It's Time

Boundless

I can't believe it's already the season opener. This feels so different from where Spencer and I were just one year ago. I sit back, thinking about how Jace had just come into our lives and how I was finally getting to experience my first game of Spencer's professional career as his girlfriend. We were still navigating what it meant to find each other again; everything was fresh and new. Now, I share his last name. Unlike this time last year, I'm holding our four-month-old baby girls in my arms, and our son sits proudly beside me, displaying his daddy's number. I guess they aren't lying when they say so much can change in a year.

Sienna babbles in my lap before reaching out for her brother. I'm not surprised; these kids have an unbreakable bond. I quickly oblige, bringing a smile to both of my baby's faces.

"Save some cuddles for Gigi." Ms. Grace teases while reaching out for my remaining kid. Again, I quickly oblige. Being kid-free gives me more time to scan the field for my husband.

I'm sure my mom would be begging for her chance at one of the babies if she wasn't already completely consumed with Sanai. She's in grandma heaven with all of her grandbabies in one place.

"There he is." Simone points, and finally, I see him. My number eleven. This may only be my second season by his side, but this is how it was always supposed to be. Sitting in the stands supporting him, I feel at home.

I wave at him like a crazed teenager, and he winks back at me. My heart races like it does every time I see my husband. Even after everything, sometimes I can't believe I get to live the life I love with him and our beautiful babies.

Simone looks around, trying to hide her brewing disappointment.

"He'll be here." I squeeze her shoulder reassuringly.

"I hope you're right, Liv. He's been so angry." Her eyes instantly fall to her lap as she fidgets with her wedding ring.

I gulp as I begin to think about the last conversation I had with my brother. I quickly wash away the negativity. Today is a good day.

"Babygirl," My dad scoots beside me. "Have I told you lately how proud of you I am?"

"Thanks, daddy." I lean into his embrace. "I really needed this. We really needed this."

My dad looks up, and his prior joyous mood quickly transitions into a more serious one.

"Son." He clears his throat.

I quickly turn to face my brother. I can't believe— I know I told Simone... but I didn't really— he's here.

"Jor– you came?" My lower lip trembles as I fight to hold back tears.

He slowly lowers his eyes to meet mine.

"We're family." He says, gripping my shoulder. "He's my family."

"This is going to mean everything to him, Jordan. This means everything to me." I start to tear up as I think about the last time we spoke to one another.

"Hey, J. I gotta talk to you." Spencer greets Jordan as he walks through our front door.

"What's up, man? Can't stay long. Simone and I are taking the baby to the park." He mindlessly moves past Spencer and grabs a water bottle from the fridge.

I sit at the kitchen table, focused on my laptop, pretending not to pay attention. I told Spencer we should do this together, but he insisted he have the conversation alone. If there was a fallout from this, he didn't want my relationship with Jordan to be collateral damage.

"My agent called." Spencer starts.

"I told you, bro. It was just a matter of a few signatures. Congrats, my guy." He sticks his hand out, expecting to do their signature handshake.