Page 73 of Broken Hearts

I nod, confirming their unspoken question. Instantly, the room erupts into cheers and laughter, the tension evaporating.

“Westbrook’s married,” Peters exclaims, almost in awe. “Fuck me!”

Ethan and Liam move closer to me, their expressions full of astonishment and amusement. “How?” I ask.

“Poppy,” he explains. “I thought I was alone, but Peters was around. By the time I walked out, they all knew.”

Peters grins at me, but I narrow my eyes at him. I wasn’t planning on keeping it a secret, but I also didn’t want to scare her off. I’ve been considering wearing a wedding band, but I want to be cautious about how much I push.

“That was your plan in Vegas?” Ethan hisses, a hint of betrayal in his voice. “That’s what I helped you with? Tricking a girl into marriage?”

I hold up a hand, needing to set the record straight. “It wasn’t a trick. It was spontaneous. And yes, it’s unconventional, but it wasn’t a scheme.”

Ethan’s frown deepens, but Liam claps a hand on my shoulder. “Your impulsivity strikes again. Married in Vegas, huh? That’s one for the books.”

I can’t help but smile despite the seriousness of the situation. “Yeah, it was… unplanned. But it’s not something I regret.”

Ethan, standing nearby, looks at me with disbelief and concern. “Spontaneous is one word for it. I hope you know what you’re doing, man.”

I’ve never been more sure. I’ve been sure about Eva since I saw her the first time. It wasn’t during senior year. No, I noticed her during the summer session as she sat in the stands waiting for her father, lost in her book.

My heart jumped in a way it’s never done before and still only does when she is around. She is the one. I meet his gaze squarely. “I do. It might seem crazy, but with her, it feels right. You know how it is, right? When you just… know.”

Ethan’s expression softens, but he still looks skeptical. “I get it, but marriage is a big step.”

I laugh. “I see the way you look at Curly—don’t tell me that marrying her didn’t cross your mind.”

Ethan’s face reddens, and he shrugs. “Maybe I am considering it, but definitely not before graduation.”

I raise my eyebrows in surprise. “Really? Man, I didn’t know you were thinking about that already. I was just baiting you.”

Ethan runs a hand through his hair, looking slightly embarrassed. “Yeah, well, it’s not something I’ve talked about much. But with you jumping into marriage headfirst, it’s got me thinking.”

Liam nods approvingly. “Good for you, man. But remember, no Vegas weddings for you two.”

We all laugh, the tension easing. As the room empties out, I realize that despite the initial shock, my friends are supportive. They might not understand my impulsive decision, but they’re standing by me. That means more than they know.

“Yeah, no Vegas for me,” Ethan agrees, grinning. “I’ll leave the spontaneous weddings to Cole.”

Shaking my head, I’m amused and grateful for their support. “Thanks, guys. It means a lot to have you both on my side.”

As Coach walks in, the room’s cheerful atmosphere fades. We spend the next forty-five minutes intently studying tapes of our upcoming opponents. Afterward, Coach beckons me into his office.

“Westbrook, is there any truth to the rumors?” he asks, his tone direct.

“That depends on the rumor,” I reply cautiously.

“Are you married?” His eyes search mine for the truth.

“Yes, sir, I am,” I confirm, meeting his gaze steadily.

He nods, his finger rhythmically tapping on the desk. “I went down that road in college myself.”

Surprised, I take a seat. “Really? I didn’t know you were married.”

He gives a dry chuckle. “Not anymore. It lasted nine months. A complete disaster.”

My lips curve into a wry smile. “Quite the pep talk, Coach.”

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