Page 134 of Coach

We were somewhat hands-off parents with mostly independent kids.

But the Novikoff kids were almost feral.

“Mom,” our youngest said, letting out an epic sigh.

“Yeah, honey?” I asked, running my fingers through her hair.

“I gave it a try.”

“Hmm?

“Karate. You said I had to give it a try.”

She gave it more than a try. My little perfectionist had busted her butt to get good at it.

“Okay…”

“I don’t want to do it anymore.”

“Oh, well, okay,” I agreed. “You know your father and I kind of want you guys to each have one physical activity and one more mental hobby, though.”

“I know. I want to try something new.”

“That’s great. What do you want to try?”

“Soccer.”

My stomach sank, but I forced a smile on my lips. “Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah. I’m good at it.”

“I think that’s a great idea then. We will sign you up as soon as the season starts then.”

Happy with my decision, she skipped forward to join her brother.

“You handled that really well,” Saul said, wrapping an arm around me. “I’m proud of you.”

“We want the kids to explore their interests,” I said. Then, with a little smile for Saul. “And the local soccer coach is part of my mom’s group.”

Saul leaned over, pressing a kiss to my temple as we watched the kids run up our front porch to greet their siblings.

“Crazy,” I said.

“What is?”

“All of this because I fell off a ladder and into your arms,” I said. “Been falling for you ever since.”

“And I’ll always be here to catch you.”

XX