The Seattle Ironbacks Series

Travis: I’m the head coach of the Seattle Ironbacks NFL football team, but first and foremost, I’m a dad to twin girls. After a painful divorce, I’ve decided to focus on my children and career. However, this season, the challenges on the field pale in comparison to those off it—especially when my nanny has a family emergency and has to leave unexpectedly.

Balancing the pressures of leading my team to the playoffs while managing my personal life is no easy feat. This year is make or break for me if I want to remain a head coach in the NFL, so I’ve put my love life on the back burner, dedicating all my energy to football and family.

But that all changes when I meet her…

Gabriella (Ella): As a child psychologist, I’ve dedicated my life to supporting the mental health of young people. My past trauma has cast a long shadow over me, shaping the way I navigate the world. I find solace in helping others—but the same pain that drives me toward my work has also caused me to steer clear of men and relationships.

Now that I’ve earned my PhD, I’m ready to build my new business in Seattle.

Then I meet him. Thoughts and feelings I’ve never allowed myself to experience hit me with the force of a wrecking ball—tearing down every wall I’ve ever erected around my mind, my heart, and straight to my soul.

Somehow (I blame my cousin Gary), I find myself stepping in to help Travis and his daughters when his nanny has a family emergency. Of course, this all happens after I’ve promised myself I would stay away from him!

But the thing is… what I was so sure could never happen, does. I never saw coming the drastic changes Travis would bring to my life.