Song of the Brokenhearted by Sheila Walsh Page B

wondering.”
    â€œEarlier you asked me how I knew your father was the one.”
    â€œIs there a law about asking my mom questions?” Sienna said with a smile.
    â€œThere just might be.”
    â€œTell me,” she said. “These are important marriage secrets that should be handed down woman to woman like in the tribes of old.”
    Ava thought about the question. “It’s different from how it was at the beginning, but I’m most certainly still in love with him. It’s more than just . . . exciting and heart racing.”
    â€œDo you miss that?”
    Ava smiled. “Sure, in a way. And there are moments when it comes back. But the steadiness is even better. Settling in and knowing your best friend is always with you, that you have one another for life . . . that’s a pretty incredible thing. And though the beginning of a relationship can have a lot of passion, there’s a lot of fear too.”
    â€œYes, that’s true.”
    â€œWhat are you worrying about?” Ava asked.
    Sienna shook her head wildly and said with drama, “Absolutely nothing! I’m going to enjoy the moment. Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do, Mama?”
    Ava laughed and let all seriousness go. “You better believe it.”
    Soon the announcer started in, giving the players’ names and numbers and announcing a raffle.
    Dane returned with his arms laden with food and a teetering drink carrier.
    â€œI haven’t had these in far too long,” Sienna said, taking a tortilla chip covered in nacho sauce and chopped jalapeños.
    â€œThis is the first time this season I’ve eaten a pretzel,” Ava said as they tapped a piece of mustard-slathered pretzel to nacho chip in a food toast. Ava had put the household on a health kick for the past year after Dane’s blood pressure was high and Doc threatened medication. He was still a big meat-and-potato man at heart, but he’d adapted to more chicken, salads, and a few vegetarian dishes.
    â€œI shouldn’t be having this with the wedding coming.” Sienna cradled the large nachos on her lap, piled with chili, jalapeños, olives, and salsa. “What’s the nacho cheese made of anyway?”
    â€œI don’t think it’s cheese, but right now, you don’t want to know. Just enjoy.”
    â€œSomething interesting happened,” Dane said after settling back into his seat and pulling his attention away from his phone.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œHey, Dane, how’s it going?” Ava looked up at Peter Riley, another team parent. Dane shook the man’s hand and greeted him.
    â€œIt’s great you guys are here. Way to show your support.” The way he said it sounded odd.
    Dane gave a quizzical expression. “Why wouldn’t we be here?”
    â€œExactly. That’s the attitude!” Pete said and tipped his hat to Ava. He headed up the stairs toward where his wife was warming up her cowbell at every name that was announced.
    â€œThat was weird,” Dane said. “We’re here every Friday night. Rico Rodriquez said something similar when I was down getting food. Jason didn’t get hurt, did he?”
    â€œI’m sure we’d know. Maybe it’s because you missed that scrimmage a few weeks ago?”
    Dane’s jaw clenched. “Yeah, that’s right. I missed a practice game so I’m an awful parent.”
    Ava put her arm on Dane’s arm. “Don’t let him get to you. Rico hasn’t worked in a year, so maybe that’s his way of feeling better about himself.”
    Dane simmered, seeming to consider the thought. They chatted and ate their food as the game finally got underway.
    Jason sat on the sidelines. He’d been first string the entire season. Dane mentioned that perhaps the coach was trying something new. Dane always supported the coaches whether they played Jason or not, unlike many of the parents who seemed to