Page 83 of Their Greatest Strength

It’s just another way he shows his kindness.

“What if they’re ugly? Do you want the entire team to see them?”

“There’s no better way to make sure nobody pops a boner in the showers than forcing them to look at my ugly mug on the wall.”

My laugh is genuine, yanked from my chest. I fall into our act and run my fingers through the blond curls flopping over his forehead, forcing them back.

“It’s impossible for you to be ugly, Jamie.”

“You say the nicest things to me. I’m spoiled.”

I roll my eyes. “Keep it up and I’ll hang the photos myself.”

“Yeah, that’s my Bandit. I missed you.”

25

JAMIE

It still hasn’t hitme.

The reporters are outside, stalking the venue for a chance to slip inside. Security is tight, and with the few members of the team, Graham, and Coach here, it should probably be even tighter.

Mom insisted on tying my tie, and as she stands in the back room with me, rolling her lips and sighing, I prepare for the words that I know are coming.

“If you’re going to tell me to pull a runaway groom, I’ll have to tell you not to waste your time, Ma.”

“I’m not going to say that.”

“Then what’s brewing up in your head? You’ve rubbed your lips together so many times your lipstick is gone.”

She finishes looping the tie and presses it against my chest. “I just want to make sure you still don’t want to tell me the truth before going out there.”

“I’ve already told you the truth.”

“Don’t play me for an idiot, Jamieson. I’m more perceptive than you think I am. And I know that you wouldn’t have allowed Graham Wells to be at your wedding unless you wereforced to. Those reporters outside are here for a reason, and it isn’t to wish you good luck with your marriage.”

Heaving a sigh, I step backward and focus on cuffing my shirt sleeves.

Mom follows, too stubborn to leave it alone. “Why aren’t you telling me? If you’re in trouble, I’m here to help you.”

“I’m not in trouble. Please, let it go. I wouldn’t be getting married if I didn’t want to.”

“I don’t believe you.”

I grab her shoulders, gently keeping her in place as I speak, voice strained. “Drop it, Mom. I’m getting married any minute now. There’s no changing my mind or convincing me to tell you what you want to hear. I need you to support me right now.”

“You’re a good man, Jamieson,” she whispers, finally relenting. “Maybe too good.”

Will she still be saying that in two months when I have to tell everyone that I’m getting divorced?

It doesn’t matter. Right now, I need to get out there and make good on my promise to the team. Things will get easier after that. When it’s just me, Blakely, and Nate.

And a mountain of public responsibilities to make good on and events to attend. Photos to post and affection to display.

Our engagement photos were posted on Kye’s website and within a few hours were shown on the TV broadcast of our last game. They’re really good-looking photos, even with Blakely staring at me like she wanted to skin me alive.

“I love you, Ma,” I say.

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