“What are you all doing, hiding out in here?” Mom asks. She looks at Walker, the worst liar out of us all. When we were kids and we’d get in trouble, all she’d have to do is look at my oldest brother, and from there, she could usually figure it out.
“You here for tomatoes, Ma?” Walker hastily spins around and starts picking a few tomatoes.
“Yes.”
“Chilli for dinner?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
“Have a great day, Ma.” My brother hands over the tomatoes.
Ma rolls her eyes. “Fine. Be like that. Go back to whatever it is you’re doing.”
She gives Iris and me one more look. She smiles to herself. Then she turns around and leaves.
“Let’s talk location.” Lexi addresses the room in a lowered voice. “If we’re trying to keep our plans a secret from Diana and Lucas, it might be a little hard to do that if we’re throwing the party here on their property.”
“There’s space in our backyard, for sure,” Cannon says, “But there’s also the river and the ponds. I can have it gated off for the day, not a problem. But we’ll need lots of extra chaperones just to be safe.”
I hear Iris speak timidly beside me. “Or we can do it at my house…” She glances at me for confirmation. “I mean, I have a huge gated yard and a tree swing and lots of space for the kids to run around.” She throws a shy look at Cannon. “It’s just a suggestion. Callie’s your niece and if you want to have the party at your place—”
“Your place would be great, Iris,” Lexi says and everybody else seems to agree.
We discuss a few more details and soon, everyone is filtering out of the greenhouse. Iris lingers with the orchids. “I still can’t get over how beautiful these are,” she murmurs to herself. “I’ll proudly admit that I have a green thumb and my flower garden is heaven. But I really struggle with the orchids.”
“It’s all about the soil,” Walker reiterates. “We do our own composting here on the farm. I can get you a small bag, if you’d like.”
Iris’s face lights up like someone just offered her a bowl of diamonds and a shopping spree in Milan. “Oh, my gosh. That would be lovely.”
I swear I’ve never seen a woman more excited over a pile of cow shit. That’s what I adore about this woman. She’s so down-to-earth. The simplest things fill her cup, make her smile.
“All right, I’ll give you the royal tour of the compost heap.” Walker bows regally. He slides on his cowboy hat then marches toward the door.
“Come on, Jude.” Iris happily tugs my wrist.
Um, I don’t share her excitement. “I think I’ll just stay here for a second. Give my knee a rest.”
“Are you okay?” Concern quickly overshadows her excitement.
I kiss her forehead, my heart warm from her concern. “Yeah, babe. I’m fine. I’ll be here. Waiting for you.”
Iris glances around for spectators but the coast is clear. She reaches up and puts her arms around my neck. Her mouth meets mine for a slow, soft kiss. “I’ll see you soon.”
She throws me the happiest grin over her shoulder then she skips off to where Walker is trudging across the field.
And I feel damn lucky to know her. Women like Iris Merlini are practically impossible to find.
28
Jude
This is what snorting cocaine feels like. I’m sure of it. This is what it feels like to be high out of your mind.
Okay, fine. I don’t have any real experience with taking drugs, but I imagine it feels exactly like this.
My whole body is buzzing. I feel alive. There’s this euphoric tingle in my muscles that vibrates all the way to my bones, and it’s making me restless and excited.
I just visited with my doctor here in town, and for the first time in forever, I received a shred of good news. Fucking fantastic news, actually.
The doc is reconsidering his original opinion that I would never play football again. He told me that he no longer can rule out that possibility. I couldn’t miss the surprise on the man’s face as he reviewed the new scans this morning. He chalked my progress up to some fucking good luck and my unrelenting dedication to the strenuous recovery program.
I know better. I know I have a secret weapon—the sexiest, most amazing, little cheerleader in my corner.
His recommendation is for me to obtain a second opinion with another doctor to be sure.
I try to stay balanced. To keep my head on straight. To not get ahead of myself. But fuck! I might actually be able to step onto that field and play ball with my team again.
I need to get my body back to its prime. I’m celebrating the news with a case of isotonic sports drinks and some protein shakes.
Still giddy, I drop my purchases off at the front door and go to seek out Iris. She’s the first person I wanted to share the news with—Not my coach. Not my agent. Not even my family. And I’m too pumped to stop and dissect what that means.
I tear down the hall and find her sitting at the kitchen table. I must look crazy because at the sight of me, she’s immediately on her feet. “What is it? What’s going on?” she asks warily.
My hands are on her waist before I can get a word out. “I went to the doctor, Iris.”
“And?” Her eyes twinkle. She’s barely containing her excitement for me.
“He thinks I can play. Not right this minute and he does want me to get a second opinion. But he thinks I’ll be able to play again.”
“Oh, my god, Jude.” She cups my cheeks in her little hands. “Oh my god. That’s incredible.”
My mouth is on hers in an instant. I kiss the fuck out of her, my chest pounding with excitement and gratitude and a flurry of other sparkling emotions I don’t know how to
