“Sounds like a perfect combination. I’m glad it all worked out for you.”
“Thanks, Liz. I’m just glad to be back home for a while. I missed Cole. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this game.”
“None of us want to miss this game,” Alicia said. “The cousins playing each other is always a big deal to the Rileys.”
“And speaking of you and Cole, when are the two of you going to be planning your wedding?” Liz asked.
Savannah grinned. “I know, our schedules have been ridiculous, and I’ve been lucky to have so much work to do lately. But we’ve set a date for next May.”
Alicia grinned. “That’s fabulous. And it’s about time.”
“Hey, it’s time for you and Garrett, too.”
“I know. We’re getting there. Talking about it. Taking things slowly. Finding a house and discussing all things marriage-related. We’re considering a late fall wedding next year, maybe after baseball season.”
Liz smiled. “I love that everyone’s in love. Getting married. Talking about getting married. Shacking up.”
Alicia laughed. “I guess we’ll get through Jenna and Ty’s wedding first.”
“Yes.”
“I heard my name mentioned. Are you saying bad things about me?”
Jenna sat with them.
“Awful things about you,” Liz said. “Mainly about your hair, and your butt.”
Jenna cracked a smile. “Yeah, well, speaking of my butt, you can kiss it.”
“No, we were talking about who’s married, who’s engaged, and who’s house shopping. And Savannah set a wedding date.”
“I heard about that. So Savannah’s next. And then Alicia.”
“Apparently. And I’m the old married woman.”
“No, that’s Tara because she and Mick got married first.”
“Where is Tara?” Alicia asked.
“She texted me a little while ago and said she had a brunch event to do this morning, but that she’d be here,” Jenna said.
“Good. I know she wouldn’t want to miss the game,” Liz said. “Who has Sam?”
“The babysitter,” Jenna said, “Since everyone in the family is here today, she figured Sam would get too tired to spend all day at the game. Not a good venue for a little one.”
“That makes sense.”
After Liz finished her plate, they all grabbed their seats and watched the pregame festivities, cheering loudly for both Mick and Cole as the teams were announced and took the field. Kathleen and Jimmy wore their Sabers jerseys, and of course since Cara and Jack were Cole’s and Alicia’s parents, they countered by wearing their Traders jerseys. The rest of the family interspersed, some wearing Traders colors, some Sabers.
It was quite the mix.
Tara showed up just as they were doing the coin toss.
“Sorry I’m late. Did I miss the kickoff?”
“No,” Liz said. “Not yet.”
“Ugh. The event went a little long and I couldn’t leave. And I’m starving. I’m going to wolf down some food and settle in.”
Liz rubbed her back. “Relax so you don’t get indigestion.”
Tara laughed. “I know. I know. It’s just been that kind of week. Sam’s had a cold, and Mick of course had his head in the game. Plus, I had this party to plan. It’s always everything at once. And Nathan will be home next week and I’m so excited about that, too.”
“You have a lot going on.”
“I do. But right now I have these mozzarella cheese sticks calling my name.”
Liz laughed. “I hear you. Priorities, honey.”
Tara finally settled and relaxed, and then it was game time. Liz felt the electricity in the filled-to-capacity stadium. Both teams were doing well in the standings, so this game meant something to both the Traders and the Sabers. The Traders were in first place in their division, and the Sabers were one game behind in theirs. And as the Traders kicked off to the Sabers, Liz held her breath. Even though she had no loyalty to either team, she felt for both Mick and Cole, knew what it was like to have a game that meant so much.
Grant Cassidy, the quarterback, took the ball for the Traders and Cole lined up on the left side of the field. Liz took a glance at the row in front of her and saw Savannah leaning forward, her gaze glued to Cole. Liz knew what it was like to watch her man. When Gavin was playing, her heart was in her throat, willing him to play well. Next to her, Tara was just as intent on the game even though Mick wasn’t out on the field.
It was a post pattern, and Cole made a perfect catch from Cassidy, gaining twenty-four yards, a big first play for the Traders that had everyone on their feet cheering.
In typical Riley fashion, everyone cheered, even Tara, though she muttered “dammit” under her breath.
Liz laughed. “Going to be a tough game, isn’t it?”