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For the first ti professional football, he actually felt like he was part of a tea, and he had Savannah to thank for that

When the media came in to interview hih ones--honestly

"I have a lot to prove this season I’iven another chance, and I’ to work my butt off to prove to the team and to the fans that I deserve to be here"

He left it at that, and the media seemed satisfied Maybe because it was the truth, and he’d finally left his attitude behind

Noas time to look forward

SAVANNAH COULDN’T BE MORE PLEASED FOR COLE IT had been such a great game His performance on the field had been nearly perfect And off the field? She couldn’t have asked for aht, had answered the media’s questions honestly, and had even added touches of humor He’d had a complete turnaround, and she wouldn’t be surprised if he continued playing well The media hounded hiative

She hoped his family celebrated his success today

She went ho he had those interviews and a tea It took him an hour and a half, and she nearly ran to the door when he rang the doorbell She opened it and threw her arratulations," she said when he scooped her into his arms "I’rinned "Thanks But it’s only the first gaet et your hopes up It’s going to be a great season and you should be positive and hopeful about it"

He kissed her again, this ti her a deep kiss that curled her toes and made her hotter than the weather outside When he pulled back, she licked her lips and tried to calo"

She laughed and laid her hand on his chest "I don’t think your ego has ever needed any boosting"

His lips curled "You ready to go?"

"Yes Is there anything I should bring?"

"No There will be a ton of food and drink at the bar And family, too It should be pretty crazy, especially since Mick’s gaht"

"I can’t wait"

Riley’s Sports Bar was an a place and, as Cole had warned, absolutely packed with people, a mix of both custo with his sister, Alicia, as well as his aunt Kathleen and uncle Ji, Jenna’s fiancé Tyler was helping her Tara was there, too, surrounded by the fae table reserved for the family

Savannah er who sh to be polite and exchange a few sentences, then ran off with his cousins to play gaot her a seat, then went off to get theured she likely wouldn’t see hiratulated by his family and several of the patrons

"Coed tables, since Cole had found them a cozy table for two They had plenty of time to be alone later She’d much rather sit with his farinned at Tara "It’s a You must love it"

Tara laid a hand on her belly, which had expanded so "I do love it I unashamedly adore this family My own left a lot to be desired, so I was always sad not to be able to give Nathan a big extended family"

Tara looked around "Noe have all this Nathan loves the Rileys They’ve accepted hi"

Savannah could i capacity for love and acceptance

"And with the new baby co, I feel like the luckiest woman alive He or she will never lack for love"

Savannah saw Cole sandwiched between his father and uncle, talking with Ty at the bar Their gazes were glued to the action on the TV "I can see why"

"Do you have a big family, Savannah?" Alicia asked

Savannah pulled her attention away from Cole and back to the woht be overwhel to you"

"Not really I find it all just a little bit wonderful"

Tara laughed "So did I when I first met them I have to admit it wasn’t just Mick I fell in love with, it was his entire faured it would be best to relocate here--for Nathan’s sake and for ht?"

"Yes And that’s where my business was But he kne much his family meant to me, and to Nathan And his season is only a fewat home, it made sense to nant, I’lad we’re in St Louis Otherwise I’m pretty sure his mother would have packed up and hed "I take it she’s excited"

"Beyond thrilled Which in turn thrills me" Tara’s eyes filled with tears and she blinked "Sorry Damn hormones"

Alicia put her arm around Tara "I think it’s norod, you’re not getting weepy again, are you?" Liz pulled up a seat at their table and kissed Tara on the cheek "I swear to god, wo faucet"

"I know I can’t help it Everything makes me happy lately, and when I’m happy, I cry" Tara looked across the table at Savannah, then shrugged "I’ happy Or for being pregnant and hore her She’ll cry aze to Tara and winked

Tara stuck her tongue out at Liz "It’s going to be like this for at least four and a half s an aunt-to-be htened She’d pay all the e faether and talk babies and husbands and just about anything