doors separating the kitchen from the dining hall. “On it!”
Uncle Craig is at the bar in gold lame hot pants, a black satin vest, and a blonde wig under his arm. He’s bent over, digging around behind the small bar, and I lean over the wooden top, hoping to catch him off-guard.
“Yo, Cray-cray!”
“Jeez…us.” He pops up so fast. “Child, what am I going to do with you? You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“Sorry.” I fight back a grin. “Aunt Dylan said she’s on her way out. You ready?”
“I was born ready.” He whips the blonde wig over his head and tucks the sides of his hair under it, looking up at me with concern in his eyes. “How are you doing? I heard Liv wasn’t able to get the hearing set before the holiday.”
My chest sinks at that news. “When did you hear that?”
He waves over to where I see Gina’s mom standing in a tight circle with Aunt Rachel and Uncle Zane. Their expressions are worried, and I glance back at Craig.
“I was in the kitchen with Mom and Aunt Dylan.”
He walks around the bar to where I’m standing. “Don’t worry, Knoxey. Your family will not rest until your little girl is back in your arms. You know that.”
Nodding, I look down. “I know. It’s just…”
It’s a lead weight in my chest, and I don’t know how much longer I can go on with this pain nagging at me. I can’t imagine playing, but either way, I’ve got to get back to New Orleans and keep us on track for the playoffs.
“What is it?” Craig puts a hand on my shoulder.
“Nothing.” I shrug. “Aunt Dylan’s coming out. We can talk later.”
“Knox Bradford, you know that doesn’t matter. What’s on your mind?”
I look over to see they’re just setting up the table for Dare Night, and I know that means we have a few minutes while they get ready. Craig reaches behind the bar and slides a Corona across the smooth wood to me.
“Spill,” he says, putting a hand on his hip.
He’s standing there in that blonde wig, vest, and gold shorts, and he’s one of the most trusted people in my life. It’s always how it’s been around here. Found family at its finest.
Inhaling slowly, I let it all out. “Up to now, my entire focus, my life, has been football. The only thing that mattered was living up to the Bradford name and Dad’s legacy and Austin’s.”
“It’s a lot.” Craig nods. “But you manage to hold your own.”