Free Caitlin's Hero by Donna Gallagher Page B

going on, Caitlin?” Brodie asked, confused and slightly angered at the lack of response from either sibling. He could only think that maybe they had something to hide. Perhaps Caitlin thought her parents might disapprove of their daughter dating a footballer, or maybe it was the age difference between him and Caitlin. Whatever it was, Brodie really needed an answer.
    “I hope you don’t think your parents will be put off by my career choice? I know some people think rugby league’s a bit brutal, but there is a lot more to me than just my league career. I’m quite a successful businessman too…”
    Brodie had never felt so insecure—couldn’t believe he was spouting off a bloody résumé to convince Caitlin he was good enough for her, good enough to meet her parents. Then Brodie had another, more appealing thought. Maybe it wasn’t him at all. Maybe it was her folks she was embarrassed by, and she didn’t want him to judge her by parents who were hippies, or something like that.
    But as he sat debating all the angles, Caitlin remained still, with tears in her eyes. Brodie’s heart clenched. He had upset her.
    It was then that he noticed Riley was standing in front of him. Taking his sister’s hand, Riley calmly spoke. “Our mum and dad were killed in a car accident a year ago. It’s just Cate and me now. If it wasn’t for her I’d be in a foster home. Cate left uni and came home to take care of me,” he continued, his pride and love for his sister evident.
    Brodie was in shock. He didn’t know what to say. She really was an angel! So much strength, loyalty and love in one gorgeous little package. He was so proud of her he could have cried. That definitely would have been a sight people would have paid to see. Big, tough, always-in-control Brodie James blubbering. Brodie brought his hand up to cover Riley’s, connecting himself with both of these precious people.
    “Well then, son,” he said to Riley. “So it’s only your permission I need to court your sister?”
    It was a magic moment. They were all full of emotion. So much had happened in such a short time, and Brodie could not wait to become fully involved with the lives of this incredible small family. He could not wait to make them both part of his life as well. Starting tonight.
    He took the time to explain his busy schedule to Caitlin and Riley. Training wasn’t what took up most of Brodie’s time—it was the travelling to interstate and overseas games. This weekend, the Sydney Jets were up against the Auckland side. The game was scheduled for Sunday in New Zealand, with the team leaving on Saturday morning.
    “I just had a great idea,” Brodie started eagerly. “The Jets are playing in Auckland this weekend. Why don’t you two come over with me and watch the game? I can arrange everything. We leave Saturday morning, so Riley won’t miss any school, and you can stay in the same hotel as me. My treat.” He was really getting quite excited about the whole idea, his mind so busy racing off in all directions, thinking about the many things that would need to be organised, that he nearly missed Caitlin’s reply.
    “Not that I don’t love the thought of a trip overseas, and I’m sure Riley would just love the opportunity to hang around your teammates, but I think there could be one glaring problem, Brodie. We don’t have passports. Never have.”
    Reluctantly, Brodie had to admit defeat this time. Riley was obviously disappointed. But Brodie was not about to give up—he wanted to see that smile back on the kid’s face, hated that look of sadness.
    “Well, so this weekend is a no-go, but you have to at least promise to come the following weekend. We’re playing at home. I can give Riley a tour of the team room before the game, then after we win,” Brodie added with a wink, “you can come and join in on the celebration with the rest of the boys. What do you say, mate? Does that sound good?”
    Riley beamed back at Brodie, nodding