Page 152 of Falling Stars

“Then you’ll do great.”

I hug him and rest my head on his chest. I’m pretty sure he can feel my heart hammering. Strangely, his is too. Maybe he’s worried I’m going to wipe out Charlie Brown-style and land on my ass. That would definitely make theGazette. “Mav, will you still love me if I screw up?”

He kisses the top of my head. “You can’t mess this up. I promise.”

I glance up at him, and I’m taken aback by the love shining back at me in his eyes. “Okay. I’m ready.”

He winks. “I know you are. I am too.”

The announcer blares on the PA system. “To celebrate homecoming, we have our very own Coach Walker and his lovely girlfriend Baylee Reyes, who’ll be kicking the traditional field goal. Every year, we get one outstanding member of the community to do this, and today we’re honoring Baylee and her business, the Bumblebee Beauty Salon. For the last several years, she’s volunteered to cut the hair for the elderly at Maplewood Manor Nursing Home. Thank you for all your hard work, Baylee!”

Everyone cheers, and I smile.

Mav positions the ball, and I take several strides away toposition myself the way he taught me. Three steps back and two to the side.

Mav nods.

Here goes nothing. I point my left toe to the ball. Shift my right shoulder. Then step, step, kick.

I watch the ball sail through the air and through the uprights. I did it!

I jump up and down, and the fans cheer with me.

Smiling, I look around and skid to a stop.

Maverick.

He’s down on one knee.

Grinning at me.

With a box in his hand.

Oh my God. He’s proposing.

“What are you doing?” I ask, a little dumbfounded that he’s doing this during halftime.

His grin widens. “Something I’ve been dying to do for months.” He opens the box, and sparkling back at me is a gorgeous diamond ring. “Baylee, you’re the love of my life. My best friend. My ride-or-die. And living with you and Leo these past few months has been amazing, but there’s been one thing missing. Would you make my life complete by doing me the honor of becoming my wife?”

I squeal and jump up and down. “Hell, yes, Maverick Walker! I’d love to marry you!” I grab his handsome face and kiss him. The stadium goes crazy.

He places the ring on my finger, stands, and twirls me around. “Thank you, peach. You’ve just made me the happiest man in Wild Heart.”

The band starts playing “Happy,” and I smile.

After we’ve won the game, all the kids trail into the gym for the dance. There are streamers everywhere, a balloon archway for photos, and bored-looking chaperones.

Mav holds out his arm. “Should we take some homecoming photos?”

I loop my arm through his. “Let’s do it.”

We take some goofy shots and some serious ones, and he taps the photographer to tell him he wants them all.

Then he laces his fingers through mine and walks me onto the dance floor during the first slow song. “Since you’re my homecoming date, we have to dance.”

I rest my hands on his shoulders as his arms come around my waist. “This is nice.”

His eyes grow serious. “You should’ve been my date, Bay. To all the homecomings and proms in high school and the bonfire pep rallies in college.”

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