“I love you, too, Mom. But about college...”

“It’s going to be fine. Keith and I have talked about it. We’re going to get a house together that is comfortable for all of us. Lissa has already been looking online and she can’t wait for you to get back so you two can talk about it. You’re right, I will be keeping our house for income property. That will help pay for Stanford, and Keith is paying the rest of it.”

Because he wanted to and as he’d pointed out, he’d made good money in the NFL and he wanted to spend it on something that mattered. If she hadn’t already totally been in love with him, that statement would have pushed her over the edge.

“Don’t worry about money or me or anything but enjoying your senior year and keeping up your grades so you can go to Stanford, Coop. That’s what matters to me.”

He nodded, then fell into step with her. “Is there going to be a wedding soon? You know all the guys will want to come, so you’ll have to order a lot of food. And can we wear tuxes because I look good in a tux. And, Mom, you totally have to wear a dress and everything because you’ll be a beautiful bride and I know Lissa wants to be a bridesmaid. And I can stay with Luka when you go on your honeymoon. Lissa should probably stay somewhere else, because they’re like together and I don’t want to be responsible for her because if I messed up Coach would be mad.”

He stopped again and stared at her. “Mom, Coach is going to be my stepdad.” He grinned. “The guys are going to be so jealous. And for the new house, Lissa and I can’t share a bathroom. She will hog it all the time because you know how girls are.”

“How long have the two of you been talking about Coach and me getting together?”

“I don’t know. A couple of years. She swore there was something going on, but I didn’t think you were interested in him at all. I mean you never dated and stuff. I was worried about you.”

She thought about the conversation she’d overheard nearly two months ago. “That was very sweet of you, but not necessary. I’m going to be just fine.”

“I know. You’ll have Coach. I’m happy. This is a great day.”

She linked arms with him and thought about the promise that was their future. “It really is, Coop. Come on. Let’s go home.”

Unity signed everywhere the escrow officer indicated. It took only a few minutes to finish with all the paperwork.

“That’s it,” the pretty, dark-haired woman said with a smile. “The buyers have already signed, so we should fund later today and close tomorrow. As we discussed, the proceeds will be wired to your bank and be available the day after.”