Epilogue

The whistle blew, piercing the afternoon air. I was on my feet, hands cupped around my mouth.

"Go, Alex!"

He darted across the field, a flash of blond hair and fierce determination. His lean frame wove between players with an agility that left me breathless, pride swelling in my chest like a tide.

"Mom, you're screaming louder than anyone," Christine teased, nudging me with her elbow.

"Can't help it," I shot back, grin wide as the ocean stretching beyond Cocoa Beach.

Alex's foot connected with the ball, sending it sailing toward the goal. The net billowed. Cheers erupted around us.

"Did you see that?" I said to Angel, who clapped her tiny hands, eyes alight with wonder.

"Your brother's a star," I said, sweeping her into my arms. Her laughter rang out, pure and infectious.

Matt's hand found mine, his grip warm and steady. We watched Alex pump his fist in the air, teammates swarming him with high-fives and rough pats on the back.

"Kid's got your spirit," Matt murmured.

"Gets into trouble like me too," I quipped, but the familiar worry lines around Matt's eyes had softened.

"The good kind of trouble," he corrected, and I knew he wasn't just talking about soccer.

The game resumed… a blur of movement and energy. Olivia and Christine were on their feet now, joining in the chants and clapping rhythmically.

"Defense! Defense!" they chanted, voices melding with the crowd.

I scanned the field, watching Alex track the opposing team's striker. His focus was laser-sharp, every muscle coiled and ready. Like me on a case, except his battleground was green and open, his mission clear-cut.

"Nice block!" I yelled as Alex intercepted a pass, the ball ricocheting off his shin guard.

"Mom, really," Christine groaned, but her smile betrayed her amusement.

"Sorry, occupational hazard," I shrugged, knowing full well I'd be just as loud at the next play.

Time dwindled. Our lead held. When the final whistle signaled victory, the team erupted, a young, exuberant force flooding the field.

"Great game, Alex," I said, ruffling his sweaty hair as he jogged over, a grin splitting his face.

"Thanks, Mom. Did you see that goal?"

"Couldn't miss it," I said, pride lacing every word.

As we packed up our things, I caught sight of Matt watching Alex with a gentle gaze. It was a look that spoke volumesand said he understood the sacrifices, pain, and love that bound us all together.

"Ready to go celebrate?" I asked, slinging an arm around Matt's shoulder.

"Absolutely," he replied, and there was a lightness in his voice I hadn't heard in too long.

We walked off the field together… a family united, each step forward a commitment to what lay ahead. There were no guarantees in life or work, but there was this—a moment under the Florida sun, surrounded by laughter and cheers, where everything felt possible.

THE END