Begin Again

Chapter 3

Alex POV

"Why are you so nervous?" Taylor asks me.

I jump up and down, "I'm not nervous. I'm excited."

"Excited that your crush is coming?" She teases.

I groan, "I should've never told you."

"Well, I mean you were gushing about your morning yesterday at the meeting. You wouldn't shut up about it." She says.

I punch her shoulder.

She raises her hands in surrender, "Hey, I'm happy for you. I want to meet her."

I nod, "You all will eventually. I just have to take this slow because we have kids and because, well-"

"Because what?" She asks.

I sigh, "She's a widow. Her wife died like six months ago."

Her eyes widen, "Whoa. Like whoa."

I bob my head, "Yeah. So I'm really taking it slow."

She claps my shoulder, "Well, it'll all work out. Will you point her out to me?"

I smile and nod, "Yeah."

We walk out and get onto the pitch.

We start warming up and I look around in search of Charlie, who I find quickly.

I then look next to her and see Mack and Riley.

I smile and wave to which they return.

I turn around and we finish warming up.

I quickly jaunt over, "Hi my Charlie!"

"Hi momma! Look! Riley and her momma are here!"

I smile and glance over at Mack and Riley.

"They are, huh? Goodluck kiss?"

She nods and my dad holds her over so that I can kiss her.

I walk to Mack and Riley.

"Hi, Alex!" Riley says.

I chuckle, "Hi! Have fun, yeah? See you guys after?"

They nod, "Go get 'em!"

I smile and jog away, into the locker room.

'Butterflies.'

Mack POV

"Okay. Spill. You like her." I turn with wide eyes to my mom.

I gulp then sigh and nod.

"Mom, I miss Ally still so much. She was the best thing that happened to me, gave me Riley. I don't even know if I'm ready, but Alex- I don't know how to explain it, she's funny, caring, and she has a way of making me spill my guts."

"She makes you feel safe just like Ally did." My mom says.

I look up, "I just don't know if I'm ready or if Ally would want that."

My mom kisses my head, "Ally would want you to be happy. To have someone to take care of you and Riley."

I sniffle and wipe my eyes, "I know you're right."

"Mack, you've been so strong through all of this. Time to let someone in to help take care of you."

I nod, "Thanks, mom."

We watch as the game gets started.

"I guess I'm going to have to learn about soccer." I say.

My mom laughs, "Just like you learned about football for Ally."