The Soccer Player and the Single Mom (Quail Hollow)

by Kyra Jacobs

  Definitely not one named Scott Gillie.

  Chapter Twenty

  Scott sped north on Indiana’s I-69 Friday morning, praying the cops weren’t out to make their quotas today. He’d been lucky the past two hours, cruising at ten over and weaving through an endless fleet of semis all along U.S. 33. Just a few more miles to go and he’d be back in Quail Hollow.

  He hadn’t planned to come back so soon. Heck, he hadn’t planned to come back at all if he could help it, not until 1) his heart had healed, and 2) he’d made the national team. After last night’s win, he was well on his way to meeting the second criteria, despite his knee absolutely screaming at him the entire second half.

  And meeting first criteria to return home? Well, that was left to be determined.

  A hat-trick—he’d never have thought it possible his first night back. Truthfully, it’d been his cleanup of Javier’s sloppy strike that’d help seal the deal. When the horn blew, he’d run to the bench, sharing high fives and chest bumps all around. After that, his eyes had gone to the crowd, foolishly thinking he’d spy Felicity and Tyler leaning over the railings cheering him on. But of course they weren’t there.

  Why would they be, he chided himself. You left them, remember?

  He’d sucked it up, told himself it was for the best that they were back home going on with their lives, with him going on with his life here. That he’d be fine without them, just like he’d been fine before them. Eventually.

  But then he’d seen Tomás, and Scott’s bravado faded away.

  Tomás was a younger guy on their squad who’d joined them this past summer. He’d moved from Texas to the city’s north side with a wife and twin girls in tow. His girls came to every home game and greeted him afterward with hugs and kisses, win or lose. In the past, Scott hadn’t thought much of it, other than it was cool that they came. Last night, the view hit him like a close-range penalty shot to the chest.

  That could have been him standing there, surrounded by a loving family. Could still be him, if he’d hurry up and get his priorities straight. Felicity had been right—a career couldn’t cheer him on, couldn’t give him a high five or a celebratory kiss. And as excited as he’d been on the field after his win, the moment he reached his car, the victory felt hollow. He didn’t need wins to feel whole, he needed his family. Needed to make a family of his own.

  That’s when he remembered Hero Day.

  Scott skipped the post-game celebration and reached out to Sawyer, asking what time Felicity had scheduled off so she could be there—yes, he may have recommended her for the job, not that she’d needed his help, and yes, he may have threatened Sawyer with physical harm if he even thought about flirting with her—and set his alarm for the crack of dawn. He’d made Tyler a promise, and promises weren’t meant to be broken.

  Now here he was, nearing the end of his three-hour drive, anxiety building. He didn’t know how he was going to get out of his contract, didn’t know how much time he’d be spending on the road or in the air, traveling back and forth to Columbus until the playoffs were over. Didn’t know if Tyler would be happy to see him or if Felicity would throw a right hook his way.

  What he did know was he couldn’t stand not knowing any longer.

  A few miles farther, he exited the highway and headed into the heart of Quail Hollow. Two rights and a left, and he was at the new elementary school.

  9:50. Only ten minutes to spare.

  He slid his Mustang into the only parking space available and sprinted toward the front door, ignoring his grouchy knee along the way. Stretching after that long a drive would have been a better idea, but there wasn’t time. He needed to get to Tyler’s class before Felicity went into the room.

  To his dismay, Scott found the school’s front door locked. Mild panic set in. What kind of school wasn’t open during the day?

  A quick scan of the walls around the door found a plastic button and small camera lens to his right. Apparently, his hometown had upgraded since he’d been there last. He pushed the button, then pushed it a few more times for good measure.

  “Yes, can I help you?”

  “I’m Scott Gillie. I need to get inside.”

  “Are…you here to pick up a sick child, Mr. Gillie?”

  He grinned. The first time he met Felicity, she’d mistaken him for a parent, too. Then, he’d scoffed at the idea of being a family man. Today, he’d love nothing more. “No, I’m here for Tyler Shaw’s Hero Day.”

  “Oh, wonderful. Come on in.”

  A buzz sounded, followed by the clunk of some hidden locking mechanism. Scott threw the door open and dashed inside, only to realize he had no idea where he was going. He burst into the office next to the door and asked for directions to Tyler’s classroom. As she handed him a guest badge and described how to get to the first-grade hall, he glanced at the clock hanging just above her head.

  9:54.

  He thanked the woman and ran from the office, ignoring her as she called after him, “No running in the halls!” They’d told him that countless times in elementary school. Back then, he’d listened. But today there had to be running.

  His future depended on it.

  …

  Felicity paced the hall outside Tyler’s classroom, mentally reviewing what she’d planned to say. Heaven knew she wasn’t exactly hero material, but their options had been rather limited, as a certain someone had bailed on her son last weekend. The same someone who Tyler had originally asked instead of her.

  Yes, that still stung a bit.

  Ah, but who was standing here now, ready to save the day? She was, just like she’d been there for him since day one. Men couldn’t seem to stay in Tyler’s life, but she refused to be anything other than a solid foundation for him.

  “Felicity!”

  A solid foundation that is clearly hearing things, she thought as she looked both ways down an otherwise empty hallway. Because if she didn’t know better, she’d swear that voice had sounded just like Scott’s. Which was crazy. He was in Ohio being Mr. Soccer Superstar instead of here being hero to her son.

  As much as she hated to admit it, she was still grappling with her loss, had spent the past few days longing for his touch, to look into his eyes once more, to run her palm across his sandy stubble. Now she was hearing things, too?

  “Felicity!”

  A man in a black and yellow running ensemble rounded the corner a few rooms away and skidded to a stop. It couldn’t be, could it?

  “Scott?”

  He smiled, and the sight nearly bowled her over. Which was not how she wanted to feel, not after he’d abandoned them a few days ago. If he thought he could just pop into their lives whenever he wanted, the guy had another thing coming. As he jogged toward her, she stepped forward to block his progress. “What are you doing here?”

  “I promised Tyler I’d come in for Hero Day,” he said, working to catch his breath.

  “Yes, and then you unpromised him, which is why I’m missing work to be here.”

  “Even better.” Scott pulled her in for a quick kiss before she had time to realize what he was doing. “Now I get to see two of my favorite people.”

  Favorite people? She couldn’t have heard him right. He’d left them. Left!

  And why did that one kiss have to send her pulse skyrocketing?

  Felicity stepped back, trying to give herself room to think. “W-what are you talking about?”

  “I’ll explain it all later at home. You know, if we hurry, Edna might still be out with Norman.”

  “Hold on. You aren’t honestly suggesting we—” Scott waggled his brows, and her knees went weak…which only pissed her off further. “Scott, you can’t just abandon us one week and then come rushing back the next, thinking everything is all hunky dory.”

  “I know, I know, but if you’ll let me expl—”

  The door to the classroom opened, and a young teacher peeked out. “Ms. Shaw? We’re ready for you.”

  “We’ll be right in,” answere
d Scott.

  “Now, wait just a minute.” Felicity offered the teacher an apologetic smile and pulled the door shut once more. Then she rounded on Scott. “I’m the hero here, mister. Not you.”

  He smiled. “You’re right. That’s why we’re both going in.”

  “Of course I’m right,” she said with a nod. “Wait—what am I right about?”

  “About everything. About me being mule-headed, that goals can change, passions can change.” He stepped closer. “That maybe there truly is more to life than soccer.”

  For the first time since he’d left, Felicity allowed hope to take root in her chest. “Do you really mean that?”

  Scott dipped his chin. “I thought I had everything I needed out on that field, until I met you. When I went back, it was like the blinders had come off, and I saw how lonely an existence I’d built for myself.” He tucked a stray hair behind her ear then gently cupped her cheek. “The wins, the trophies—none of it means anything if I don’t have someone to share my accomplishments with.”

  “Scott?”

  They turned to find Tyler in the doorway, eyes wide with surprise.

  “Heya, sport.”

  “You came!” He dashed forward and threw his arms around Scott’s legs. “I knew you’d come back, I just knew it.”

  “That makes one of us,” Felicity murmured, still trying to wrap her mind around what was happening.

  What was happening?

  “But what about the playoffs?” asked Tyler. “Columbus needs you.”

  “You’re right, they do.” Scott knelt before him. “Which means I’ll be doing a lot of driving back and forth to see you guys for the next few weeks. Think you can do something for me while I’m away?”

  “Sure. What?”

  Scott looked to Felicity and grinned. “Take extra good care of your mama and try to soften her up before I get back. Edna, too.”

  Tyler’s gaze shifted to Felicity as well, a matching grin dawning on his little face. He leaned forward and whispered not so softly, “Wanna know a secret? Mom doesn’t ever stay mad for long.”

  “That’s what I’m hoping for.” Scott rose to his feet and pulled Felicity into his one side and Tyler into his other. “Now, come on, we have a class full of kids to wow.”

  Felicity couldn’t believe it. Scott was really here, stealing her heart while saving the day. And oh, wouldn’t Edna be surprised.

  “I love you,” she whispered.

  Scott pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “And I love you.”

  Epilogue

  Felicity sat in the farmhouse’s living room with Edna, Tyler, and Bruno, flipping through an interior design magazine while they waited for Scott to finish getting ready. It was the third weekend in March, a big day for Quail Hollow’s hometown hero. Once Scott came downstairs, they’d pile into her car and make a trip into Fort Wayne for the upcoming festivities.

  She thanked her lucky stars for the hundredth time that Scott had come back last fall when he had, helping her get out of her lease on the rental house and convincing her and Tyler to move into the farmhouse instead. Rather than going toward rent, the money she made at her new job had gone toward a newer, more reliable vehicle. One that had come in handy countless times over an especially messy winter. Not that she’d complained once about the weather. Snow on the ground meant more time inside with her son…and her new fiancé.

  The fiancé who had better hurry up if he wanted to make it to his own ceremony.

  She snuck a peek at the others and found them appearing far more patient than her. Tyler looked adorable in the shirt and tie Lauren had helped her pick out a few weeks ago, and Edna was still beaming over the new hairdo she’d gotten in town yesterday. As for herself, Felicity was doing her best not to squirm and fidget. Getting this dressed up wasn’t something she did too often.

  “Hey, Felicity? Can I borrow you for a minute?”

  She glanced up at the sound of Scott’s voice and met Edna’s amused gaze.

  “His tie,” the older woman whispered. “I’ll bet you five dollars he needs help with his tie.”

  Felicity rose on a soft laugh. “Oh, no. I’m not taking that bet.”

  “Darn it. No one ever wants to bet me anymore.”

  “I’ll bet you something, Grandma,” Tyler said.

  “You’re on, kid. Now, what should we bet on?”

  Felicity shook her head at the two schemers as she made her way up the farmhouse’s steps and into her and Scott’s room. Well, what would be their room. Right now, it was a framed and studded mess. But the drywall work wasn’t far off, nor the painting and final trim. She couldn’t wait to see the finished product.

  Hopefully, it’d come out as perfectly rustic as Tyler’s room had.

  “Yeah, baby?”

  He turned from the dresser mirror, and her heart stuttered. His slate colored, tailor-made suit looked perfect on him, the crisp white button-down beneath it showing off what remained of the tan he’d gotten on their cruise to Turks and Caicos over Christmas. It’d been the most magical vacation she’d ever experienced, and she couldn’t wait to go back.

  He promised for their honeymoon, they would.

  Scott took in her appearance with an appreciative gaze and let out a low whistle. “You look stunning, Fee.”

  She blushed at the compliment as she crossed the room, her heels clicking softly across its bare wood floors. Her navy, off-the-shoulder dress had been his idea, and the matching pea coat that waited downstairs and once belonged to his grandfather was Edna’s idea. Mother Nature didn’t often play nice during March in Indiana; today’s mid-forties temperatures weren’t entirely unexpected. And though she’d much rather be heading out in jeans and hiking boots, today’s ribbon-cutting required a little fancier attire.

  Wayne Arena’s plans had been approved and passed with flying colors late last fall. It would be the region’s premier sports complex, drawing in leagues from all across the tri-state area. And who better to represent such an amazing addition to their corner of the state than its new director: semi-retired Scott Gillie.

  He pulled her in for a sweet kiss then pointed to what had to be the saddest attempt at a Windsor knot she’d ever seen. “Can you help me straighten this? I just can’t quite get it to lie flat.”

  Yep, good thing she hadn’t taken that bet. She loosened the fabric and smoothed it over his lapels before starting over.

  “You know, not too long ago you didn’t want my help.”

  He trailed a hand down her bare shoulder. “Have I mentioned before that I can be a bit of an idiot at times?”

  “No.” She laughed, looping one end of the tie around the other before threading it through the middle. “But your grandmother does like to remind us of that frequently.”

  “Less frequently now that you and Tyler are here.”

  She finished the knot and gently slid it into place. “Then it’s a good thing you came back when you did.”

  “No regrets.” He took her hand in his and pressed a kiss across her knuckles.

  “No?”

  Scott shook his head. “Not a one.”

  He turned to check her handiwork in the mirror then thanked her with a peck on the cheek. A peck that turned into a second peck closer to her mouth, followed by a kiss on the lips…

  “Will you two lovebirds stop making out up there and come on already? I’ll be dead before a shovel ever hits the ground.”

  “We’ll be right down,” Scott called, then dropped his forehead to hers. “You’re right. We should have sent Edna and Tyler over with Lauren’s crew.”

  “And miss out on all the badgering on our drive over? I think not.” She wove her fingers into his and tugged him toward the door. “Besides, your public awaits, Mr. Gillie.”

  “I still can’t believe J.B. flew in for this. I figured after the finals and me leaving Columbus that he would have dumped me for sure.”

  “Are you kidding? You taking time off to heal brought even more media att
ention than your MVP status in the finals. Just because you made the switch from the majors to co-captain of the new Mad Hatters team doesn’t mean he won’t try to keep riding on your financial coattails a few more years.”

  “True. Though, if he even thinks about trying to get a cut of my salary once Wayne Arena gets built, we’re gonna have words.”

  “Yeah, I think it’d be tough to sneak away with a percentage of the director’s wages.” Felicity shrugged. “Then again, this is J.B. we’re talking about. He’s done crazier things before.”

  “Yes, he has.” Scott tugged her into his chest with a smile. “Something I’m forever grateful for because his craziest idea brought me you.”

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  Acknowledgments

  So many wonderful people were involved in the making of this book, many without even realizing it. To the amazing network of soccer families who have spent countless hours with me carpooling, feeding, and cheering on our children together—I couldn’t have written this story without you. To my dear author friends, Jennifer Hoopes, TG Wolff, Rhenna Morgan, and Juliette Cross, thank you for continually helping me keep my chin up and head on straight. To the amazing staff at Entangled, thank you, as always, for all that you do.

  But the two individuals who truly inspired this book were my sons. Thank you both for not only allowing me to share in your passion for soccer, but also motivating me to be the best mom I can be. I love you both to the moon and back.

  About the Author

  Kyra Jacobs is an extroverted introvert who writes of love, humor, and mystery in the Midwest and beyond. Her romance novels range from sweet contemporary to romantic suspense and paranormal/fantasy. No matter the setting, Kyra employs both comedy and chaos to help her characters find inspiration and/or redemption on their way to happily ever after.