Bluegrass State of Mind(62)

"Pretty good. The only trouble is that we're pretty inexperienced in key areas. I’d better get down there and make sure Will survived the hazing. It was really nice meeting you, Kenna. Hope to see you around at the games in the fall." With a chuck to Paige's chin, he went down the steps of the bleachers and disappeared into the field house.

Will was right. Paige has a lot of pent-up aggression. Kenna was surprised the first time Paige jumped up and screamed at one of the players. But by the end of the scrimmage, she was used to it. Paige knew a lot more about football than Kenna did and enjoyed trying to teach Kenna about the sport. Kenna loved watching Will with the kids. There was mutual respect between them, and it was clear Will enjoyed teaching them the game just as it was clear the boys were entranced by having a coach like Will.

Kenna knew with her head and her heart that she loved Will. When the stands cleared and parents were making their ways to their cars, she looked onto the field to see Will coaching a boy no older than fifteen how to put the perfect spiral on the ball. The boy was short, skinny as a toothpick, and lacking any muscles that would make him a high school player. Yet Will took the time to teach and praise the boy's efforts. She smiled as she watched Will place the boy’s hands on the football and explain one more the time how to throw the ball.





Chapter Twelve





Will and Kenna drove in companionable silence into Lexington. Along the way, she watched the rolling hills go by until they reached town. Will rested his hand on her knee, causing her heart to race. They pulled up at a historic house that the owners had converted into a restaurant. Marabella’s was a two-story, brick house with white columns out front and a circular drive in the front. A valet opened the door for her when Will stopped.

“Good evening, Mr. Ashton,” the valet said as he opened Will’s door next.

“Hey, Nick. How is Ella doing?” Will put a supportive hand on Nick’s shoulder and Nick beamed.

“She’s doing great, thanks to you. They are even talking about letting us bring her home this week.”

Will’s smile widened to equal the one appearing on Nick’s face, “That is wonderful news. Absolutely wonderful news. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.”

After Will pulled out her chair and she sat down, her curiosity won out. “Who is Ella and what is she sick with?”

“She’s Nick’s infant daughter. She was born with a cleft palate. Their insurance covered the dental surgeon but not a cosmetic one. I had a friend who's a plastic surgeon assist on the surgery to sew the outside of Ella’s mouth back together to minimize any scarring or deformities. Both surgeons think she’ll be completely healed by the time she is one. No red marks, and the skin is growing normally. Everyone is optimistic for completely normal speech. But we're also prepared to help with a little speech therapy.”

“That’s amazing, Will.” She knew if it were possible, she just fell in love with him again. So many of the athletes she worked with used charity works like this to help them get out of legal trouble or boost their image. Will did it so a little girl wouldn’t grow up with a scar on her face or a speech impediment.

“You know, the Derby is just a little over a week away. It’s an event everyone should go to at least once. The atmosphere is amazing. Over one hundred and fifty thousand people show up every year. The infield turns into party central, and it carries all the way up to Millionaires Row. You should come this year.” He reached over the table and took her hand in his. “It would be nice to have you there.”

“That sounds great. Do I need anything special for it?”

Will laughed. “You looking for a reason to go shopping?”

Kenna just smiled, of course she was. What girl wouldn’t want a reason to go shopping!

“Of course you are. And yes, you will need some really great hats. Paige can help you out with that. Also, a spring sundress-type thingy. My family is hosting a Derby breakfast the day of the race.”

“Oh, so this is a whole-day event?”

“Actually, it’s a whole week of events for me. I'll head out on Sunday and stay up there for most of the week while some of my horses are racing at Churchill Downs. I’ll also help the team get Naked Boot Leg prepared for the Derby.”

“I never asked, but what does Naked Boot Leg mean?”

“It’s a quarterback trick play when you fake a running play, and the quarterback circles back across the backfield looking for the pass.”

Kenna gave a smile and a nod as if she followed what he was saying completely.

“So, tell me about Derby Day. What kind of things will we do?”