Harlequin Special Edition: February 2022--Box Set 1 of 2 by Jo McNally

Author:Jo McNally
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

“Come on, Dad. I have to get faster.”

Carson lined up the cones in the driveway the way Lauren commanded even as he shook his head. “Sweetheart, you are doing great in practice. You even scored a goal.”

“Only because Chloe was distracted by a butterfly that landed on the goalpost. She was protecting it and not the goal.”

Carson had noticed that but didn’t acknowledge it right now. What would be the point of that?

“Some of the girls already don’t like me because you made them cry. I need to be good so I can stay on the team.”

Just what he needed—another reminder of how he’d messed up so badly at her first soccer practice. Josh had helped him with the next one. Oddly, Carson didn’t want to give up his role, and was going to do his best to emulate Josh’s calm demeanor with the girls. It was a stretch, but he wouldn’t give up.

“It’s a little too early to set up a drivers ed parallel parking course.”

He and Lauren both turned at the sound of Tessa’s voice. She was coming up the hill in running shorts and an athletic tank top. Her hair was pulled back into a braid, and by the look of glistening sweat on her skin and the rosy glow on her face, it was clear she’d been out for a jog.

“It’s so I can train and get faster,” Lauren said proudly. “I’m gonna be a real athlete just like you.”

Tessa’s expression softened at his daughter’s words. There was no denying how much it meant to him that Tessa was so sweet with Lauren. He might not be certain that she was the best influence, but he appreciated her kindness toward his girl.

“I was never much of an athlete,” Tessa said as she got closer. She put her hands on her hips and rolled her shoulders. “Just know it’s never too late. Lauren, you can do whatever you set your mind to.”

Carson wanted to believe that was true but he had no facts to back it up, not when he understood the asthma that plagued his daughter could rear its ugly head at any time.

In her workout gear with her long legs and lean muscles, Tessa looked like an athlete. She didn’t look like somebody who had spent most of her life sick. He once again admired her resolve in making her life into what she wanted it to be.

Tessa patted Lauren’s shoulder. “I think your dedication is amazing. Maybe you’d like a training buddy?”

Lauren’s face lit with excitement at the offer. It was clear by the way Tessa glanced in his direction with a sheepish grimace that she’d made it without considering his potential disapproval.

I’m sorry, she mouthed before turning to Lauren again. “Actually, you and your dad can probably handle it. He can run you through some of his navy exercises.”

He laughed. “Let’s work up to that.”

“Daddy, can Tessa work out with me? Please.”

He should probably be offended that his kid was more interested

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