Maximum Dare - Vanessa Fewings Page 0,82
let me get off the phone, I’ll be on my way to you.”
“I see a foot rub in my future.”
“Wait a minute, you told me if I made it home before dinner, I’d be getting the foot rub.”
“Your word against mine.”
“I’m getting in the car now.”
“Drive safe.”
I was less than a half hour away from our home. The ocean views were spectacular. I’d never ceased to be awed by the sight of the endless blue sea, or the feel of the warm air on my skin. I inhaled the fresh ocean breeze with gratitude.
Once inside the house, I heard Max’s voice coming from the garden. He was out there playing with our sweet six year old, Ava. She took after her daddy with her big brown eyes and luscious dark locks. We adored our beautiful, smart little girl. She easily switched back and forth, fluently, between English and Portuguese. It was a joy to be excited about the way she would continue to shine in the world.
Changing out of my skirt and blouse, I happily climbed into my yoga pants and roomy T-shirt, and then headed for the door. One of the drawers in Max’s bedside table was slightly open. I went to push it closed and then recognized a small object that Max had kept—Max had kept the ladybug button he’d carried around since our first kiss.
A shiver went through me; even now it meant something.
He was a little greyer now around his sideburns, though his eyes were just as bright and full of life. I’d fallen head over heels in love with that romantic and sentimental soul who made every moment special.
“Ouch!” Max’s yell came from downstairs.
I hurried down the winding stairwell that led to the living room. “What happened?”
Max was barefoot and hopping around the living room, clearly in pain.
Seeing me rush down the steps, he gave me a disapproving look. “Careful!”
“I’m totally capable of walking. What’s wrong?”
He pointed a finger at his foot. “There’s no worse pain than this.”
I rested my hands on my hips. “Hello, you forgot childbirth.”
“Not even close.” He rubbed his sole.
I rolled my eyes, trying not to smile. “You stepped on a Lego again, didn’t you?”
“This is not funny.”
“I’m not laughing.”
His lips curled at the edges. “I didn’t know fatherhood could be so dangerous.”
“Wearing shoes is an option.”
“I was playing football at her age.” He wandered over to me. “This is how the best players train.”
I glanced out the large glass window and saw Ava kicking a ball—with her shoes on, at least.
Max wrapped an arm around me. “Maybe we can switch out her Legos for a puzzle.”
“She takes after you.”
He wagged a finger in my face. “Being artsy comes from you.”
“What’s she wearing?” I looked closer. “Is that a Manchester United T-shirt?”
“Nick sent it.”
“How’s he doing?”
“He’s never been better, he says.”
Max looked me up and down. “You look extra pretty today.”
“You say that to me every day.”
“That’s because—” His lips found mine and we shared a passionate kiss.
Ava ran in. “Mummy!”
She looked adorable in her football shorts and T-shirt.
Leaning low, I dragged her in for a hug. “Ava, you’re a professional player now.”
Max and I shared a smile, a look of pride. I rested my hands protectively on my swollen belly.
Ava gripped Max’s leg. “Daddy, let’s play again!
I followed them outside, sitting in my usual spot in one of the wicker chairs. On the other side of the veranda, the spectacular view of the city was like a painting. Our five-bedroom home was perfect for Max to work from when he took a break from the office. His career as one of the most distinguished civil rights attorneys in the country continued to flourish. He’d have made his father proud.
We also loved this location for its accessibility to the beach. Every weekend we were swimming, building sandcastles, or watching Ava’s daddy surf. We savored our time together as a family.
Max was kicking a football around the garden and Ava was trying to intercept it. I cheered her on as she grabbed the ball and then kicked it into the goal. Again, Ava dribbled the ball toward the net, moving around Max who was trying to defend it. She threw a goal in the center.
We cheered like she’d won the World Cup—like she hadn’t used her hands, either.
Max looked ecstatic. “It’s in her blood.”
I wasn’t surprised.
Afterward, we settled in the sitting room.
Max and I huddled close together on the couch while Ava ran around the living room, mimicking her Uncle Nick playing football as she watched him on the big screen.
Nick’s match was live on TV. He was playing with the talent that had earned him fame and fortune, his old knee injury never once obvious.
We’d have been there in person, but with me heavily pregnant and about to pop any moment, I wasn’t allowed to fly—which was as good an excuse as any not to do my least favorite thing.
I’d flown since that first flight on Max’s private jet all those years ago, but if it was possible to find another way to travel, I preferred it.
Ava was doing her favorite thing in the world—watching her uncle’s team, Manchester United, play Liverpool F.C.
At halftime, the match was evenly scored. Nick was going to have to draw on all his passion and drive to see this through. We wanted this win for Nick as much as he did.
Ava slipped off the couch and hurried over to pull something from behind a seat cushion.
“What have you got there, baby?” asked Max.
“I found a toy.”
Max and I swapped a wary glance, and then saw what she was holding. It was Pelé, the collector’s statue that Max had once entrusted me with on the day we’d first met.
Max sat up. “That’s not a toy, Ava,” he said. “That’s the greatest football player in the world.”
“Can I keep him?” she asked.
“Yes,” Max said, glancing at me first. “Just remember, he’s very special. He needs to be handled gently.”
She hugged him to her chest. “What about Uncle Nick? Does he play as well as Pelé?”
“Well, um…” Max deferred that one to me.
“They play differently,” I said with a smile. “Pelé…”
“Careful,” said Max, amused.
Gesturing to the TV, I said, “No one will replace Pelé. He will always be in our hearts. But Uncle Nick is talented, too.”
Ava waved the figure’s arm. “I want ice cream.”
“Yep, takes after her mum,” said Max.
I nudged him in the ribs with my elbow. He squirmed, and both of us ended up in one of our usual embraces.
Sitting with my head on Max’s shoulder, I remembered what he’d once told me: One day you’ll find your happily ever after.
Turns out, he was right. Max and Ava filled my heart and my life with light and love.
My happily ever after.