“I don’t think so, Bran-don!”
“That’s not how this works, E-den. You listen to what your coach says; then you do what he asks you to.”
“And Lisa doesn’t argue back when she’s ordered around like this?”
“This has nothing to do with Lisa and me. We’re talking about you taking my advice about swimming seriously.”
“My. Turns. Are. Fine.” Eden then dove under water as Brandon threw his clipboard on the floor.
Aidan’s giggle grabbed Mano’s attention from the pool. He climbed onto the metal bleachers and walked toward the seated Robert Pak and Aidan.
“You’re back!” Aidan climbed over a row and reached Mano within seconds, giving him a big hug. “Mom said you were coming back tomorrow. We were going to bake you something.”
“Just took an earlier flight.” Mano looked over Aidan. “How are you doing?”
“Good.” Aidan looked to the pool. “It’s kinda weird having dad and Lisa nearby. But since I’m homeschooling for the rest of the semester, I like having someplace else to go.”
“How’s Matthew?”
Aidan pursed his lips. “Okay, I guess. We text every day. But I’m not sure.”
Mano squeezed Aidan’s shoulder. “You being there for him is all you can do. You’re a good friend.”
“Matt’s my best friend. He says he might want to come back next year but doesn’t know if his mom is up for it. Mano? Uh…rugby tryouts are in January. Mom and dad say I can still go out for it. Will you help me even though it’s just me?”
“Of course, mate.”
Mano reached over to shake Robert’s hand. “How are you, sir?”
“Very good, but I’m glad you’re back. She’s been giving Brandon hell. He may need your help. She’s on edge a little.”
“She’s cussing a lot more,” Aidan added.
Mano returned his attention to the pool. “Will it work? Them working together?”
Robert grinned. “They just need some time to settle into their new roles. I will say this about Brandon: he knows his stuff, and he will give her all he’s got. They’re both equally stubborn, though. Should be a good time for us on the sidelines!”
Mano smiled then turned to Aidan. “I want to say something to you, and it’s okay if this is something you don’t like.”
Aidan tensed. He glanced at Robert then met Mano’s gaze. “Okay.”
“I love your mother. And I’ve decided I want to love her forever. I’d like to very much be part of your life. And you to be part of mine. How does that sound?”
Aidan didn’t say anything. Mano felt all he needed to know in the hug they shared, a tight embrace Mano knew he’d remember forever. When he looked up, Robert Pak had removed his glasses and was wiping his eyes.
Mano began. “Sir—”
Robert waved dismissively. “There’s nothing for you to say to or ask of me. Eden’s her own woman. But if it’s helpful, both Don and I like you very much. I hope this works out for the three of you. I really do.”
Mano took the offered hand and shook it. “Thank you. I do appreciate knowing that.” He looked up. “Do you think she’ll mind if I interrupt her training for a while?”
Aidan shook his head. Amusement now danced in his eyes. “Dad would love you for it.”
Mano climbed down the metal bleachers effortlessly, his focus now on the fast-moving figure in the pool. Despite her earlier anger, Eden swam in controlled, clean, seemingly effortless strokes. She turned with stealth-like precision when she reached the far end of the pool and was now headed towards him.
Brandon didn’t hide his surprise at Mano’s presence. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be in New Zealand? Aidan and the girls were planning to bake cupcakes for you tonight.”
“They still can. Mind if I talk to your star swimmer?”
He didn’t wait for Brandon’s permission; he quickly discarded his shoes then jumped into the pool.
Mere seconds later, a befuddled figured emerged from the water. “What the he…” Shock turned to surprise. Eden gasped and pulled off her goggles. “Mano? When did you get back?”
He met her halfway, one arm over the pool divider while the other reached for her waist, drawing her close. “I didn’t want to be away from you one more day.”
“You really need to stop jumping into pools fully clothed, it’s danger…” Her next words were lost when his lips claimed hers. He pulled her closed, uncaring that he no longer had the support of the buoys to stay afloat. Even as they began to sink, he felt her complete and utter commitment to their kiss. To him.
When their feet touched the ground, they both opened their eyes simultaneously and pushed up, hands entwined.
“I love you,” Mano said when they both broke the surface.
She smiled. “I love you, too, Mano.”
“You made me realize all I need, I have it with you. With Aidan. Here. But,” he was compelled to warn her again, “…there will be days I may not be what you need.”
She hugged him tight. “We’ll take this day by day. But I’ll be here for you. All of you. Always. Forever. Promise.”
EPILOGUE
Four months later, Mesa, Arizona
* * *
She should be feeling some kind of pressure now that she was at the Aquatic Center. But a Masters meet was different that way; it was a celebration of the swimming community as a whole. Brandon had suggested she start watching some of the earlier races, especially those in the most senior categories.
“Be inspired again,” he suggested. And this time she didn’t argue.
She cheered loudly when eighty-year-old Maureen Holden finished her Fifty free, out-touching her nearest rival and twin sister, Molly.
She laughed when she caught the likes of Liana Murphy and Cat Dane starting a stadium wave in the stands, somehow getting their hands on poms-poms. Their husbands, Eden noted, weren’t around when it happened.
She still couldn’t believe they were here in support of her goal.
“Eden!”
Eden pulled out her earbuds. “Jordan! Congratulations! A national record!”
Jordan shrugged. “Thanks. Yeah, that was a surprise. But it’s a fast pool. Perfect conditions today. I have a good feeling about your chances.”
“Thanks. The team’s doing really well.”
“Yeah, but you are missed. Tommy still has you in his notebook, you know.”
Eden smiled. “He’s been gracious to talk to Brandon.”
“Well, you’re the one person everyone wants to see make it.”
Eden had to know. “I appreciate all your support, even after I left the club. I’ve asked you once, but you didn’t give me an answer. Why? We’re friendly but not really friends.”
A look of vulnerability settled on Jordan’s face. “I don’t expect you to remember this because it was so long ago. And you didn’t ask my name back then, but at my first state meet, I got DQ-ed for a bad start. You were one of the biggest swimmers there, and you looked for me. You then told me to just focus on the next race. That there will always be another race. Another chance. It was the kindest thing anyone said to me that day, that week. It kept me going. Still does.”
“Are you sure that was me?”
Jordan smiled. “Oh yes. You’re pretty unforgettable, Eden Pak. And part of the reason I’m so passionate about building the Berkeley team up is because of what you’d said. We all deserve second chances, to try one more time.”
She reached to give him a hug. “Why didn’t you just tell me?”
“I’ve never shared it with anyone,” Jordan said. “But if you must know, I wasn’t sure if you were still that nice now that I’m an adult.”
Eden laughed as she pulled back.
“But you are, and more,” Jordan said. “Some angels are also meant to be fighters. You’re going to make it. I know it.”
“Thanks,” Eden said. “And when we’re back at St Anne’s, let’s have lunch. I’d like t
o know the person and not just the swimmer.”
“Deal.” Jordan looked passed Eden. “I’d better go. There’s an ex-rugby player staring me down.” Jordan held out his hand. “Good luck. I’ll be cheering in the stands.”
Mano’s arm snuck around her waist, drawing her close. His head nuzzled into her neck. “Did I hear you make a date with Jordan Kennedy?”
“He called me an angel. Why not?”
She felt his smile on her skin, eliciting goose bumps on the back of her neck. “That you are, Eden. That you are.” He turned her around. “You’re ready, aren’t you?”
She nodded, breathing deeply. “I have to get into my zone.”
“I know. Whatever happens…”
“… will happen. I’ll have no regrets after this swim. Whether I make it or not, being here, at this moment, with everyone who means the most to me, is all I need.”
“I love you, Eden Pak.”
“I love you, Mano Palua.”
Mano watched Eden pick up her bag and walk towards the waiting area, tall and confident. Her earbuds were now in place, and he suspected her music of choice was going to be Aretha. He took one more look at his love before finding his way back to the crowded bleachers.
“I still can’t believe all of you are here,” Mano muttered, stepping over Connor’s legs.
“Hey, when one of our own is about to make history, we’re going to be here,” Connor said. He held out a big tub. “Why’s American popcorn so good? Even the microwave stuff is really good.”
“Where’s Aidan?” Mano said.
“Brandon took him to meet some of his former teammates,” Cat said. “You got the ring?”
Mano stared at Connor. “Couldn’t keep your mouth shut, could you?”
“I didn’t say a word,” Connor said. “She heard the message from the jeweler about the new setting. She guessed right away.”
Mano rolled his eyes. “You’re not very good at keeping these things a secret.”
Connor stopped midway from putting the next handful of popcorn in his mouth. “Have you ever been successful at keeping something secret from Cat?”
“I admit to nothing.”
Connor resumed eating. “Yeah, I thought so. I can’t either. I don’t know which is worse: when Cat thinks I’m hiding something, or when Liana finds out Cat is mad at me. Ouch! Cat! That hurt!”
Liana climbed into the row behind them, carrying a cardboard tray. “Where did you get that popcorn, Con? Cat, have you tried these? Corndogs! It’s the mustard! And they have these incredible pretzels with jalapenos. Good, yeah? Who knew swim meets could be so social? Did you remember the ring, Mano?”
Mano shook his head. “None of you will be there when I propose. None of you. It’s meant to be a private moment. Bad enough you lot know all about it.”
Liana grinned. “Don’t make me take out the binder we have for your wedding!”
Cat burst out laughing, and despite all intentions to maintain his straight face, Mano smiled. Liana, Cat, and their girlfriends were notorious for planning events before any of it happened.
From behind him, Liana looped an arm around Mano’s neck and whispered into his ear. “Mitch said you’re enrolling at St Anne’s as a student? To study psychology?”
Mano nodded. “I’ve come a long way. There’s still a long way for me to go. And I think I’d like to eventually work with other former professional athletes, to help them deal with what happens after our careers are over.”
“Yeah. There hasn’t been enough done to help us transition to a life after sport. You’ll be great at it.”
Mano squeezed Liana’s forearm. “Thanks.”
“And, if it makes any difference, we all love Eden. She’s a good fit for our family. For you. Whether the ring is in your pocket or not, it doesn’t matter. We just want you to be happy.”
“I am happy.”
Thirty minutes later, their comfortable chatter ceased as eyes focused on the eight bodies now on the block. Aidan and Brandon were back; the latter kept clenching and unclenching his hands nervously. Donald preferred to stare at the ground; Robert had his phone up, providing a quiet narrative while Face-Timing the event to Eden’s maternal grandparents.
Eden rolled her shoulders, slapped her thighs and took the block. She looked poised and primed. And ready.
“Swimmers! On your marks!”
At the starter’s buzzer, everything around Mano disappeared. He may have been in the stands, but he felt her strength, her precision, her power.
Just over twenty seconds later, she emerged at the other side of the pool. She didn’t look at the board for her time; it was his eyes she sought first. Voices around him erupted. He was unaware of the time she’d clocked. He didn’t bother checking.
Her smile said all he needed to know.
Acknowledgements
To my friends and family, for being my greatest cheerleaders. I so appreciate your constant enthusiasm and encouragement.
To Giana Sikora and Supicha Castro for their insights into the swim world.
To the ladies of my book club who keep me laughing about all things to do about reading. I couldn’t be a writer without first being a reader, and my monthly meetings with you help feed the writing muse.
To my beta readers, critique partners and faithful readers who, through your feedback, help grow and form this story.
* * *
If you enjoyed this book, a review is always appreciated! Thank you!
* * *
www.tiarainserto.com
@te_inserto
Facebook: Tiara Inserto, author
Also by Tiara Inserto
Rugby Brothers
Always There
Always You
Always and Forever (Coming Soon)
Watch for more at Tiara Inserto’s site.
Always and Forever: Rugby Brothers, Book 3 Page 25