Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 37217 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 149(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37217 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 149(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
Since Carter retired, he’s had a big hand in raising our kids. He’s adorable with them, and every single time he looks at them, he still looks like a man who can’t believe his luck. He loves our kids unequivocally, just as he loves me. But with him taking over the household, I’ve been able to focus on my physical therapy center.
It took a little doing, but I got it off the ground and worked hard to build a solid reputation. I was terrified that people would only come to my clinic because of my dad’s influence. I had to tell him that I didn’t want him talking it up—or even mentioning it.
But we have clients from all over with no connection to my father or the organization. We get a lot of referrals from the local hospitals, and yes, a couple of the local sports teams send their athletes to us. But they swear up and down it has nothing to do with my father and they’re only coming in because of the reputation we’ve built. I can’t even begin to say how satisfying and gratifying it is to see my clinic thriving.
Carter finishes up his speech to thunderous applause and takes one more look at his bronze bust before stepping off the stage. He accepts pats on the back, handshakes, and words of congratulations as he makes his way over to me and the kids. He scoops the kids all into a warm hug then turns and kisses me deeply. Carter Cole is not a man given to big displays of emotion, so seeing the tears of joy and gratitude in his eyes tells me just how much this means to him, and it makes me want to cry along with him.
“Nice speech,” I say.
Carter pulls me into a tight embrace. “Thank you. I’m glad it’s over.”
I laugh softly. “Enjoy the moment, Carter. You’ve earned it. You deserve it.”
“It’s nice and I’m honored, of course. But I have everything I really want in my life right here.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Of course. Why would you even ask that?”
“I don’t know. You just seem a little restless lately.”
He looks off, and I see a wistful look in his eye. As much as he loves being at home and with the kids, that competitive spark in him hasn’t completely died out. I don’t know that it ever will. But that’s one of the things I will always love about Carter. He always strives to do better. To make more of himself. He’s never completely satisfied and always pushes himself to achieve. That’s just how he’s wired.
And now that the kids are starting to get a little older and don’t need him as much—and because Carter doesn’t do downtime well at all—I have a feeling he’s looking ahead to the next act of his life. He’s looking for the next thing to do. The next thing that’s going to fulfill him and satisfy that competitive fire that burns inside of him. It’s something I’ve been anticipating and something I’ve been having a few conversations about—behind his back, of course.
I stare into Carter’s eyes and feel my heart skip a beat. Even now, all these years later, he still has the power to give me butterflies in the pit of my belly with nothing more than a smile. My life with Carter has been nothing short of amazing, and I still wake up every day and pinch myself, half-expecting it all to be a dream. But it isn’t. This is my life. And even though I have no idea what I ever did to deserve such happiness and love, I’m grateful for it.
“We have a beautiful life,” I say.
“We do.”
“And you make me happier than I ever thought I could be.”
“That goes both ways,” he replies with a gentle smile. “But why do I get the feeling you’re about to kick me out of the house?”
“Because I am. Sort of.”
He laughs softly. “What are you talking about?”
“I think once the kids are all in school, you should think about going into coaching.”
“Coaching? Me?”
I laugh. “Don’t sound so surprised. Look at what you did with Ryder. I have no doubt you would be a fantastic coach. I’ve already spoken with my dad about it, and he has a spot for you on his staff when you’re ready.”
Carter grins. “Been planning this for a while, huh?”
“I figured it was time to get you out of the house. I think you need it.”
“Do you know how amazing you are?”