Page 70 of One Pucking Chance

My speech starts by thanking the cast and crew of the movie, but then I pull in a breath and think for the briefest of seconds about what I really want to say.

“I grew up surrounded by the magic of movies. Some of my earliest memories are on set, where I would talk to the people who make the magic happen. I wanted to know everything because I respect this industry so much. Doing what I do is an incredible privilege. For a couple of hours, films offer people an escape from life. Beautiful stories with beautiful messages inspire us, allow us to reflect, or remind those of us who may be going through something similar that we are not alone. I want to thank Annabelle Lighthouse and every brave woman in our history for paving the way for women everywhere. This movie speaks to so much more than becoming a CEO of a major corporation. It speaks to bravery, grit, and confidence. It speaks to knowing your worth and then fighting for it.” I hold up my Oscar. “Thank you for this honor. To every person out there, dreams are worth fighting for. Go out and fight for yours as only you can. Believe in yourself and make your life beautiful.”

The orchestra music starts playing as I’m escorted off stage. I replay my acceptance speech in my head, wondering if I said everything I wanted to say. In all honesty, I can barely recall any of the words I just uttered. The speech has left my brain, leaving only emotion—a vibrant wave of happiness surrounded by peace. And that is what I am going to take away from tonight.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-TWO

JADEN

Life is crazy sometimes, but that’s what makes it so incredible. This year has been a roller coaster in the best way possible. The team—my family—has accomplished so much, earning our name an eternal place in the record books as one of the greats.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve watched as one teammate after the next has fallen in love, gotten married, and some even have babies. While I was happy for them and loved all the new additions to the Crane family, I didn’t really understand it. Marriage means one partner for the rest of your life. Kids mean that you are no longer the most important person in your life. Once the babies come, you live for them. While I saw the good points to both scenarios, neither situation was one I coveted.

I loved my life as it was. I was a rich, talented sports star who could get any woman he wanted. That is a dream by any account. Or at least I thought it was.

My love for Anna has taught me that loving another more than oneself is the dream. That kind of love is special, and until you’ve actually experienced it, you have no idea just how incredible it is. True love is a rarity, and I’m so grateful every day that Anna took a chance on us. I can’t imagine loving anyone else the way in which I love her.

It’s been almost a year since she agreed to go on one date with me. And now—in the place where we shared our first date, we’re going to promise our forever.

The Appletons were beyond thrilled to offer up their orchard as the venue for our wedding. Besides the hefty check they received, they’ve pretty much sealed the deal on their lifetime VIP box seat status.

Our event planner extraordinaires, Penny, Iris, and Miranda, turned this into the most magical orchard to exist. The barn was cleaned up and decked out in beautiful furnishings and an insane amount of flowers. There is the perfect space to eat, dance, and have the best night with all the important people in our lives.

The only person from Anna’s past life in attendance is Miranda. Anna’s circle was tight, but it’s so much bigger now. Every guy on this team and the women they love would do anything for Anna. She’s one of us now.

“Is this spot okay?” I ask my mom as I lead her to a seat in the first row.

“Oh, it’s just fine, Jay. Thank you.”

“You look beautiful, Mom.”

She’s wearing a flowy ankle-length navy dress, and half of her dark hair is clipped back. She looks very elegant, almost unrecognizable. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen her in an elegant dress, to be honest. Growing up, she lived in one work uniform after the next, her hair always up in a tight bun.

After Anna’s mother’s funeral, I went to visit my mother with the mug shots in hand. She never gave me a lot of information on my dad’s side of the family when I was young. All I knew was that my father didn’t want to be a father and left my mom to raise me. What I found out after returning from California was much worse.

Finally opening up to me, she confirmed that the people in the mug shot photos were my father and his parents. During a rebellious stage in high school, she started talking to an older guy from the “wrong side of the tracks,” as she explained it. Come to find out, my conception wasn’t made of love but something far more sinister and heartbreaking. Her parents were devastated and ashamed, and instead of being there for her, they abandoned her, not wanting anything to do with her or me.

She raised me all alone in what must’ve taken so much strength. She said there was always an element of regret when she saw me, which made her feel guilty. She desperately wanted to connect with me but felt that she didn’t love me the way a mother should love their child. I was the daily reminder of her choices, heartache, and struggle. She was basically a child herself, raising a child and, from the sounds of it, suffered from years of untreated depression.

My heart broke when she opened up to me, and I didn’t blame or hold any hard feelings. For the first time, it all made sense. She wasn’t capable of loving me the way she wanted, so she worked to make sure I had sports and activities to be a part of so I wouldn’t feel alone. She gave me a support system.

Our conversation was a heavy weight off her heart, putting an end to years of shame. I told her that I understood, and not only that, but I was grateful for her and all she did for me.

I don’t know if my mother and I will ever be close, but I’d like to think there’s a chance. Time heals, and now that she’s not carrying around such a blanket of shame, maybe she will feel more comfortable opening up and exploring a relationship. I’m hoping someday, when Anna and I have children, my mother will get a second chance at feeling what love for a little one should feel like. Deep in my heart, I believe that she will.

Mrs. Appleton sits beside my mother, and I smile, knowing she can brighten anyone’s day. My mother is in good hands. The Appletons have a warmness to them that makes anyone feel good.

Besides my mother, Miranda, and our gracious hosts, every other person in attendance is part of the Crane organization. The ladies from the offices, the players, the coaches, and the owners—and of course all of their families make up the bulk of people here. It’s a perfect group.

My teammates have all taken their seats. I walk across the row, receiving fist bumps and handshakes from the guys.

“This is so beautiful,” Ari, Bash’s wife, says to me.

“It really is.” I look around.

It’s earthy, elegant, and whimsical all at once. The orchard alone brings so much beauty to the venue. Add in the other elements, and it’s off the charts.

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