Page 127 of The Way We Touch

Even though my knee is fully healed, Dylan’s eyes are fixed on her hands in her lap, which tremble as she moves her diamond ring around on her finger.

Reaching over, I cover her hand with mine, and when she looks up at me, I lean over to kiss her forehead. “We made it, babe. Don’t be afraid.”

She nods, and I’ve already made my decision. I’ve just been waiting for the right time to tell her.

The video ends, and a comedian I like walks to the microphone to announce the offensive player of the year award.

He hesitates, then says my name, and the entire place erupts with applause and cheers. Everyone is on their feet, and Garrett stands beside me, clapping.

I look up at him with a wry smile. “You could’ve warned me, bro.”

I grasp his elbow, and he pulls me in for a hug. “Why would I ruin the surprise?”

Turning back, I catch Dylan’s hand and give her a kiss before heading down to the stage, passing players I’ve encountered on and off the field all wishing me well.

Ricky stops me on the floor, catching my hand in a firm shake. “I’m ready to take you on again next year!”

I nod, not stopping as I hustle up the steps on my fully healed knee to the man holding my trophy. He passes it over and congratulates me, then steps aside for me to take the mic.

It takes a bit for the applause to die down, and as it does, I try to pull together something of a speech in my mind. I start by thanking my coaches and my fellow teammates. I thank the league and the other players who’ve sent encouragement.

“This is a big surprise.” I scratch my forehead with my thumb. “I guess I have to thank Garrett for getting my ass here or I’d have missed it.”

That elicits modest laughter, and I wait.

“Finally, I’d like to thank my fiancée Dylan Bradford for standing by me through all of this, even though she insisted she only dated golfers…” More modest laughter. “I somehow managed to change her mind, and I want to thank her for her bravery and her unflinching support through the hardest times.”

Clearing my throat, I look up to see she’s on the big screen smiling and tapping tears out of her pretty amber eyes. Warmth surges in my chest, and I realize the time is now.

“I hadn’t planned to announce this yet, but after my accomplishments this year, I’ve decided to make it my last. I’m retiring from the league at the end of this season.” A collective gasp sweeps the crowd, but I don’t stop. “I’ve had a great run. I’ve made some great friends, and now it’s time to move on to my next great adventure. Thank you so much for this, and I’ll see you soon.”

I hold up my hand, waving at the crowd, who are on their feet again clapping. Ricky is frowning at me, but when I look out and see Dylan’s smiling face, I know I’ve made the right decision for us.

“You said I didn’t warn you. You could’ve warned me!” Garrett’s voice is loud over the noise of the bar.

“You?” Dylan pushes his arm. “He didn’t even tell me!”

“I thought you were going to win the MVP before you retired,” Garrett complains.

“That actually wasn’t my idea.” I lean back, taking a sip of my whiskey. “I realized it was what my dad said I should do, and again, I was busting my ass hoping to hear him say he was proud of me.”

“I’m sorry.” Dylan’s bottom lip pouts, and I lean forward to kiss her.

“It’s okay, babe. I decided to stop living my life to please him when I met you.”

“But are you sure you’re ready to retire?” Her brow wrinkles.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything—except you.” I pull her to me. “It’s given me a whole new perspective, then Miss Gina took it a step further.”

A smile curls her lips. “Then it’s a good thing. Miss Gina always knows.”

“She does.” I nod, leaning down to kiss her and thinking about our future.

Flying back to Newhope after the ceremony, Dylan curls up beside me on the small sofa. Her head is on my shoulder, and she takes my large hand in hers, sliding the leather ring around my finger.

“I’m sorry you didn’t win the MVP award.” Leaning her head back, she looks up at me. “It sounds corny, but you’ll always be my MVP.”

Smiling, I kiss her lips slowly, tracing my tongue along hers. She tastes like wine and chocolate, and she smells like lavender and vanilla. She fits perfectly in my arms, and every part of my being is satisfied.

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