“I didn’t even know what it was,” he said. “But I do now. I would’ve traded with you in a heartbeat. I would’ve died to save you, Dell. Now that I’ve got you, I can’t ever let go.”
Team staff and arena security swarmed around us, but I wasn’t aware of anything but him. His warm strength was all that was keeping me standing.
Dad rested a hand on Luke’s shoulder but didn’t say anything. But I knew he was apologizing. I hugged him, too choked up to speak.
“I’m sorry,” he said, crying softly against my shoulder. “So sorry.”
“Dad, it’s okay.”
He pulled back and swiped his fingers beneath his eyes, regaining his usual tough expression.
“Luke.” Dad put a hand on his shoulder. “I apologize. I can see what my Adella means to you. I’ve just been an old fool.”
“We’re okay, Coach. I know you were just looking out for her and Kyler.”
Dad gave a small nod. “Well, everything will be different now. I’ll retire and leave you two in peace if you’d like.”
Luke shook his head and furrowed his brow. “No. I need you to stay. My game’s never been better.”
“And I want you here, Dad,” I said, leaning against Luke. “You and Mom. We all need to spend time together.”
“I’d like that,” Dad said, clearing his throat. He was nothing if not emotional, and I finally felt more coming from him than judgment and disappointment.
“Ma’am, we’ll need to question you,” a police officer said.
“How long will it take? I really want to go be with my son.”
“Just a few minutes.”
I recounted the incident that still felt surreal. Luke stayed with me until I was allowed to leave, and then we met up with Sadie and Kyler, who had been watching the game from the stands.
My little boy smiled his impish grin and I lost it. I was crying hard when I wrapped him tightly into my arms.
“What’s wrong, Mom?” he asked. “Why are you crying?”
I pulled away and wiped my cheeks with the backs of my hands.
“It’s because I’m happy, sweets.”
And it was. At long last, I knew what I wanted and was grateful for what I had. Nothing could hold me back.