The One I Left Behind

Its the classic story-boy goes off into the world to fulfill his dreams and leaves the girl behind.

Not every boy returns home, and I wish Ben Noughton wouldnt have come back to our small ranching town at all after he retired from playing professional football.

I figure its a quick layover for him. He always wanted out of this town and off his familys ranch. I just have to bide my time until he turns his back on all of us again.

Then he takes on the coaching position for the high school football team and starts milling around too much, bulldozing the protective walls Ive built around myself. But he goes too far when he takes my son under his wing to help him be the best player he can be. Leaving me to protect not only my own heart but my sons too.

Because I promised myself a long time ago that Id never be the girl in the rearview mirror again.