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Avery and Hailey started cracking up and Hailey took a minute to survey the field. Mia was kicking a ball back and forth with her twelve new best friends and Trevor was petting Wrigley while making hesitant conversation with Cole’s niece. Well, niece by marriage.

“You ready for today, Coach?” Avery asked Cole. Cole fanned his face and said, “God, I love it when you talk dirty to me. Can’t believe you’d do it in front of your wife, but damn.”

Hailey backhanded him lightly across his shoulder, “What aboutyourwife, huh mister?”

“Oh, well he can do that in front of her, too.”He’s such a little shit. And we all love him for it.

“Anyway,” Avery interrupted, “everything is ready for after. I’ve got the permit so we can use the gazebo in the park. Can’t believe we’ll finally get to see Abby after so long.”

“I know, right? Feels like it’s been years even though it’s only been like four months this time.” Hailey added.

“I can’t wait to see all their pictures. Forget this game and let’s just go right to lunch!” Cole pleaded.

Abby had been backpacking across South Asia with her husband. Years back, they decided to take time off to travel and decide what to do with their lives when Abby’s travel blog went viral. Now, they got paid to travel and produce these web videos to help other people plan their vacations.

Hailey was doing just as well for herself. Her first book was a big hit and she ended up writing an entire series to follow it. Now, she was working with an artist about possibly turning it into a graphic novel series. And Avery was her biggest fan.

“Dude, your kid is in this game, too, remember? I think they’d like it if they got to play. Along with Mia,” Avery pointed out. Cole may have been a little shit, but he certainly loved kids.

“And that is why you’re the voice of reason in our relationship,” Cole offered.

A kid with dark brown curly hair and bright blue eyes ran up to them at that point, grabbing Cole by the arm. “Dad, where’s my inhaler?”

Cole gave a quick look of concern to the boy and then seemed to relax when he realized his son wasn’t currently needing the inhaler, he just wanted to have it ready for the game. Cole bent over so his eyes were at the same level as his son’s and he said, “Brooklyn, see that super hot woman over there.” He lifted an arm and they all followed where he was pointing. “The one in thegreen top, with the silky black hair and beautiful smile? Oh, nope, now she’s glaring, but she’s still beautiful.”

Brooklyn turned to Cole with a disgusted look on his face. “Dad, that’s Mom.”

“Damn right it is. Anyway, she’s got your inhaler.”

He ran away confused as the adults were left behind laughing.

“Did you ever think we’d all be here like this?” Hailey asked Cole and Avery. They both looked at each other and shared a smile before turning back to Hailey.

“Yes,” they said at the same time, except Avery also slid a hand behind her back and pulled her into his side, placing a kiss on her forehead. He was worth the wait.

The End