Page 107 of The Playbook

He nodded his head to just behind me. I turned to find Adam in the tiger mascot costume with a mic in his hand. He belted out lyrics to the song.

If I had a wish, it would be to go back in time.

I’d hold you close. I’d make you mine.

Forever is a long time to wait, but forever I’d wait for you.

He pulled his mascot head off, and I gasped as I stared at Logan’s sweaty face. The cheering and roaring of the crowd behind me were blocked out by the thundering of my heartbeat in my ears.

I watched mesmerized as Logan approached me, singing to me, his voice like honey. I had no idea he could sing like that.

I used all my wishes on things that didn’t matter

I had to lose myself just to find you and be better.

My throat tightened as he continued his song, his eyes locked on mine the entire time.

If I could go back in time

I’d have loved you sooner

I’d have kissed you longer

And loved you harder

He reached out and took my hand in his.

Don’t let this be the end

You were a gift sent from above

My heart can never mend

If I lose the only girl I ever loved.

The music ended, and we stared at one another. He moved the mic away from his face before he spoke to me, words meant only for my ears.

“I’m so sorry, Gracie. I love you so much. I’m not good at things like words and songs, but that stuff doesn’t matter if we have each other because wearethe words and the songs and all the things that come with loving someone. I don’t want to lose you.” He rested his forehead against mine as I trembled before him. “Please, can I keep you? Forever?”

I couldn’t speak as my heart swelled. He’d done some pretty dickish things, but he’d also done some incredible things. He’d changed my life. He’d made me fall in love when I wasn’t looking for it. He brought me out of my shell and made me laugh. Made me feel things I’d been craving for so long.

So I did the only thing I could do.

I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him in front of the crowd. His lips parted for me, his tongue gliding along mine in a dance I’d been missing ever since things had fallen apart.

When we broke apart, we were both breathless. I let out a nervous giggle as he stared down fondly at me.

“Is that a yes?” he asked.

“It’s a hell yes,” I answered, kissing him again.

He wrapped me in his arms and spun me, his tiger tail smacking into Noah’s leg, making Noah let out a loud laugh.

The band launched into the school fight song as the crowd roared in the background.

We weren’t perfect, and I never thought we were.

We were us.

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