Page 54 of Header

“Can I join you?” he asked.

Tori nodded.

Chance walked to her again. “I love you. Thank you for giving me another chance.”

She put her arms around his shoulders. “I love you, too. I promise to talk to you from now on.”

“Sounds great to me.” He kissed her again. “We better get this movie started.”

They settled in the living room with Tori leaning against Chance’s side and Emmett curled up on the floor. He preferred to be there when watching movies which worked out well for her being able to stretch out on the sofa. If Chance thought it was weird, he didn’t say anything.

After the movie, Emmett got ready for bed and Chance helped her clear away the mess.

“Do you want to stay over?” she asked him.

“I never wanted anything more,” he smiled back.

Twenty-Two

By the time Saturday rolled around, Chance was floating. Everything was going great with Tori and Emmett, the team was thrilled to have him back at practice, and he was getting to play in the last game of the season.

They hadn’t made the playoffs but that was fine. It had been a weird year and he knew that next season would be even better for Bardley.

He snuck out before the game started to get a kiss from Tori. Sam had laughed at him and playfully scolded him about where he needed to be.

“I’m so happy to have you here, in my jersey, cheering for me,” he told her.

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be. Plus I’ve cheered for you before,” she winked at him.

“Oh? You’ll have to tell me more about that later,” he teased.

“Go. Before you’re late for the last game.”

“Can’t have that.” He kissed her again and headed back to the locker room.

“I offered her seats first,” Maddox pouted when he got back.

“He’s been like this since you left,” Aaron pointed at Maddox.

“I’m just saying. I get some credit here,” Maddox defended himself to the room.

Everyone burst out laughing, even Derek. “And we all appreciate you helping us get Chance back out here.”

The game was tied at one as they went into the last few seconds of extra time. Bradley had the ball and the team was playing more in sync than they had all season. They were giving it all and trying to break the tie.

Maddox crossed the ball in the air towards Chance who was right in front of the goal. The keeper hadn’t noticed him yet and he took his shot. Jumping in the air he sent his header toward the goal.

The crowd cheered before Chance even realized it had gone in. He ran to the back post and met his teammates for a celebration. It was brief but the game was over. As soon as the ball was kicked again, the ref blew the whistle. They had won and it was over.

Chance looked around the pitch for Tori, hoping Sam would bring them down with him. He got his wish as he watched her look around for him while tightly holding Emmett’s hand.

He ran straight for her. A few guys patted him on the back as he blew past.

“Tori,” he reached her.

“Chance. That was amazing.”

“You guys won!” Emmett was cheering.

---