Page 75 of It's Only Ever Been You

When I round the corner to the gate, I spot him immediately. He’s sitting near the window, a coffee cup in one hand, his phone in the other. He’s scrolling through something, oblivious to the world around him, and my heart skips a beat. He looks so calm, so composed, and for a second, I wonder if I should wait. But no.

It’s now or never, Emma.

I walk toward him, my steps quick but silent, until I’m standing a few feet away. He glances up, probably sensing someone approaching, and freezes when his eyes meet mine. His brows furrow in confusion, his phone lowering as he stands.

“Emma?” His voice is quiet but laced with disbelief. “What are you doing here?”

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of my words before I speak. “I’m here for you,” I say, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside me. “I want to do this together, Ethan. Whatever it takes. Wherever it takes us.”

His jaw tightens, and for a moment, he just stares at me like he’s not sure if I’m real. Then, in onefluid motion, he stands up and closes the distance between us, pulling me into his arms.

“You mean it?” he asks, his voice rough with emotion. “You’re really here?”

I nod against his chest, my arms tightening around him. “I’m all in,” I whisper. “No more running.”

Ethan pulls back just enough to cup my face in his hands, his eyes searching mine. “You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to hear that.”

I smile, tears pricking my eyes. “I think I do. I’m all in, it’s only ever been you!”

The End

Epilogue One

Our Forever

Ethan

Two years later

The sharp whistle of the coach cuts through the air, signaling the end of practice. My teammates filter off the field, their laughter and banter filling the locker room behind me. I stay back for a moment, leaning down to tie my cleats tighter, though there’s no real reason to. My mind isn’t here—it hasn’t been all day.

It’s back home—with Emma.

Even now, two years after we reconciled, her name still hits me like a punch to the chest, stealing my breath and making my heart race. It’s not just that I love her—it’s that she’s become my entire world. Every time I step off the field, she’s the first thing I want to see. Every win feels bigger because I know she’s there cheering me on. Every loss feels lighter because I know she’ll be waiting to remind me that the score doesn’t defineme.

But tonight’s not about football. Tonight’s about the rest of our lives.

I finally make my way to the locker room, where the guys are still cracking jokes and tossing towels. I half-listen as I change, my focus elsewhere. My phone vibrates in my bag, and I pull it out, the screen lighting up with Emma’s name.

Emma: What time will you be home?

Me: Be home soon. I’ve got a surprise for you.

It’s vague enough to keep her curious but doesn’t give anything away. I’ve spent weeks planning tonight, and the last thing I need is her figuring it out before I’m ready.

I shower quickly, the usual post-practice chatter fading into the background as I focus on what’s coming. By the time I pull out of the stadium parking lot, the sun is dipping low, casting the city in a warm golden glow. My hands grip the steering wheel a little tighter as I head toward the house, rehearsing the words I want to say.

When I step inside, Emma is waiting for me, her smile lighting up the space like it always does. She’s dressed casually in jeans and a sweater, her hair pulled back, and her expression soft as she leans against the counter.

“Hey, you’re home sooner than I thought you’d be,” she says, her eyes lightingup as I walk in.

I smile, closing the distance between us and pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I couldn’t stay away.”

She tilts her head, her brows knitting as she studies me. “What’s going on, Ethan?”

“Nothing yet,” I say, grabbing her jacket off the back of a chair and holding it out to her. “But I need you to come with me.”

She glances between me and the jacket, her lips twitching into a half-smile. “This feels suspicious.”

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