Page 93 of Zone Protection

“Ideally, Dallas, but we’ll see. They don’t have a high selection this year, unless they trade up, so I’m not sure. I would like to go in the first round, but all the magic needs to happen to get me where I want to be.” I hold the plate in one hand and open the grill cover, then pull out the cooked patties.

“The dream, Archie. You’ll be living the dream. I’m so excited for you. It’ll be awesome, watching you out on that field.”

“Thanks, man. I can’t believe it’s finally here. It feels like I’ve spent half of my life preparing for this, you know?” I close the lid, and we walk back into the house.

“No doubt. I’ve wanted to play ball since I was little. Getting my chance to start this year was a dream come true. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to be in your shoes.”

“I think I’m more excited than nervous. I feel like the time is right, and I’m in a good position. If the logistics work out the way I want, I’ll be one happy man.” I grab some cheese I set out on the counter earlier and lay a few slices on a some of the patties. Then I look over at Casey and laugh. “Just gotta believe, ya know?”

“It’ll be something to see, for sure. We about ready to eat? I’ll call for the others. I’m not going to get Beck and Charlie though. I’ve learned my lesson.” He shivers. “Can’t see that again.”

“Buddy, you gotta knock.” I laugh and punch him in the chest lightly.

“Oh, I did. And we’ll leave it at that.” He shakes his head and shouts out to them. “Hey, Char, Beck. Dinner is ready.”

Charlie walks in first. She’s wearing shorts and a T-shirt that’s … inside out. Beck follows shirtless and in gym shorts, hair disheveled.

“Archie! I didn’t know you were here.” Charlie walks up and hugs me.

“How’s it going, Chuck? Settling in officially around here? Love the organization in the pantry.” I put my fist out, and she bumps it.

“You should see our bathroom.” Beck shakes his head as he walks over to the table.

Charlie follows, and he pulls a chair out for her, pushes her in, and then kisses her on the head.

I bring the burgers over to the table, then go back to the counter and pull out the potatoes from the air fryer. I dump them in a bowl, then take them to the table.

Casey grabs a beer for me, Beck, and himself and a water for Charlie.

Once we’re all sitting, I look around and soak it in. This is probably the last meal I’ll eat with them in this kitchen. Their friendships, even though Casey and Beck have only been here for two years, have meant a lot to me. On and off the field. We’ve had a lot of fun together, but they’ve also become brothers to me. I can’t wait to tell them about Emma and the baby.

“Let’s raise our glasses.” I lift my beer. “Here’s to it and from it, then back again. And if you don’t do it when you get to do it, you may never get to do it again. Grab life by the balls, boys. Take your chance while you have it. And you too, Chuck.” I wink at her. “I love y’all. Cheers!”

“Cheers!” they all say in unison.

Three years ago, I came to Walker University, ready to take on college ball. I feel like I have accomplished everything I setout to do and then some. Winning the championship this season … what a wild ride.

I’m so ready to move on though. Playing in the NFL will be an amazing accomplishment, but becoming a dad and hopefully having more with Emma … life-changing. And I can’t wait to start living this next chapter.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-TWO

EMMA

Gettingin my car and driving away from Archie today was hard. I meant it when I said I didn’t want to sleep without him tonight. But the reality of all of this is pushing me way out of my comfort zone. Bringing up things I don’t really want to think about. My parents keep calling me to check in, and it just makes me feel more anxious.

When I walk into my apartment, my roommates are sitting on the couches, watching some reality show that I couldn’t get into.

“Hey,” I call out.

“Emma! You’re home. Where’s Archie?” Livi asks.

I drop my bag on the chair by the kitchen table. “He went to his place tonight.”

“Everything okay?” Mia asks.

“Mmhmm. It’s fine.” I walk into the kitchen and grab a bottle of water from the refrigerator.

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