Unspoken Desires and Silent Promises

Ford Ellis, a former NFL player, returns to his college town, Mission, Montana, to coach the Treasure State Wildcats. His best friend from college, Millie Cunningham, is now an assistant athletic director at the university. Their friendship is laced with unspoken desires, and a kiss from the past lingers between them. Ford is determined to rekindle their connection, but Millie is cautious, fearing the repercussions on her career and heart.

New Beginnings, Old Tensions

As Ford settles into his new role, he faces the challenge of rebuilding the team's reputation after a scandal involving the previous coach. He is also adjusting to life as a single father to his daughter, Joey, who is struggling with the move. Meanwhile, Millie is trying to maintain professionalism, but her unresolved feelings for Ford complicate matters.

A Coach's Dilemma

Ford's coaching duties are complicated by a missing player, Rush, who is dealing with a personal crisis. Ford's own past with an unexpected pregnancy gives him insight into Rush's situation. As he helps Rush, Ford reflects on his own choices and the impact they've had on his life and relationships.

Unexpected Encounters and Old Flames

A chance encounter at the grocery store leads to Ford and Millie spending time together, baking with Joey. The day is filled with nostalgia and unspoken emotions. Ford is reminded of what he lost and is determined to win Millie back, but she remains guarded, wary of repeating past mistakes.

Secrets, Scandals, and Second Chances

Ford's ex-wife, Sienna, is a constant source of tension, especially when Joey mentions Millie. Sienna's jealousy and Ford's determination to move on create a volatile mix. Meanwhile, Millie witnesses a heated argument between Rush and his girlfriend, Faye, about an unexpected pregnancy, echoing Ford's past.

A Daughter's Smile, A Father's Heart

Ford's relationship with Joey is central to his life. He struggles with the guilt of uprooting her and the absence of her mother. Despite the challenges, Ford is committed to being a good father and coach, finding solace in the moments he shares with Joey and the Wildcats.

The Past Revisited

Ford's determination to rekindle his relationship with Millie leads to a confrontation. He kisses her, reigniting old feelings and forcing Millie to confront her emotions. The kiss is a turning point, but Millie is torn between her heart and her career.

A Hike to Remember

Ford, Millie, and Joey go on a hike, a symbolic journey that brings them closer. The hike is filled with laughter and shared memories, offering a glimpse of what could be. Ford makes a silent wish for a future with Millie, hoping for a second chance at love.

A Tense Meeting with Kurt

Ford Ellis, the Wildcats' coach, is called into a tense meeting with Kurt, the athletic director, who criticizes Ford for bringing his daughter, Joey, to work. Kurt claims someone complained, but Ford suspects Kurt himself is behind it. Despite the tension, Ford remains committed to balancing his roles as a father and coach, determined to prove his focus and dedication to the team.

Millie's Secret and Ford's Game

Millie, Ford's love interest, resigns from her job to protect their relationship, unbeknownst to Ford. As Ford prepares for the big game against the Grizzlies, he senses something is off with Millie but focuses on the game. The Wildcats face a tough match, but Ford's leadership shines through, and the team is poised for victory.

A Victory and a Revelation

The Wildcats secure a thrilling victory against the Grizzlies, with Ford's strategic coaching leading the team to triumph. Amidst the celebration, Ford learns of Millie's resignation and confronts her. Millie explains her decision, and they reconcile, realizing their love is worth any sacrifice. Ford is relieved and proud of Millie's courage and commitment.

A New Beginning for Millie

With the no-fraternization policy amended, Millie is offered her job back, with more responsibilities and influence. She accepts, excited to continue her career while supporting Ford. The couple is now free to be open about their relationship, and Millie is determined to make a positive impact at the university.

A Family and Future Together

Ford and Millie embrace their future together, discussing marriage and expanding their family. Ford is committed to his role as a coach and father, while Millie balances her career and personal life. Their love and partnership are stronger than ever, and they look forward to building a life together in Mission, Montana.

Characters

Ford Ellis

Ford is a former NFL player who returns to his alma mater to coach the Wildcats. He is a dedicated father to Joey, navigating the challenges of single parenthood. Ford is determined to rebuild his relationship with Millie, whom he has always loved, despite the complications of their past.

Millie Cunningham

Millie is the assistant athletic director at Treasure State University. She is cautious and professional, but her unresolved feelings for Ford complicate her life. Millie is torn between her career and her heart, struggling to move past the hurt Ford caused years ago.

Joey Ellis

Joey is Ford's nine-year-old daughter, adjusting to life in Montana. She misses her mother and struggles with the changes in her life. Joey's innocence and love for her father are central to Ford's world, and she unknowingly plays a role in bringing Ford and Millie closer.

Sienna Ellis

Sienna is Ford's ex-wife, more interested in her social media presence than her daughter. Her jealousy and past with Ford create tension, especially when Joey mentions Millie. Sienna's choices have left a lasting impact on Ford and Joey's lives.

Rush Ramsey

Rush is the Wildcats' starting quarterback, dealing with an unexpected pregnancy with Faye. His situation mirrors Ford's past, and Ford becomes a mentor, helping Rush navigate the challenges of impending fatherhood.

Faye

Faye is Rush's girlfriend, pregnant and scared. Her relationship with Rush is strained by the news, and she struggles with the implications of becoming a mother. Faye's situation highlights the pressures faced by young athletes.

Kurt Howard

Kurt is the athletic director at Treasure State University, focused on rebuilding the football program's reputation. He is wary of Ford and Millie's past, enforcing strict professional boundaries. Kurt's ambition often puts him at odds with his staff.

Toren Greely

Toren is Ford's old friend and a coach at Treasure State. He is supportive of Ford's return and aware of the history between Ford and Millie. Toren provides a sense of stability and camaraderie within the coaching staff.

Plot Devices

Unresolved Past

The unresolved past between Ford and Millie is a central plot device, driving their interactions and the tension in their relationship. Their shared history and the emotions it evokes are pivotal to the narrative, influencing their decisions and the story's progression.

Fatherhood

Fatherhood is a significant theme, shaping Ford's character and decisions. His relationship with Joey is a driving force, influencing his actions and priorities. The challenges of single parenthood and the desire to provide a stable life for Joey are central to Ford's journey.

Redemption and Second Chances

The theme of redemption and second chances is woven throughout the narrative. Ford's return to Mission and his efforts to rebuild his relationship with Millie offer a chance for personal growth and healing. The story explores the possibility of new beginnings and the hope of rekindled love.

Professional Challenges

The tension between Ford's professional challenges and personal life is a central plot device. His commitment to both roles highlights the challenges of balancing career and family, driving the narrative and character development.

Love and Sacrifice

The theme of love and sacrifice is woven throughout the story, as Millie and Ford navigate their relationship amidst professional challenges. Their willingness to make sacrifices for each other underscores their deep commitment and drives their personal growth.

Analysis

"Coach" by Devney Perry is a heartfelt exploration of love, personal growth, and redemption. The narrative delves into the complexities of balancing professional ambitions with personal relationships, highlighting the sacrifices and commitments required to nurture love. Through Ford and Millie's journey, the story emphasizes the importance of second chances and the courage to confront unresolved pasts. The book also underscores the challenges of single parenthood and the transformative power of love and support. Ultimately, "Coach" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the hope of building a future filled with love and possibility.

Last updated: January 15, 2025