Page 124 of Play On

“You came to Australia,” he says, his tone still dazed.

“Of course I did. I came for you. It matters to me.”

Because I love youis left unsaid.

“Violet. This is crazy. I can’t believe you did this. You came toAustralia.”

“Of course I did,” I say again, grinning at him. “It’s your first friendly of the season, I couldn’t miss it.”

“You even kept this a surprise,” Noah says, his voice reverberating with the shock that he’s still feeling.

“I wanted it to be the biggest surprise for you.”

Noah continues to stare at me, and I still don’t think he’s trusting reality at the moment.

“Oh, I have one more surprise for you!” I say eagerly. I let go of his hand and quickly shimmy out of my coat. I turn around to reveal that I’m wearing his jersey. I turn back around to face him, and I find that Noah has become teary.

“My shirt,” he says, his voice barely audible. “You’re wearing my shirt.”

“Your shirt,” I repeat, my own voice growing thick with emotion. “I wanted to wear your name on my back. I’m so proud of what you have achieved, Noah. And I couldn’t be prouder to be here wearing your shirt.”

I push down my own tears when I see how overwhelmed he is by my grand gesture.

He reaches for my face again, this time putting both his hands on it. I wrap my hands over his, and he takes a moment before speaking.

“I can’t believe you did this for me,” he says, his voice rough.

“You are worth a trip around the world, Noah. I would do it all over again just for this moment. For you to simply know I’m here for you.”

Noah stares deeply into my eyes. “I love you, Violet.”

I pause for a moment, my breath caught in my throat.

Noah just told me he loves me. I stand very still, hoping he’s not saying these words because he’s stunned and caught up in the moment. I want him to say them from his heart. When it doesn’t matter if I’m making some big gesture. I want him to say it when we’re in bed. Watching TV. Drinking tea. I want Noah to love me for the big and small moments.

I just want him to truly love me,I think.

“I do love you, Violet,” Noah says firmly, his eyes kindling with emotion. “And you should know that.” He draws my mouth to his for a chaste kiss. “I love you so damn much,” he murmurs against my lips. “I love you.”

The second I hear the tone of his voice, when I see the fire in his beautiful brown eyes, I’m certain of one thing.

His words of love are true. Spoken from his heart.

“I love you, too,” I say, my voice wobbling.

Suddenly Noah’s expression washes away to one of pure, heartfelt joy. His eyes sparkle now. And the smile on his face?

Oh, it’s so beautiful and happy, I want to remember it forever.

I gaze back at him, knowing I’m showering him with the same smile he’s giving to me.

“I’ve got to go. But look for this tonight.” Noah makes a V with his fingers, his palm facing outwards, and holds it up to me. “When I score tonight, which Iwill, this V is for Violet. Foryou.”

Then he trots back to the pitch, joining in the drills with his teammates.

I stand still, blinking back tears as I watch him.

That’s the man I love.

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