William & Charlotte
“My love for you will never fade”
Will
“Go, go, go!” I shout while racing down the sidelines as my nine-year-old daughter Abigail rushes to the opposite end of the field, dodging defensive players like they’re standing still. Just like I taught her to.
Then she kicks the soccer ball past the goalie’s outstretched hands to score.
The crowd of parents cheer and hoot while Abigail spins, her bright blue eyes finding mine.
She smiles, her whole face lighting up.
My heart just about bursts. I raise my fist in victory while fighting the emotions crowding up my throat. Maybe my football days are over, but experiencing moments like these with my daughter more than make up for what I’ve lost.
“You okay?” my assistant coach asks under his breath.
“Fine,” I grunt as Abigail celebrates with her teammates on the way back to their side of the field for the kickoff.
Charlotte and Abby’s twin brother Aidan arrive just in time to see Abigail and one of her teammates work together to score another goal. Charlotte and Aidan have come straight from rehearsal for The Little Mermaid where he plays Flotsam, one of Ursula’s pet eels.
“The Lady Panthers are dominating again, I see,” Charlotte says with a knowing grin.
“They’re having fun, and that’s what matters.” I pull Aidan into my arms for a quick hug. “How was rehearsal, buddy?”
His dark hazel eyes light up. “We got our costumes today.”
From the field, the teams rush back to their sides and the center kicks the ball back into play.
“Good thing we’ve been practicing with our heelys,” I say, offering him a high five. He wanted this part because of the added fun of skating around stage. That he can do it while singing and acting at the same time is a total mindbender. I can’t wait to see him perform in a few weeks.
He jumps to smack my palm while on the field, our defense stops a goal attempt.
“Nice hustle!” Charlotte shouts. Aiden joins in, cheering his sister on.
I slide my arm over Charlotte’s shoulder and kiss her temple. “I love you.”
She laughs, turning to kiss me. “I love you too, Q.B.”
***
After a celebratory pizza dinner in town, we stop at the Huttons to pick up Ruby, our six month old yellow lab, where she’s been learning the ropes of ranch life with their dogs today while we were busy with coaching and rehearsals. Losing Ollie girl hit us hard last year. She was my special pup, and back when Charlotte returned to Finn River, Ollie was the first one to break through her walls.
But when the Huttons invited us over to meet their litter of lab puppies, we all fell in love on the spot. The kids didn’t even have to beg to adopt one, and we took Ruby home at eight weeks. She has big shoes to fill, but she’s got a personality all her own that keep us entertained.
Once we’re home and the kids and Ruby are settled for the night, I meet Charlotte on the couch. While she sips a mug of tea and we talk about our day, I rub her feet under the blanket, delighting in the little moans she makes when I work out the tight spots in her slender arch.
And when the house is fully quiet, I take her hand and lead her to our bedroom. Her eyes shine with yearning as I caress the side of her face.
“I love you, Charlotte,” I say, and stroke to the back of her neck, beneath her silky hair. My love for her feels bigger with each passing day. Stronger. We’ve built a life together. A family. A home where love has grown deep roots.
There is nothing I wouldn’t do for her. I live for her smiles and the music she brings to my heart. For the way she fills my life with light and hope and joy.
She kisses me softly, her lips holding mine for a fraction of a second. “Show me.”
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