Just for Kicks by Tracy Solheim

Twenty-Three

* * *

ANDI TWISTEDA strand of her hair around her finger before hastily tucking it back behind her ear.

“Are you sure my outfit is okay? Should I have not worn jeans? Maybe I should have worn a dress? Or at least a skirt?”

“Relax.” Draping an arm across her shoulders, Dex pulled her closer to his side of the seat they shared in the back of a cab. “My family will adore you even if you were dressed in a paper bag.” He brushed his lips along her forehead.

Easy for him to say. The people they were about to meet had gifted him with unconditional love for thirty years. What did that even feel like? She shivered slightly.

He rubbed his palm up and down her arm. Even through the barrier of the leather jacket she’d thrown over a cashmere sweater, his touch made her skin tingle. It boggled her mind that despite an afternoon with his body wrapped around hers, she still ached for him. Even when he was sitting right beside her. She snuggled in closer, hoping to soak up some of his confidence in her. At least if they rejected her, she’d still have him by her side.

Hopefully.

“Have you been fretting about this all day?”

“No. Of course not,” she lied.

They had arrived in London earlier that morning. After clearing immigration, the team and its entourage were shuttled off to a sprawling resort north of London. Despite being a long cab ride from the stadium downtown, the location was chosen because there was a rugby field on the grounds where the team could practice. The posh hotel rooms and Michelin-rated restaurants were an added bonus.

Most of the WAGS hurried to take advantage of the spa while the team ran through a light workout and drills once they’d settled in. Pleading jet lag, Andi headed to their suite for some rest, but she’d been too jumpy to sleep. She’d been texting or emailing with Dex’s sister and mother for days now. Both women could not have been more enthusiastic and excited about meeting her.

But what if they were just being polite? Being nice because they were desperate to spend time with Dex? What if they don’t accept me?

As much as she tried to stifle the doubts, they refused to be quiet. It was the story of her life, after all. Even grateful and awed by his love as she was, Andi was ashamed to admit she selfishly wanted more. Waiting for her at a London restaurant was the one thing she’d given up hoping for some time ago. A family. One she could call hers. She crossed her fingers in her lap.

“I just don’t want to embarrass you.” Or to give them any reason to reject me.

He placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted her eyes to meet his twinkling gray ones. “Lass, it’s more likely my family will do the embarrassing. They are a raucous and wild clan when you get them all in one place. You might find yourself sorry you wished so hard for a family.”

“I doubt they are that bad.”

He laughed. “Ya ken? All right, then don’t stand too close to Aunt Janna. The woman spits like a rainstorm when she talks. Aunt Claire has six kids and so many grands, I’ve lost count. Be careful she doesn’t back you into a corner and monopolize you with endless photos. Oh, and avoid Uncle Reginald, too. He has a fondness for Old Spice which wouldn’t be so bad if he still had his sense of smell.”

Andi laughed when he wrinkled his nose and waved a hand in front of his face. She appreciated his attempt at calming her racing nerves. By the time they pulled up to the restaurant, her mood was lighter.

“I’ve got you, lass,” he murmured against her ear when he helped her out of the cab. “Never forget that.”

If a heart could smile, hers most definitely would.

The hostess led them to a back room crowded with people all seeming to be talking at once. Dex hadn’t exaggerated when he’d called his family raucous. Her stomach did a little nervous flip as she hesitated in the doorway. Beside her, Dex let out a loud whistle and the room quieted instantly as each and every one of the occupants turned in their direction. Her heart was beating so loudly, she was sure the entire Fletcher clan heard it.

With a soft cry, a woman emerged from the center of the room. His mother. My mother-in-law. Andi’s stomach fluttered again as she shifted out of the way to give the other woman access to her son. She was stunned, however, when Rose Fletcher wrapped her arms around her instead.

Just as suddenly, there was a throng of people lining up to envelope Andi in welcoming hugs. Names were thrown out, none of which she would be able to remember, but she didn’t care. She was too busy soaking up the love being showered upon her. Beside her, Dex was enduring some good-natured ribbing and congratulations on their hasty wedding. Their gazes locked and he arched an eyebrow as if to say “see what I mean?”

“Look, they’re already sharing secret looks.” Annis’ announcement was followed by more teasing and laughter.

Her new sister-in-law threaded her arm through Andi’s and guided her to one of the tables. Annis was even more beautiful than her photos. She had the same dimple as her older brother, only on her it looked mischievous.

“You have no idea how happy I am to have a sister,” the younger woman gushed. “I’ve been waiting all my life for you, Andi.”

Sister. Not ever sister-in-law. Annis’ declaration had tears of joy forming at the back of Andi’s eyes.

“I’m so glad you and Declan found each other. I’ve worried about him being alone over there in America.” The younger woman donned a bemused smile as she peeked back at her brother. “But now he has you. And I can tell by just looking at him, you make him happy. I don’t think I’ve seen him this relaxed . . . well, ever.” Her smile brightened, if that was even possible, when she turned her attention back to Andi. “And now, he can spend his time being over-protective of you instead of me.”

She threw in a saucy wink that had Andi grinning widely.

“Ah, so my job is to run interference?”

“Something like that.” Annis sobered up. “In all seriousness, I’m really looking forward to getting to know you better. Anyone who can capture Declan’s heart has to be pretty special.”

“Your brother is kind of special himself.”

“Oh, don’t I know it? But don’t you dare tell him I said so!”

The two broke out in another round of laughter just as the tinkling of a glass sounded throughout the room.

“Everyone, please take your places. Dinner is served,” her father-in-law announced.

Dex made his way between them, wrapping an arm around each of their waists. “Something tells me I may have to keep my eye on my two favorite lasses,” he murmured. His sister jabbed him playfully with her elbow.

“A toast!” Doug Fletcher lifted his glass into the air. “Congratulations Declan and Andi. May all your days be happy ones! Great health and every good blessing to ya.” He shifted his gaze to focus on her. “Andi, my love. Welcome to the Fletcher clan. We have a saying in Scotland that goes like this: The strength of a family is in the loyalty to each other. You are one of us now, lass. You will never be alone. Slàinte mhath!”

Everyone in the room echoed Douglas Fletcher’s toast. Andi swallowed roughly before taking a sip from her glass. The joy she felt bubbled up every nerve ending. Dex held her closer. When she looked up at him, he touched his forehead to hers.

“I told you they’d love you, lass.”

Annis laughed beside them. “I ken they love her a wee bit more than you, big brother.”

“That will change when the check comes around,” he joked.

Dinner was filled with laughter and stories. Andi hardly recalled if she even ate anything. Her mouth was too busy smiling to swallow any food. All the times she’d imagined having a family—a clan—she’d never imagined the depth of joy she’d feel knowing she was a part of something bigger than her. You will never be alone. She let the words wash over her again and again until at last, they sunk in.

The party broke up a few hours later with plans made for Andi to have lunch with the Fletcher women the next day followed by a tour of London and dinner with the entire group again.

“Is it the goal of everyone in this bloody family to monopolize my wife’s time all week?” Dex complained halfheartedly when they were alone with his parents and Annis in the hotel room he’d booked for them downtown.

“You’ve had her all to yourself for nearly three months now,” his mother argued while patting Andi’s hand. “It won’t kill you to share her with the rest of her family.”

“Besides, we don’t want her spending too much time with you, brother,” Annis teased. “We can’t have her changing her mind.”

Douglas Fletcher chuckled as he handed his wife a cup of tea. “Give it up, Declan. The balance of power in our family has shifted. It’s now three against two.”

Dex shot her a pained look. One that almost had Andi feeling sorry for him. Except that she was too busy enjoying the moment of her dreams. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with everyone. Especially since it will likely take me a few days to learn all their names.”

“And this isn’t even everyone in the family,” Annis added. “Just wait until you get to Scotland next week. Half the town is practically related somehow.”

Dex went still beside her. His mother shot an anxious look at her husband. In all the texts and phone calls she’d exchanged with his family these past few days, there had never been any discussion of them traveling to Scotland after the game. Andi had certainly hoped they would, but that was before his revelations aboard the plane last night.

His family didn’t understand the depth of his guilt like she did. As much as she believed his blame was unfounded, he needed to do this on his own terms. Even it meant disappointing his parents.

She found his hand beside her and laced her fingers with his, silently communicating her support. “Unfortunately, we have to head back to Wisconsin after the game. I can’t miss another week of classes.” She hated lying to his parents, but she’d do what she had to in order to shield Dex from any more pain than he already carried.

Rose Fletcher’s sigh sounded a lot like a sob caught in her throat. Dex jerked at the sound.

“But what about the blessing of the rings ceremony Ma has planned?” Annis said, her eyes wide with concern.

Andi watched as Dex exchanged a look with his father. There was no censure in Douglas Fletcher’s eyes. Instead, he seemed to be pleading with his son.

Tell them.She gave his hand an encouraging squeeze. The air around them crackled with tension. A long moment later, Dex sighed heavily. He returned the hand squeeze.

“Didn’t you say your professors would be willing to let you sit in on your classes online if we could work it out?” he surprised the heck out of her by asking.

Andi was sure of it now. Her heart was definitely smiling.

“Aye, Highlander,” she replied. “And I’m sure we can work that out.”

* * *

DEX WASN’TSURE which he found more satisfying, kicking the game winning field goal in Wembley Stadium with his parents, extended family, and friends cheering him on, or watching his beautiful wife get swallowed up in the bosom of his family. The Fletcher clan embraced her as one of their own from the moment they laid eyes on her.

How could they not?he thought to himself happily. His wife was perfect.

And she was his.

Every so often he’d catch his mother smiling adoringly at her. Then Ma would look over at him and grin gloriously. His sister Annis declared it a miracle that any woman would commit to spending the rest of her life with her stodgy old brother. Dex thought it pretty miraculous himself, not that he admitted anything of the sort to his sister.

Somehow, arrangements were made for them to return to Scotland for the bye week. Palmer and his da, along with Coach and his family, were already headed that way. It didn’t take him long to convince his buddies Van Horn and Kessler to tag along. The festivities began as soon as they landed, capped off by the parish priest’s blessing of their marriage in front of over a hundred guests and a reception afterwards. He could only marvel at his mother’s efforts.

“You didn’t expect your ma to not throw a party celebrating your marriage, did ya?” His father asked with a grin.

A week ago, Dex hadn’t expected his family to even meet Andi, much less that the two of them would be traveling back home after a decade away. Yet, here they were. Surrounded by everyone he’d ever known, it seemed. And the angst that normally gripped him whenever he contemplated returning to Scotland had faded away. So, too, the loneliness. Until now, he hadn’t realized just how lonely he had been all these years.

And it was all thanks to one extraordinary lass. Her selflessness and steadfast support the other night shattered whatever bindings remained on his heart. He glanced over at his wife, beaming radiantly among the guests lined up to meet her. Thanks to her, he’d never be lonely again. Thanks to her, he’d overcome the painful memories of the past. And thanks to her, he could finally exorcise the rest of his guilt.

She seemed to feel the pull of his gaze because she looked over at him. Dex tilted his head slightly and she nodded.

“Aye, Da. It’s a smashing party. As usual, Ma has outdone herself.” He slapped his father on the shoulder. “There’s something I need to take care. Cover for me, will ya?”

“I ken. I’d best go see about your rowdy teammates. The way Palmer is sashaying around in that kilt, he’s likely to flash one of the old ladies from the parish.” His father winked at him before heading in the direction of Ma’s garden. “And if you’re thinking of disappearing with your new wife, don’t. Your ma has a cake she’ll be wanting the two of you to cut.”

Dex nodded. As much as he wanted to sneak off with Andi and have his way with her, there was something he needed to take care of first. His palms grew sweaty as he made his way through the hall to the terrace where guests were taking advantage of the rare sunny late autumn day. He’d seen Colleen head in that direction earlier. It was a surprise to find her in attendance, but he suspected his cagey wife had something to do with it. Yet another thing to be grateful to Andi for.

He would recognize Niall’s son anywhere. The boy had the same shock of burnt orange hair and impish smile. Dex stood still for a moment watching him dribble a football around the grass with another man. Memories of two other young boys doing the same flashed before his eyes. He couldn’t help but smile.

“Da!” the boy called in an effort to get the man’s attention.

Dex flinched.

“He’s the only father Patrick has ever known,” Colleen said from beside him.

The guilt he thought he’d managed to bury surged to the surface.

“Don’t,” Colleen admonished him. “Don’t feel guilty.”

Anger replaced the guilt as he turned to face her. She dared to say that to him now?

“An apology is long overdue.” She’d changed over the years. Grown prettier if that was possible. But there was something more, something that hadn’t been there when he last saw her. Peace.

“Although had you come home once in a while, I might have gotten to this earlier.” Her cheeky smile only served to anger him more.

“I didn’t come home because I was honoring your bloody wishes,” he bit out.

She breathed a forlorn sigh. “I know. I guess I underestimated your thoughtfulness. Most people would have ignored my ultimatum after a few years. But not you. Your stubbornness is legendary.”

“This was a bloody mistake.” Peeved beyond belief, he turned to head back to the party.

“No.” She stayed him with her hand to his arm. “I’m glad for the opportunity for you to finally hear me out.” Dragging in a deep breath, she gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “I was wrong to blame you. I was devastated and scared, not to mention young and stupid. And I took it out on you. I shouldn’t have.”

The tension gripping his shoulders began to ease. He opened his mouth to respond, but she shook her head.

“Let me finish. I knew he was unhappy, but I didn’t want to examine things too closely. The truth is, I didn’t want to find out if I was the cause of his unhappiness.”

“Coll.” Dex took her hand in his. “He adored you.”

She smiled grimly. “Aye. But did you know he was offered a scholarship to play golf at university in America?”

Her revelation had the tension gripping him all over again. Niall had never told him that. The knowledge stung. “No. I didnae.”

What else had his best friend kept from him?

“I suspect he might have gone had I not gotten pregnant.”

There was an ominous tone to her words that had him bracing for another blow.

“I trapped him, Dex. I found out about the scholarship and I got pregnant on purpose. I was so afraid of losing him.”

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. He pulled her into a fierce hug.

“It was immature and desperate. I see that now,” she said against his chest. “I blamed you for the accident so I didn’t have to blame myself. But I’ve learned through lots of therapy that I wasn’t responsible for Niall’s decision that night. And neither were you.”

He held her close for several long moments, both of them shedding the weight of guilt that had been dogging them.

“I can’t regret getting pregnant either,” she eventually said. “Because at least there will always be a piece of him living on through Patrick.”

He looked over at the boy, racing with a group of kids across the lawn. “Aye,” he consoled her. “That there will be.”

Colleen pulled away and swiped at her eyes. “I’d like for you to be a part of his life, Dex. I know Niall would want that, too.”

A boulder had formed in his throat, so he simply nodded.

She arched an eyebrow at him. “I hope we won’t have to come to the States for that, though.”

“Nah. We’ll be back.”

“I hope so. This is your home. I should never have taken it away from you.”

Harper’s laughter had him turning toward the doorway. Andi held the little girl in her arms as she swayed to the music drifting from inside. The two bowed their heads together so their foreheads were touching. His chest grew tight just watching them. He couldn’t wait for the day when she held their child so joyfully.

“She has the way of him, too.”

Colleen’s soft words had him turning back to her abruptly.

She smiled knowingly. “Andi has that same effervescence for life that Niall had. I can see why you love her.”

There were so many reasons why he loved Andi. But he was glad Colleen thought she was remarkable, too.

“Aye, Coll. She’s something special all right.”