Consider Me (Playing For Keeps, #1)

by Becka Mack

“Carter?” she calls suddenly, the words thick with sleep. Her eyes are still closed, and I think she might be dreaming. “Yeah, princess?” “What if I fall in love with you?” “Then I’ll fall with you, too, Ollie girl.”

“Describe her to me,” Hank whispers. “She’s…she…” I squeeze my eyes shut for the briefest moment, because I don’t wanna miss a second of this. “I can’t. I’m sorry.” There are no words. She’s like…waking up on Christmas morning when you’re three years old and you finally understand what it’s all about. She’s the moment the rain stops and the sun comes out, lighting up the sky with color, and everything smells new and fresh. She’s the first skate on a frozen lake, surrounded by snowy mountains and pine trees and the freshest breath of air. She’s rolling over in the middle of the night, pulling that warm body into yours

It’s when Hank’s halfway through his speech that she really starts to lose her shit. “Carter, son, I know the day we met…well, I know it was probably the worst day of your life. And gosh, how I wish we could’ve met under better circumstances. But, well, meeting you was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I truly believe that Ireland set us on a path to meet, and your dad, too, and I’m grateful every damn day for that. Ireland and I couldn’t have kids, and I may not have met you until I was halfway out the door, but the second you walked into my life I knew you were special. You filled a hole in my heart that nobody else could, and I know for damn sure that my Ireland would’ve loved you, and that your dad is looking down on you today, proud as all hell of the man you’ve become. Olivia…my God. I’m glad I can’t see. I can hear you sobbing, and seeing that would break my old heart.”