“Dad, here are more burgers,” Andrea’s brother John says as he comes out back from the kitchen sliding door. He brings a plate of hand-molded burger meat to his dad, who’s manning the grill. His gaze skitters to me, then looks away. As he’s done about fifty times now since we got here.

Andrea leans in and whispers, “He’s nervous. He idolized you when you were pitching.” She sighs with a chuckle. “But didn’t we all?”

I brush my lips across her temple. “How’s it going today? You uncomfortable? We can leave at any time.”

She shoots me a look of gratitude, and my heart gives that same painful throb of love I experience whenever we’re together. “I…admit, I was very anxious coming here.”

“I know.” She kept fidgeting with her hands in her lap until I put on her favorite music playlist to help distract her. I rub her back and let my hand drift to caress the top curves of her ass. We’re facing the yard, near the fence. No one can see us.

Her breathing grows rapid, and she melts against me. “It’s not as bad as I thought it would be. They’ve been pretty quiet to me. I think they’re eating some humble pie.”

Her dad comes over with two plates bearing burgers. “Just the way you guys like them. For our family celebrities.” I study his face hard as he says this, making sure there’s no sarcasm in his voice. But I only detect shy admiration.

“Thank you,” I say with a quick nod. “Looks delicious.” As long as he’s trying to make an effort with her, I’ll make one with him.

They recognize they fucked up, had it backward. Andrea was the one all along in their family who had the toughness to cut it in the sports industry. And seeing her rebuild without them, standing on her own two feet and remaining steadfast in her goals, really drove that home for them.

Andrea digs into her burger and moans. “This is great. Thanks, Dad.”

He gives her a genuine smile and leaves to go back to the grill. I put my plate down on the table and follow him over.

“Need any help?” I ask smoothly.

His laugh is nervous. “No. Sorry. I…I still can’t believe you’re here. The boys want to ask you to sign everything in the house, but they’re afraid of bugging you. You’re an inspiration to them. To us.”

“I’m only here because your daughter is an inspiration to me,” I say bluntly. I look down at him, since I’m a few inches taller, and make sure he sees the intent in my eyes. “I hope that in the future, you’ll recognize that. She’s an amazing woman.”

His cheeks turn a dusky pink. He doesn’t say anything, just swallows. I can see the shame flitting in his eyes.

“We’re family now,” I continue. “And even though things were rough between you guys, I know she’s glad to have you.” My mom’s face pops in my mind, and I feel that same bittersweet tug that I always do when I think of her. She would have adored Andrea, I’m sure. A woman after her own heart. “You’ll have to come visit us in the city sometime. We can take in a game. I can get us VIP tickets to meet the team.”

His jaw drops, and he blinks. “Really? That would be amazing.” He realizes the burgers on the grill need flipped and turns his attention back to them. “Shit. These are gonna burn.”

“I’ll still eat them,” I admit. “I don’t care. I’m a huge meat fan.”

Andrea pops up at my side. She looks between the two of us, a nervous smile on her face.

“Want a beer?” she asks me and notes my nod, then turns to her dad. “Um, what about you?

“I’d like one, sure. Thank you.”

“You got it.” She draws her lower lip between her teeth and offers him a genuine smile, then leaves.

I take my seat and just watch as she returns with a handful of beers and distributes them to her dad and brothers. They all say thank you, and then draw her into a conversation about who she thinks in college football has a chance of being the first-round draft pick.

I smile as I listen to her rattle on about stats and her observations. The guys are riveted, taking note of what she’s saying and really listening to her opinion. She’s more than proven herself in their eyes. And in mine.

Eventually, I come join them, taking my beer from her, and jump in the conversation. Andrea’s mom watches on, quiet but wearing a happy smile. Like this is the gift she really wanted for her birthday—to see her family made whole again. Our eyes meet, and hers sparkle as she mouths, Thank you. I humbly shake my head and smile back. I didn’t do anything, but it’s so nice to be appreciated. We’re bringing my grandparents in this summer for a big family trip. A chance to unplug and get to know each other better. It’s so strange, being here. Strange, but I could get used to this.

On the car ride home, my wife falls asleep curled up in the seat. I reach over and touch her leg, just to feel connected to her. I see her shift and smile, and her hand brushes my fingers in a sleepy gesture.

It’s strange how much my life has changed. A year ago, I was on top at The Baldwin Corporation, believing nothing could bring me down. And when I hit my lowest point, this woman saved me with her love and courage. Her strength.

Back in the city, the traffic is bad but she doesn’t stir. I pull into my parking spot and after I park, exit the car and open her door. “Come on, lovely,” I say as I tug her toward me.

Her sleepy smile, the trust in her body as she curls against my side, sets my heart on fire.

I get her tucked in bed, then tiptoe to my computer. I didn’t check my phone at all while we were gone, and I’m waiting to hear from a potential client if she’s going to sign with us.

Halfway through my email inbox, I see an email from an unknown address. The subject line says IMPORTANT NEWS, RYKER—PLEASE OPEN

Is this spam? If so, it’s unusually personal. I don’t know the email address, and I go to move the message into trash when I pause. Click on it.

The message is short and to the point.

I have something to tell you about what really happened to your mother.

~ A friend