Page 68 of Their Greatest Strength

“Yes, it was her. And why not now? Blakely isn’t the type of woman you have and don’t try to lock down. I’m proud to have her and am done hiding that from everyone like we’ve been doing for the last few months.”

“I can only imagine the reactions from your fans once the news breaks. Are you excited for them to meet her? Or, moreimportantly, is Blakely ready to be in the spotlight? Especially after this long without it.”

The question comes from another woman, and the guy beside her scowls. His badge is a familiar one, and I know he doesn’t give a shit about any of this. He’s here for football, and that’s that.

Sorry, man.

“Blakely has nerves of steel. She’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. So, yeah, while she might not be ready per se, nobody really is. That doesn’t mean she won’t be able to handle it. As for the fans, her being one was how we met, so I think they’ll get along just fine.”

“Can you tell us more about that meeting? Was it really a classic fan-meets-player moment like you’re making it seem?”

I don’t catch who asked that, but I answer regardless.

“Yeah, it was. The entire time, all I was thinking is that this girl has no idea she’s about to change my life. It wasn’t flashy or planned, but it was . . . perfect. Just meant to be, you know?”

The words are a lie, but the heat in my chest as I recall our real meeting is the furthest thing from it.

Sadie cuts in again, keeping control of the room. “Okay, that’s the end of those questions. If anyone has anything else to ask about the game, do that now before we’re finished for the night.”

I lean back in my chair and glance at my teammates. Jaxon is as smug as I expected him to be, but Zach looks almost . . . soft. Like he’s read too far into my words. As the only guy in our friend group who’s in a relationship, it isn’t surprising that he’s able to see right through me.

Coach is still leaning back against the wall. He offers me a tight-lipped smile before the next question comes for Zach.

I know I’ve done well, but there’s still this stupid twisting sensation in my side that tells another story. It’s hard to be happy with nailing these questions when I know that my answers are going to be the ones my family sees when this story breaks.While I managed to sneak a warning phone call to my parents this morning, their reactions have stuck with me all day.

“You haven’t been to the house in over two weeks, Jamieson,” Mom scolds through the phone.

“I’ve been busy, Ma. You know how it is.”

“Hmm. You always make the time for us.”

Dad huffs a laugh. “Just try to come by soon, or your mother will be at your front door any day now.”

Stomping down on my nerves, I reply, “I was planning on coming by tomorrow. I’ve got some news, and I know once it breaks, you’ll have questions that are better to ask in person.”

“What are you talking about? Just tell me now,” Mom urges gently.

My throat is sticky. “I’m getting married.”

“One day? Yes, I always figured you would, honey.”

“No. I’mgettingmarried, Mom. Next weekend.”

The following pause is so silent that my dad’s cough makes me flinch. It’s Mom who recovers first.

“You’re not even dating anyone. Wait, is this the woman who robbed you?”

“What do you mean, ‘robbed him’?” Dad barks.

Mom sighs. “I’ll explain it to you after, Ty.”

“Yes, Ma, it is. Her name is Blakely, and I’m marrying her. I want you to meet her officially before the wedding.”

“Well, that’s generous of you,” Dad grunts, his frustration leaking through the phone. “We wouldn’t want to have not met your bride one single time before you married her.”

“Don’t be like that, Dad. It’s all just happened so fast.”

“Why are you making this decision already? Are you in trouble? If you are, we can help,” Mom offers quickly, worrying the way she’s always done when it comes to Oliver and me.

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