Page 102 of Zone Protection

“Yes, Coach, thank you. See you tomorrow.” I press End and look at Emma and smile and whisper, “Dallas.”

My dad wraps his arm around my shoulders and squeezes a few times before letting go.

Minutes later, the commissioner comes back on just as the Cowboys’ clock runs down to zero. Not gonna lie—I have a slight moment of panic, thinking they might change their mind, but as soon as the commissioner starts to speak, I know it’s done.

“With the third pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Archie Griffith, tackle from Walker University.”

Relief washes over me, followed by pure, unadulterated excitement. My entire life, I’ve worked toward this moment. From peewee league to tackle and getting a spot on the varsity team as a freshman, running extra sessions with my trainer while the other kids were at the swimming pool or goofing around. It hits me that it all paid off. My dad taught me to lift weights, and my mama cooked all day long because I was only twelve, yet training like a D1 athlete. The money they invested, the time and miles on the trucks. We all gave something for this moment, and the celebration isn’t just for me; it’s for my whole damn family.

I stand when someone from the news crew hands me a Cowboys hat, and I put it on my head. I turn toward my mom first and hug her, then kiss her on the cheek as she tells me she loves me. Then I hug my dad, and my brothers pile on too.

“Love y’all,” I say as they all cheer in my ear.

When I walk over to Emma, she’s watching me with tears in her eyes. I take her by the hand and pull her up. I wrap her in my arms and kiss her quickly.

“Love you, baby.”

“Love you, Arch. Congrats, babe.” She pulls back and wipes a tear from her cheek.

We sit back down, and the guy with the headphones near thecamera spins his hand, then points at the camera. I can see myself on the TV behind the commentator onstage.

“Congratulations, Archie. Do you have anything to say to all these Cowboys fans out here today?”

“Yes, sir. How ’bout them Cowboys?”

Everyone in my house cheers so loud that I can hardly hear myself speak. The camera cuts to the crowd at the draft, also cheering.

“Are you ready to win? I can’t wait to get out on that field and work. Let’s go!” I clap my hands a few times, and then the camera cuts back to the show.

As soon as the light turns off, everyone jumps up and cheers. I stand and pull Emma up by the hand again and pull her into me. We both tuck our heads into each other’s neck. I’m trying not to cry like a baby, so I take deep breaths in until I feel like I can speak.

“I love you, Arch. I’m so happy for you. This is incredible and exactly what you wanted.” I can hear the tears in her voice too.

I squeeze her a little tighter, then pull back and look her in the eyes. “You are my world, Emma. Sharing this with you is a dream come true. Thank you for standing beside me, carrying my baby, loving me, and for just being you. I hope I can give you as much as you give me. I love you so much, baby.”

“I love you, Archie. So much.” She takes ahold of my face and kisses me. She slips her tongue inside, which takes me by surprise a little since her parents are here, but I ain’t gonna stop her.

“Yo, get a room!” one of my brothers—I think it’s Ace—yells.

I give him the finger over my shoulder, but I feel Emma laugh against my lips, then pull back.

Emma’s parents walk over to us then, and it’s only slightly awkward because I honestly don’t give a fuck who sees me kissing my girl. I’m marryingthegirl, my family is surroundingme, and I just got drafted to my hometown team. The only thing that would make it better was if my boys were here. Charlie too.

“Archie, congratulations. We’re just so excited for you!” Stacy hugs me, and then Van gives me an angled hug around his wife.

“Thank you both. This is a great thing for all of us. I’m glad y’all could be here today.”

Emma’s arms wrap around my waist, and I put mine around her and pull her in.

“We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Stacy looks at Emma and smiles. “We’re so happy for you both.”

The rest of the day flies by, and when I check my phone, I see texts from my friends and several missed calls. I’ll call them all back tomorrow, but for now, a text will have to do because I’m ready to get back to the shack and spend some time with my girl.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FIVE

EMMA

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