Page 150 of Endgame

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. This means so much to me, Jack.”

I pull back from him as he nods kindly, remaining humble.

“Go on, the team needs you in that huddle.”

My feet reach where Callaway is, huddling in unity with the team and ready to celebrate again.

Mack roars, “Strikers on three...one, two, three...Strikers!”

All hands meet in a pileup, rallying together.

Callaway’s arm finds my shoulders as we all file apart. He pulls me tightly into his warmth and kisses my head, smearing more of the mess between us.

“We made it.”

His smile is so big it lights my heart on fire. Seeing him radiate happiness makes me want to do everything in my power to keep it that way.

I flash him a cheesy grin, “You did it, Callaway. I’m so proud of you and all the guys.”

I am. They have given their all this season, and it shows in how they play.

“That’s sweet. But I meant us, angel. We made it. It only took you long enough to date me. And thank fuck you did because I’m a better man with you in my life.”

I kiss him because I must after that declaration.

“You’re stuck with me now, Ocean Eyes.” He kisses me back, and we lose ourselves in the kiss.

I pull back to look into his beautiful blues, “I think I was always meant to love you. Maybe that’s why Navy is my best friend—it was life's way of leading me to you. The ocean has also always been my favorite place, and now it all makes sense.” He’s looking at me with hopeful curiosity.

“It’s my safe place, my stable ground. It’s where I feel like I can finally breathe when I feel like I’m drowning. You saved me, Callaway. You’re my solitude, my haven, the love of my life. Nothing else matters outside of you.”

I’m catapulted in his arms and thrown over his muscular shoulders in seconds. He runs with me in circles around the field, smacking my butt playfully. Hysterics flow from my lips—the ease of loving him is a privilege I don’t take lightly.

Our goofing off is stopped by Kingston flagging down our attention. “Let’s go! He’s about to leave. Go get it, Kodi girl.”

I almost forgot.

Jumping from Cal’s arms, I bolt to the dugout to grab the scrapbook and signed check from my purse. He can’t leave yet.

Taylor hasn’t been up to attending games, so he’ll have to relay the message to her.

I’m running like a maniac, heading towards the team and staff gathered together by the bullpen exit of the field. Cheering meets my arrival as everyone howls at the excitement and good news coming for Coach Leggins.

He’s the only one clueless about what’s going on.

“Coach.”

Callaway and Mack walk to the head of the group where Leggins is standing. They each saddle up on one side of him, caging him in with an arm wrapped around his shoulders.They’re all close to the same height, looking like a force to be reckoned with together. I’m stunned for a second at the beauty of them all.

“What the hell is going on, Graves? Hayes?”

The guys are chuckling loudly, refusing to give him an inch of what’s to come. By the time I reach the group, Callaway makes room for me at his side as I call Navy up to share the good news.

Waving her over, Navy hangs back to the side of Mack. I told Mack ahead of time that this was his role. He’s the captain, so it should come from him. Surprisingly, he agreed, despite not being a fan of public speaking or speaking in general.

Mack’s hand claps the back of Coach Leggins’s neck, “Coach, we know life has been giving you hell lately. I suck at this, but we wanted to help you somehow. We all know you make bank, although your hair products probably cost you most of your salary. Just know we love you, man, and we’re all here for anything you need—Taylor, too. That said, here’s a check for thirty thousand dollars from us. The team hosted a carwash fundraiser for Taylor’s treatments. Dakota put some photos of the carwash into a scrapbook for you to see and show Tay.” Mack hands Jack the check and scrapbook, giving him a nod of respect.

Silence covers the stadium, and every eye finds Jack, waiting for his reaction. His head bows as his eyes find the turf before a heavy sniffle settles over us. Jack lifts his head slowly, fingers sinking into his eye sockets, likely to hide the tears fighting to break free.

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