Page 85 of The One I Want
We both laugh as we come together, sharing another kiss that is probably a little too deep for being in public.
But I don’t care. Because for the first time in my life, I am truly happy. The future might be unknown, but if I’m with Wes, it doesn’t seem as scary.
Chapter31
Wes
I takea step outside to my patio as I shut the sliding glass door behind me. The music and excitement from inside is instantly muffled, which is exactly what I needed. I don’t blame anyone for being loud and having fun. I’m glad they are. Hell, this is one of the best nights of my life. I just need a minute to myself.
I’m going to the fucking championship game.
I laugh to myself as I sit back on one of the chaise loungers, still not completely processing everything. After you play professional football for as long as I have, there are things you want, but you start to believe they aren’t in the cards for you. For some guys it’s all-star nods or record-breaking seasons. For me, it was a league championship.
There were some seasons with the Fury that I think we were eliminated from contention before we played a game. That’s how bad we were. Then Coach McAvoy came in and started turning the ship around. Once he got comfortable, and our franchise quarterback figured his life out, we started clicking. We’ve come close the last few seasons. Last year we fell a game short of making it to the big one. It’s what motivated us all year. It’s why I knew that if it didn’t happen this season, it wasn’t in the cards for me.
And even better? My whole family was there to watch, blood and extended. And then everyone made the trek back to my house to continue the celebration.
The best part was that the kids were there to see me in my final home game. I take out my phone, looking at the picture Betsy snapped of the kids celebrating with me on the field. We aren’t posed. I’m kneeling as all three ran into my arms. I’m getting emotional just looking at it. I know I was gone for a lot of their childhood. Yes, football, in comparison to other sports, is a shorter season, but it’s still a significant amount of time. I missed school plays and ball games. I missed lost teeth and bad dreams.
I just hope that one day they realize that I did it all for them.
“Whatcha looking at?”
I smile as Betsy comes over to the chair, sitting on the end of it. “The pictures you sent me from today.”
“They are good, aren’t they?”
I reach for her hand, bringing her in so her back is against my chest. “This one is my favorite.”
I show her the picture of the five of us. I need to thank Whitley, because she was the one insisting we take it. Everyone is decked out in Wes Taylor jerseys, and each of the girls have the Fury logo on their cheeks. Emerson and Hank are in front of me and Betsy as I hold Magnolia. Betsy’s hand is on my chest, and her smile could light up the stadium.
It’s perfect.
“Everything okay in there?” I ask.
She nods. “I just put Magnolia to bed. She passed out on the couch holding a piece of pizza.”
I laugh. “Thanks. I just needed to get away for a second.”
“Do you want me to go?”
I squeeze her tighter. “Don’t you fucking dare.”
I feel her relax against me as we just lie there, taking in the crisp, clear night. I gently stroke my fingertips up and down her arms, just loving the feel of her against me.
“So, what’s it feel like?” she asks.
“Surreal,” I say. “I don’t know if it’s actually hit me yet.”
“Going to the championship, or playing in Nashville for the last time?”
Huh…I never thought of it like that. “I guess both. The championship will hit me when we land in Arizona next week. As for it being the last game, probably not until next year when I don’t report back for camp.”
“That makes sense,” she says. “But until then, just enjoy the moment.”
I look over to the house, where I see Emerson and Hank dancing on the kitchen island, Oliver and Simon each there dancing on the floor, making sure neither of them fall. Shane and Amelia are talking at the table. My mom is cleaning up, because that’s what she does, and I’m pretty sure Dad is lounging in the living room, watching replays of the game. My brother was here with Olivia, though now I don’t see them. I’m guessing they pulled an Irish goodbye.
I look down at Betsy. Her eyes are closed as she rests her head against my chest. God, she’s beautiful. She’s now changed into one of my Fury hoodies. I’ve made sure to stock up on her Fury clothing options, but she still prefers to steal my stuff. I don’t care. I’d give her my whole closet if she wanted.
