Page 69 of Zone Protection

We stand together, shoulder to shoulder, arms around each other.

“Here’s to the games we’ve won together and the one we’re about to win. And here’s to our brotherhood. We might not be related by blood, but I wouldn’t want to do this without you guys. Now let’s go get that fucking trophy!”

They yell, “Hell yeah!”

“Hold up. Let me get a pic of the four of us on the field.” Beck pulls out his phone, then hands it to Pitz.

We all scrunch together to fit in the frame.

After a few snaps, I squeeze Pitz’s shoulder and start to walk back toward the tunnel leading to the press area. “I’ll see you all later.” I lift my arm and wave to them.

Before I walk into the room though, I take out my phone from my back pocket and text Emma.

Archie: You should see this. It’s the big show, darlin’.

Emma: I wish I could see it! I’m so excited for you. What are you doing now?

Archie: I’m about to go into an interview, but I just wanted to text you first.

Emma: Well, that was sweet. Go do your interview and then call me when you’re back at the hotel later.

Archie: Okay, will do. You feeling good?

Emma: Yep, the baby has been kicking a lot today.

The baby has been more active lately, and we’ve been feeling him or her move and kick. It seems to be reactive to our voices, but also after Emma eats. It’s the coolest thing ever.

Archie: Give your belly a rub for me. I miss you.

Emma: Okay, Daddy. I will rub my belly for you. And I miss you too.

Archie: You called me Daddy.

Emma: Go to your interview, Arch.

Archie: But now I’m getting a boner because you called me Daddy.

Emma: Not in the way you’re taking it! LOL. Bye, Archie.

I pocket my phone and smile. I’m not really getting a boner. Sometimes, I just like to mess with her to see what she says. Luckily for me, we both have a pretty dirty sense of humor, so she’s never really shocked by the things I say.

Twenty minutes later, I stand and thank the reporter, then head out to find out where I’m supposed to be next. I’m starting to get pumped about this game, and I just want today to end so we can wintomorrow.

The adrenaline pumping through me right now is electric. I’m ready to get out on the field and kick some ass. This is our time. This is my last college game, and I want a win.

The music from the band is loud, the fans are cheering, and we’re ready to play. From where we’re standing at the entry of the tunnel, we can only see the pyrotechnics, our cheerleaders, and the mascots. Not being able to see much builds the anticipation.

Bo, Liam, and Coach are standing just in front of me, ready to lead the way out on the field. I’m standing next to Beckham, Casey on his other side. The buzz in my veins is getting stronger, and I can’t stand still. I want to get my team as pumped up as I am.

I turn in a circle and yell, “Let’s fucking go! Who are we?”

“STALLIONS!” the team yells.

“What are we gonna do today?”

“WIN!”

That’s better. I want to feel the energy of the team. I want them to be hungry for this win like I am.

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