She pats my arm, blowing bubbles with her lips, and I position her little feet on the back of the sofa. She “stands” with me holding her baby fists, bending her knees and squealing.
“She loves you.” Edward studies his phone as he says the words calmly.
Gazing into the bright blue eyes of my chubby little cutie, I can’t help a smile. “I love her, too. I know it’s kind of fast, but it’s the truth. She’s got my heart wrapped around her little finger.”
“It will upend her career, of course. You’ve been playing well, and you’re just getting started. She, however, will have to restructure her entire show.”
“Wait… What?” I’m startled to realize he’s not talking about Cricket.
“She should have diversified more, focused on more than one player.” He reaches for Cricket, and she goes to him easily, patting his shoulder.
“You’re talking about Melody?”
His brow furrows. “Who else?”
“My daughter?” I raise my brows, nodding at the little girl pointing at me and squealingBa!“Sheloves me, and I don’t think that word is for her mom.”
“Of course, Cricket loves you. You prioritize her, and you shower her with affection.” He shifts her onto his arm. “Melody Dunne’s critiques of you have slowly evolved from overt jabs into thinly veiled love notes. She’s protecting you now.”
I stand straighter, trying to think of something to say that doesn’t completely give away everything. Then I realize who I’m dealing with. Edward is the smartest guy I know.
“Well, so what if she is?” I lift my hand and drop it. “So what if I might love her, too?”
His brows rise. “How important is her career to her?”
“Dammit, Edward.” I walk around, rubbing the back of my neck. “She loves her job.”
He nods, glancing up like he’s thinking. “There have been couples who’ve built their public personas on being at odds with each other. Jennifer Palmieri and Jim VandeHei are one example. If you go back a bit further, James Carville and Mary Matalin are possibly the most famous.”
Shaking my head, I hold out a hand. “Who are these people?”
“Political pundits.”
“Give me something I can use, Eddie.”
His lips purse, and his eyes narrow in disapproval. “I don’t know if there are corollaries in the sports world. The closest would perhaps be Tony Romo and Jim Nantz, but obviously, they’re not married.”
Married. The thought flashes in my chest, and I’m surprised that it doesn’t freak me out. In fact, it’s the opposite. It’s like when I wondered if Melody might consider visiting Newhope with me during Bye Week…
“You’d better get to the locker room.” He interrupts my musings. “I’m sure your teammates are wondering where you are.”
“Just hold that thought. We’re coming back to this, and we’re going to figure it out.”
“Put the thought out of your mind, Knox. Your teamneeds you to focus.” Edward’s tone has shifted to coach mode, and I wouldn’t mind seeing my brother and him leading a team.
They’ve always been close, and I’m willing to bet before it’s all over, they’ll establish a championship dynasty in Newhope.
He’s right, though, I have to put my situation with Melody out of my head and focus. As much as I want to stay and figure out how I can tell the whole world I’m in love with Melody Dunne without ruining her career, I’ve got to focus on beating the Vikings and taking us all the way to the top.
CHAPTER 22
Melody
Minnesota is frigid—is it ever not?—and I’m sitting across from Chet Arnold wishing I’d stayed home. His producers have us out on a dais with a giant screen between us and speakers all around like we’re color commentating the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Luckily, I packed my white puffer coat and flannel-lined jeans. I grabbed a scarf from one of the PAs, but I wish I’d remembered gloves as I fold my hands on the table in front of us. We’re both wearing headphones, which at least keep my ears warm.
“I have an idea for a fun segment we can try.” Chet gives me that game-show host smile like he’s got something really exciting planned.