Page 113 of Finding Fate

Jet had been staring over towards the locker rooms, knowing he should be heading in that direction when a familiar form approached the locker room doors in perfect timing with Emma’s distress.

A calculative smile appeared on his lips, and he turned to Tucker, who amusingly seemed to be thinking the same thing. The two nodded in conspiratorial agreement before Jet spoke.

“Don’t worry about it, Ems. Tucker and I know just the guy.”

“Really? Who?” she asked in a tone that was so hopeful and relieved that Jet prayed she wouldn’t be disappointed when she found out who it was. She hadn’t really shown much interest before, but that was all the more reason for what he and Tucker were about to do.

“I don’t have time to explain now. Gotta go change. But don’t worry. Really. Tucker and I’ll make sure it’s taken care of,” he said with a grin and leaned over to give Annie a quick kiss. “You look great, sweetheart. I’ll see you at halftime. Look for the sexy guy in the uniform,” he finished in a whisper that only Annie could hear before giving her a wink and running off, leaving her to smile pleasantly to herself.

“You know who he’s talking about, Tuck?” Isabel asked once Jet was gone.

“Yeah, I’m sure Jet’s gone off to ask him now.” Tucker grinned mischievously. He knew exactly why Jet was evading that particular question, and he wasn’t stupid enough to be the one to give the girls a straightforward answer.

“So, he’s in football?” Emma asked, hungrily taking in the one clue the guys seemed willing to give her.

“Yeah.”

“But, what if he says no?”

Tucker chuckled. “Oh, I don’t think you have to worry about that.”

Emma sighed. “Well, at least I don’t have to worry about my escort not being dressed right. Jet’s going to be in uniform, too. You’re sure this guy will do it?” she asked one last time.

“Relax, Ems. We’re taking care of it.”

“Alright,” she agreed, clearly not as appeased as she’d like to be. “Thanks.”

“No prob. You wanna hear some good news?”

“Yeah, sure. Anything to get my mind off the ceremony. I’m about to go crazy with nerves. Especially since you won’t tell me who’s going to escort me.”

Isabel felt Tucker squeeze her elbow and realized what he was hinting at. She was glad he had thought of it. It wouldn’t be right to keep Emma out of the loop again. She had been such a good friend. She held up her left hand where Emma could see the ring and watched as she had a very different reaction than Annie.

“Oh my Gosh!” the excited blonde squealed, hopping up and down in her heels. “You’re engaged?!”

“Shhh…Emma, chill,” Tucker hissed, his eyes wide with surprise at her reaction. “Not so loud.”

“Why?!” she asked, still squealing, but a little softer now. “Don’t you want to tell everyone?!”

“Of course we do,” Isabel said, dropping her hand quickly to try to avoid curious eyes from catching on, “but not until we’ve told our families.”

Emma stopped hopping and looked at them, perplexed. “You haven’t told your families yet?”

Annie grinned. “Nope. They find out tomorrow. You’re in the circle of trust now.”

A slow smile spread wide across their small friend’s face, her eyes beginning to mist. “Oh, you guys…” That was all she got out before she jumped up and wrapped them all in a hug.

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