Page 58 of The Rookie's Sister

With less than a minute left, we are down 13-9, our chances fading fast. The coach calls a timeout, and we huddle, strategizing our final play. Coach wants to replace Jeff, but I ask for one more shot. He gives an okay reluctantly. When the whistle blows, we line back up, hearts pounding. This is our last shot.

The ball is snapped, spinning cleanly into the quarterback’s hands. He surveys the field for a split second before firing it in my direction. I catch it and pivot right, ready to barrel towards the goal line like I’ve done so many times before.

But at the last moment, I hesitate. A defender blocks my way, but parallel to my right is Jeff, eyes blazing with determination. The memory of our extra practices flashes through my mind. Without thinking, I toss the ball to him instead, trusting his abilities completely.

The pass throws off the defender, as the crowd seems to hold their breath. In an explosion of speed, Jeff scoops up the ball into his chest, just like we’ve rehearsed, and blazes downfield. Defenders rush him but can’t get close as he weaves and spins at an unbelievable pace. I grin as he breaks through the last man and sprints for the end zone. A perfect play. The points flash on the scoreboard, sealing our victory.

The bellows and cheers are deafening. Jeff disappears under a pile of ecstatic teammates. On the line, Emma is on her feet, clapping and beaming. As Jeff emerges, I pull him into a quick hug.

“I knew you had it in you,” I shout over the noise.

He shakes his head, dazed and panting. “I never could’ve done it without you, man. That pass was unbelievable.”

Pride swells in my chest. The kid has come so far, and today proves he deserves to be on this team as much as anyone. We’ll make a great team. I catch the coach’s eye and he gives an approving nod. Jeff’s future here is no longer in question.

As we head off the field, I notice Emma waiting, a barely contained smile lighting up her face. Jeff is waylaid by a crowd of fans, so I break off and approach her.

“Not bad for a rookie, eh?” I say, jerking my thumb at the scoreboard.

She laughs, eyes crinkling at the corners. “Not bad at all. You were pretty impressive yourself with that clutch pass.”

I shrug, suddenly self-conscious. “Yeah, well, just trusting my teammate. That’s what it’s all about.”

Her smile fades, replaced by an earnest vulnerability I haven’t seen before. She takes a half step closer.

“You know, at first I wasn’t sure I could trust you,” she says seriously. “But you’ve proved yourself this last week, in more ways than one.”

My pulse quickens at her nearness. This is the opening I’ve been waiting for.

“Emma...” I hesitate, nerves threatening to choke my words. “What I said before, about making this real between us—that offer still stands. If you want to try...”

I trail off, mouth dry. She considers me for a long moment before replying.

“I think I’m ready to give this a real shot,” she says finally. “No more pretending.”

Elation and relief flood through me. I made so many mistakes in how I handled things with her that I really wondered if she would walk away. I start to reply, but she suddenly grabs my jersey and pulls me into a searing kiss. My eyes shut as I wrap an arm around her waist, the noise of the crowd fading away. Everything about her dominates my senses. The vanilla scent that always seems to surround her. The taste of stadium popcorn mingled with the hot chocolate she brought with her. The way we fit together that screams that she’s mine.

When we finally break apart, breathless, the promise in her eyes is clearer than any words. This is our fresh start, and I won’t ever take it—or her—for granted.

“So, does this mean you’ll let me take you on a proper date?” I ask, with a smile.

She grins up at me, and the rush of affection I feel nearly bowls me over. “It would be my pleasure.” She reaches for my hand, lacing her fingers between mine like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

As we walk hand in hand toward the locker rooms, I recognize that today’s win isn’t just about the scoreboard or even about proving ourselves on the field. It’s a milestone, a point of departure for something far deeper and more meaningful. The adrenaline of victory is potent, but it can’t rival the profound sense of connection I feel with Emma in this moment.

With her beside me, uncertainties about the future seem to dissolve, replaced by a quiet confidence that whatever comes our way, we’ll navigate it together.

EPILOGUE

EMMA

I stand at the entrance to the lavishly decorated banquet hall, adjusting the silk green straps of my dress. The excited hum of mingling voices washes over me as donors, hospital staff, and city elite filter into the glamorous charity event. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow on circular tables draped in cream linens, elegant place settings twinkling under the light.

It’s hard to believe I’m here as an honored guest. Tonight’s auction promises to raise crucial funds for Chicago Memorial’s ICU unit, the place I spent countless drained hours waiting for news. The same hospital floors where my father teetered so precariously between life and death just months ago, before Xavier intervened.

I spot Xavier across the bustling room, looking unfairly handsome in a tailored suit that hugs his tall, athletic frame. Our eyes meet, and he gives me a smile that ignites a glow deep in my chest. We’ve come so far from our inauspicious start. Though we’ve had our share of fumbles, fate seems determined to keep bringing us back together. And now here we are, officially a couple, ready to take things to the next level. Still, seeing him look at me like that makes my knees inexplicably weak.

The lights flicker, signaling the start of the program. Dr. Alden—the man who saved my father—steps up to the microphone stand at the front of the room. The applause dies down as all eyes turn to the leading cardiac surgeon in the country.

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