“Right.”

“So I understand you’ll be attending Rice as well, correct?”

He knows damn well that’s correct. Olivia and I have been planning to attend school together since starting high school. I didn’t care what school we went to so long as it had a kinesiology program, so when Olivia decided she wanted to go to Rice to train under Coach Naughton, I was on board. “That’s right.”

“Is that where you wanted to go or you’re just following my daughter’s dreams?”

My eyes narrow at the accusatory tone in his voice. “Olivia and I came up with a plan together.”

“That’s great. It’s sweet to see such young love.” He takes a step forward so that he’s face to face with me. The slight scowl on his face tells me he expected me to move aside but I don’t. I square my shoulders and meet his gaze head-on. “Have you thought about what comes after college? My daughter plans to go pro. She could end up anywhere.”

“Her career is what’s left to question. Once we graduate and she gets selected for a team, that’s where I’ll make my home base. I can do physical therapy anywhere.”

“How noble of you.”

“It’s not noble. Being together makes us happy, so we’ll do what we have to do to stay together.”

“And how long do you think that’ll last?”

“How long what’ll last?”

“Being happy.”

“With all due respect, sir, that’s none of your business. Olivia and I are good.”

He lets out a dry laugh. “None of my business. Funny. You misunderstand, son. I’m trying to help you because at the end of the day, Liv is my daughter so I know her better than you think. At some point, she will realize that sacrifices have to be made to have the career she wants. I’m just trying to get you to see the inevitable.”

He doesn’t know Olivia at all. Both he and his ex-wife have tried molding Olivia into carbon copies of themselves and they’ve both failed. It drives her dad crazy that she isn’t some robot he can control, and I can’t do anything but laugh at his pitiful show of power. I pat him on the shoulder and step around him. “Have a good night, Mr. Harding. I’m gonna go find Olivia.”

Kai

Nineteen Years Old

She’s pregnant. Holy shit, Olivia is pregnant.

I’m not surprised since we were lax with protection but I’m…in awe. A baby, with the love of my life. It’s early—way earlier than we planned—but I’m beyond happy.

We’re holding off on telling the family for now until we see them for Thanksgiving, but I’m already in planning mode. I’ve asked my boss at H-E-B if I can work more hours, and I’m going to look for a second job for the summer. The baby is due in June so I’ll have to be mindful of that, but I’m grateful that we’ll get to at least finish out sophomore year and have the summer to get acquainted with parenthood before having to balance classes.