I’m a father first, football player second and everything else third.

I’ve worked hard the last three years to create a life of routine and structure for my daughter. I don’t trust easily and I’ve never liked the idea of hiring a stranger to care for cece when I’m away for practice and games. But when I find myself out of options. An unexpected offer comes to the table.

I’ve known summer Kincaid since we were kids. For the last twenty years, she’s been best friends with my sister and a thorn in my side. She’s impulsive, outspoken and a little too sarcastic for my liking. But when I’m put in a position where I need her help, she steps up in ways I never would’ve expected and turns all of my previous grievances against her into things I suddenly admire.

The more time I spend with Summer, the more I realize how much of her confidence is a mask covering a girl who has always felt like she’s hard to love. Yet loving her is becoming one of the easiest things I’ve ever done.

Like an opponent I wasn’t ready for, she blindsided me and disrupted my whole playbook.