Christian’s face lights up. “Can I, Mom?”

How can I possibly say no to that?

“Yes, but please be careful with him?” I plead with Joel, not caring in the least if I sound overprotective.

Christian rushes to the court and Joel bends down next to my son, hands him the basketball he’d just been dribbling, and they exchange a few words back and forth. My heart hammers in my chest as I watch them so easily interact. I take my seat, sitting forward so I can watch Christian as he crosses the court. Ray Roadrunner is standing on the sidelines next to the cheerleaders, and Joel leads him over and the mascot raises his hand for a high five which Christian slaps, and then Ray feigns like Christian has hurt his hand.

Next, Joel takes him around to the guys and each one gives him a fist bump. Christian’s smile couldn’t get any bigger. And then just when I think they’re about to head back my way, Joel picks Christian up like he weighs nothing and places him on his shoulders. The team clears the way and Joel steps to the basket and encourages Christian to shoot. The ball goes up and in and the team cheers. So does the crowd. I look up to see Christian and Joel being displayed on the jumbotrons for all the fans to see.

Christian is beaming when he turns in my direction to make sure I saw. I clap from my seat and can’t help but laugh at how happy he is out there. It’s a universal truth that the way to a woman’s heart is through her kids. My chest is rising and falling rapidly, betraying any chill feelings I might want to display as Joel brings Christian back to our seats.

“Mom, did you see that?”

“Yes!” I hug him against me. “That was amazing, buddy.”

Looking up to Joel, I smile. I expect him to be regarding me with a smirk and maybe a parting jab, but the expression on his face as he watches me and Christian is soft and sincere. As I prompt Christian to tell Joel thank you, and do the same myself, Joel simply nods and steps away to rejoin his team.

Joel was right, there’s nothing like being in Ray Fieldhouse on game day. Since it’s the last home game, the senior players are brought out to a lot of applause. When Wes is introduced, the place gets to their feet to honor Blair’s boyfriend who was injured earlier in the season. I look around for her and spot her in the student section jumping up and down wildly.

Much to my surprise and happiness, Christian stays glued to the action for the first half. He cheers especially loud for Joel and waves his foam finger and Joel cutout high in the air. When the buzzer signals halftime, we stand.

“Want to grab some popcorn?” I ask him and he answers by darting to the aisle. Grabbing on to his hand, I feel eyes on me and look up to see Isa smiling at us.