He pats my hand and sighs. “How is it possible I got lucky enough to find someone like you?”
“It wasn’t luck. We wouldn’t have lasted all these years if we weren’t meant to be together.”
Eight
Maverick
The incessant knocking followed by the repetitive ring of the doorbell wakes me up from a deep sleep. I turn, expecting to find Mia beside me, but she’s not there. My eyes pop open and I sit up only to hear her yelling at our unexpected visitor. “I’m coming!”
I flop back against the pillows and sigh. Who could be here so early in the morning? Glancing at the clock on my bedside table, I realize it’s not early; in fact, it’s quite late in the afternoon.
The sound of voices drifts up to the bedroom. Mia’s is easy enough to pick out but the other is masculine. I slip out of bed and head downstairs. Whoever is here can deal with my bedhead and disheveled clothes.
“You should know he’s talking about retirement.” Mia’s voice is quiet, as if she doesn’t want anyone to hear her discussion.
“That’s ridiculous. Maverick isn’t even close to retiring.” Our visitor Steve Watson, the team’s head coach, tells her.
“Then your offensive line needs to do better at protecting him.” Mia’s tone is sharp and angry, which means it’s time to save him from her wrath. I’ve witnessed her rage first-hand, it’s not pretty.
“Morning Coach,” I call out as I stride into the living room where they’re seated on opposite ends.
“It’s afternoon,” he snaps.
“Can you blame me for finally getting a good night’s sleep?”
“No, I can’t. I came by to check on you.”
I settle myself on the couch beside Mia. “I’m doing much better.”
“What about the memory loss?”
“Bits and pieces are starting to come back, like when you chewed me out two weeks ago at practice, but there are still gaps in my memory. The only day I remember completely is my wedding day.”
Coach Watson looks shocked. “Wedding day? You and Mia are married?”
I glance over at my wife and smile. “Yes, we are. We didn’t want to waste any more time once we got back together.”
“I’m happy to hear that, and I’m pleased your memories are coming back.” He brushes something imaginary from his shirt and clears his throat. “The team doctor’s been consulting with your neurologist and based on their recommendations, you’ll be on the disabled list for another week. Then, you can start practicing. Once both doctors clear you, we’re going to keep you on week-to-week.”
I am not good at being idle. I’m not good at just sitting around doing nothing, but my hands are tied. “Have you talked to the team about this? According to Edmond, Tommy Garavito is garbage.”
“He’ll be fine. We want you healthy to play Boston.”
My hand flexes until it forms a fist. “I want that too.”
“Good,” Coach says as he stands up. “Stop by practice this week if you’re feeling up to it.”
He starts heading toward the front door and I follow him. “Coach,” I say before he leaves. “I’m not planning to retire anytime soon.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“But this concussion scared the shit out of me.”
“We’ll keep you protected,” he says with a wink before leaving.
I hear Mia humming and track her down in the kitchen, where she’s engrossed in one of her favorite hobbies, baking. It’s the perfect time for me to sneak down the hall to our bedroom and grab the wedding band I hid from her. I wanted to give it to her on a special occasion but if I’ve learned anything from this whole ordeal, there is no time like the present.
She’s still in the kitchen and the sweet scent of whatever she put in the oven starts to fill the air. Her back is to me as I tiptoe into the kitchen and set the blue velvet ring box on the counter beside her. She nearly knocks it onto the floor when she swings around but catches herself.
