Page 55 of Game Day

This is exactly what I didn’t want to happen.

I force my feet to continue because I can’t listen to the argument.

Clay and his mom are standing outside on the sidewalk, staring each other down.

I clear my throat. “Am I interrupting?”

They turn to see me, two sets of similar dark eyes wide with surprise.

There’s no pretending this fight isn’t about me. I heard enough to know that.

“Nova, could I have a word?” Sandy asks quietly.

Clay moves between us. “I don’t think?—”

“It’s okay,” I tell him. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

He drops a kiss on my forehead. “I’ll be right over there,” he murmurs.

“Is everything all right?” I ask.

“Clayton told me you convinced him to get married here instead of eloping.”

It’s such a curveball from what I expected that I’m speechless for a moment. “I wouldn’t put it that way, but yes.”

She looks contrite, humble even as she presses a hand to her lips. “I’m sorry for how I’ve acted. Things moved quickly when I was married, perhaps too quickly, and I don’t want that for him. But I shouldn’t put that on you two.”

I turn that over. “Well, I know you’re proud of Clay on the basketball court, but I hope you’re proud of him in every way. He’s an incredible person. He’s kind, caring, devoted. We’ve been through a lot together, and I’m grateful for every day I get to spend with him.”

Her eyes widen a little. “You’re not what I expected for Clayton, but I’ve never seen him as serious about any person as he is about basketball. I see the way he loves you, and it’s more than I could have hoped for.” She clears her throat. “Your dress will be very nice. And your hair.”

I swallow the laughter that rises up. “Thank you. If you’ll excuse me…”

“Of course.”

I catch up with Clay in a quiet hallway by the bathrooms. He’s pacing, a hand shoved through his hair with a death-grip on his phone with the other.

“Hey,” I say.

He’s at my side in an instant, inspecting every inch of my face. “Hey. Everything okay?”

“It will be.”

He kisses me, and every thought goes out the window.

“You didn’t hear us arguing before you got here?” he asks.

“Only the part about how I’m the love of your life.” My chest twinges at the memory. “Thank you for standing up for me.”

His eyes crinkle as he brushes a thumb down my cheek. “That part wasn’t hard. Never will be. I’ve got your back every damned day, I just wish you’d let me have it sooner.”

I nod to the phone still in his hand. “Everything okay with you?”

“Realtor called with some more houses.” I tilt my head, expectant. “I told him we’d look at them together once we’re back.”

My smile threatens to split my face. “Perfect. You ready to get married?”

He lifts his chin, staring down at me with serious eyes.

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