“Coach, congratulations on the win. How important was it?” Monica asked.

“Nice to see you again, Monica. Today’s win was everything. It showed the world that the Cheetahs should be taken seriously and that we aren’t stopping and we’re not giving up.”

“You led the entire game. Was it hard to adjust to the game as it progressed?”

“Not at all. I feel like we had the advantage.”

“How so?” she asked.

“We watched games of the Browns from last season to get ready and they didn’t have any games of us to watch. They adjusted well, just not enough to win the game.”

“I know you have some celebrating to do. One final question. How’s the journey been to get here at this point?”

“It’s been both wonderful and strenuous, but worth it.”

“I know you’ve worked hard, Coach McCoy. Congrats again on a very memorable and emotional win.” I heard Grayson behind me so when I turned to congratulate him on a great first game, I wasn’t expecting Parker and their daughters to be on the field with him. I hated that she looked so perfect. She was wearing shorts and a Cheetahs jersey with Moats across the back. Seeing them kiss cut my great mood in half.

“Great game, Grayson.” I nodded at him.

“Same to you, Coach!” He had to yell over the crowd of reporters who surrounded him.

“Sutton!” my dad shouted.

Brandon was escorting him to me. I met them halfway and hugged my dad tightly. We were both crying. I didn’t care that we were in a field of cameras and interviews. My dad, the person who inspired me the most and stopped living his life so we could focus on mine, was here.

“I’m so proud of you. You did it, Sutton. You did it.” His aftershave took me back to when I was in high school. I could tell he’d lost weight. He said it was to be healthier, but I thought it was because he was slimming down for his new girlfriend.

“Wait a minute. Judy’s here and you left her in the stands?”

He wiped away his tears and laughed. “Well, security only grabbed me.”

“Dad, I’m going to have to give you dating tips because leaving your girlfriend in the stands isn’t going to get you any brownie points.”

“Mr. McCoy?” Parker said from behind me. “Hi. I don’t know if you remember me, but I used to go to Oak Grove with Sutton.”

My worlds were colliding again. I never told Dad that Grayson and Parker got married. The look of surprise on my father’s face couldn’t be faked.

“Of course, I remember you. Parker O’Neal. It’s good to see you again,” Dad said.

She put her hand on his hand briefly. “You look happy andwell.”