Page 96 of Mad Love

“You’re my family now, Sadie.”

I glance at him, surprised and feeling all airy inside with his words.

“Am I yours?” he whispers.

I lick my lips and don’t hesitate. “Yes, you are.”

He takes a deep breath and smiles, but he still looks worried.

“You’re not unsure of my feelings for you, right?” I ask. “They’re stronger than ever.”

His eyes soften and his lips quirk up. “I know this career is a lot to ask of you. I love what I do, but there are certain aspects of it that are so hard. We’ve had a lot of obstacles in our way from the very beginning. I don’t want my job to come between us too.”

“It doesn’t have to,” I tell him.

“We haven’t left this house together since Joan’s call. You don’t want to be seen publicly with me for the next five months. It already is.”

“If we can get through the next five months, I feel like we’re in this for the long haul.”

“I love you, Sadie. I’m already in this for the long haul. That’s where I’m not sure you’re hearing me or if you’re on the same page as I am.”

“I’m in for the long haul too.” My eyes fill with tears and I groan. “This is not the kind of conversation you need to be having the night before a game. You should go to bed, sleep, and focus on the game.”

“I’ll stay on here all night long if that’s what you need.”

“I’m okay.We’reokay. I love you. I’m getting sleepy and I’m gonna go get in your bed.”

“Our bed,” he whispers.

I smile. “Our bed.”

“Call me anytime, okay? And if you’re feeling nervous, one of the guards can come to the house and stay.”

“I’m feeling much better now.”

We hang up and I move into the other room and cry when I get into our bed. The day suddenly feels like it’s been endless; I’ve been feeling off for most of it.

Everything will be better tomorrow.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

THE BIRD

WESTON

Joan calls the day after our home game. I’m chatting with Blake and Ed at the gate after a long workout and lift my hand in apology.

“I’ve gotta take this, sorry.”

They wave and go back to talking about yesterday’s game. We beat the Bears 41 - 10, and it felt great.

“Hello?”

“Have you seen the magazines?” She gets right to it.

“Uh, no. What magazines?”

“You name it, Sadie’s in them.”

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