“I can’t believe that some of your cheer friends haven’t reached out on social media to use you.” I smiled at her to let her know I was joking.

She laughed. It made my stomach quiver again. “I finally had to block Missy because she was incessant. I guess she’s still in Oak Grove. She’s been married twice and has at least one child. She wanted more of my time than I could give her. And all the perks that football wives got.”

I crinkled my nose. “What kind of perks do you get?”

Another laugh. Another quiver. “I’m sure you get a lot of products that companies want you to endorse.”

“I never responded to any of my emails. I know we have a whole public relations team that fields stuff like that to our agents, but I always delete them.” It never dawned on me that my voice would be heard. Now that I was the first at something, the world would be listening. “Think of all the macaroni and cheese commercials I could be doing.”

“That’s your social responsibility? Mac and cheese commercials?”

I pretended to be shocked. “We all eat it. Why wouldn’t I promote something so All-American?” This entire exchange was cheesy, pun intended, but I could see her shoulders relax and the worry lines around her mouth and forehead soften.

“My girls love it. And there are healthy options.”

“Or maybe I should work with a publishing company so I get free books donated to my charity.”

She sat up straight so fast that I leaned back. “You should ask your agent to look into that.”

“I should answer my agent’s calls more. I’m sure he fields a lot of requests. I’ve been spread so thin this year that it’s impossible to pick and choose. I need sleep, you know.” I finished my water. “It’s getting late. I should go.” I didn’t know if Grayson was coming home tonight and I felt guilty for being here. I darted to the kitchen and put my glass in the sink. I felt Parker’s body heat before I even turned around.

“Sutton.”

The way she said it made my weakened resolve fall apart. I pressed my palms against the counter for a moment to gather any strength I could before I turned to face her. Her eyes always told the truth when her guard was down. The last sixteen years weren’t easy on her. I hated that there was a part of me that hoped she was suffering. The woman in front of me was in agony.

I pulled her close and ran my fingertip along her jaw. She was still my first love. Still the woman I wanted most in this world. I could tell she was holding her breath, waiting for me to decide. The universe brought us together once and fate stepped in the second time.

“Parker.”