Her brow wrinkles. “Has he reached out to you at all to see the baby?”
“No, and I’m fine with that.”
“That’s what I don’t understand. How he could be so removed. He told me he wanted us to have a big family, but if he’s able to treat you and Marley this way, he’s not the man I thought he was. Not that I would ever get back together with him.”
“Marley is one hundred percent mine, just the way I like it. I don’t want some guy involved in her life who won’t commit to her the way she deserves.”
“And Billy’s that, for the two of you.”
I smile. “He is. I mean, I never see the man because he’s always at football, but he adores Marley. You should see him sing to her. I swoon every time.” I catch a glance at the clock andreach for the remote. “Do you want to stay and watch the Iowa game with me? I was going to order a pizza, and I’d love the company, but I totally understand if you can’t.”
She looks down at her lap and sighs. “I’d love to. Is it okay if I curse at Ezra, though?”
“Absolutely.” I grab my phone. “What do you want on the pie?”
After we put in our order, I place Marley back in her bouncy chair and pop on the TV to watch the game.
“We should have this in the bag, but Ezra’s been wonky since that injury,” I say, not thinking.
“What injury?” Abigail asks, her eyes wide.
Of course he didn’t tell her.
“This is top secret, because the team never announced it, but Ezra hurt his shoulder last spring being an idiot. Coaches aren’t required to disclose injuries, and my dad doesn’t want to give other teams leverage in knowing how to tackle him.”
“Makes sense.”
When the Broncos charge out of the tunnel, my chest fills with pride. I love this team, and I’m so proud of what my father and Billy and his friends have accomplished. I hope they’re able to go all the way this year too.
But we struggle during the first half. Ezra gets sacked twice and throws two freaking interceptions, which he’s never done before as a Bronco. At halftime we’re down by fourteen points. In the third quarter, Coach substitutes Nick Silva at QB, who connects with Deke for a touchdown.
I cheer for my brother even though he can’t hear me through the TV screen.
By the fourth quarter, we’re still down by six points and can’t seem to get any traction. I sit on my hands so I don’t chew my nails. With less than two minutes left in the game, Iowa commands their way down the field on every down.
“Oh my God. I can’t watch.” I almost cover my face because I’m sure they’re going to throw for a touchdown. After the snap, the Iowa QB drops back and checks his options. It looks like he has a clear shot to his wide receiver, who’s open and booking it down field.
No!
The QB reaches back. Throws. My stomach clenches as I watch the ball slice through the air.
At the five-yard line, his receiver stretches out his arms.
But then a Bronco leaps between him and the ball.
“That’s Billy!” I shout so loud, I startle Marley, who cries out. “Sorry, baby.”
I’m jumping up and down as Billy intercepts it. After he hauls the ball to his chest, he races toward the Bronco end zone.
It’s ninety-five yards away.
Defenders fly at him, try to drag him down, tangle in his legs at one point, but he manages to evade them all as he zigzags and strong-arms them, even leaping over a player.
He clears the last defender around the ten-yard line and sails in for a touchdown.
“YES!” Abigail cheers with me and lets me hug her as I freak out. “Ninety-five yards!” Billy is definitely making the ESPN highlight reel.
I immediately text him.Great game! So proud of you!
