Page 52 of Maverick
We’d also kept up the private training sessions, and my skills had improved almost faster than I could believe. Our chemistry in the bedroom translated to the field, which rocketed us right toward a Super Bowl win—the Yellowhammers’s first infiftyyears. Each one of us could predict the other’s move before it was made, and it made for what our teammates called “The Dream Team.”
That was another development: We were now out to everyone. Wethoughtwe’d waited for the clubhouse to empty out before we made the risky decision to fool around in the showers. Jake had doubled back because he’d forgotten something and caught the three of us stumbling out, red-faced and hands all over each other. For a long moment, we just stood there staring, each waiting on someone else to make a move until Jake broke the silence by throwing his hands up. He shouted, “I don’t want to know!” before he grabbed what he needed and left.
And that was the end of it. We got the occasional light-hearted joke but for the most part, the support we’d received had been almost overwhelming. Now that we had Quinton to keep us in check, Reese and I didn’t get into fights on the field anymore.
We’d talked about taking the next step—on more than one occasion. We’d talked and talked and talked… We’d gone ring shopping and even started deciding on specifics once we saw the headaches Stetson had inhisplanning. If one of them didn’t pop the damn question soon, I might have to muster the courage to do it myself.
While Stetson finished fussing over his hair, I took a moment to check my phone—and to discreetly slip both ofmyguys a picture of the lacy panties I wore underneath my suit. I tended to prefer them over boxer briefs now. Not only were my guys utterly unable to resist putting their hands on me at every opportunity, but the lacy garments had also become a comfort for me. When Reese or Quintoncouldn’tphysically reassure me, the panties gave me the reassurance that I needed.
“Is everyone here that needs to be here?” Stetson asked, startling me.
“Yes, and everyone’s in place.” I shut off my phone and fastened up my pants. Spinning around to face him I asked, “Are you ready?”
Stetson stared at himself in the mirror, tugging at the sleeves and lapels of his black jacket. It was clear that he was uncomfortable. As much as the guylikedto turn heads, he’d much rather do so in his uniform. Another deep inhale, and he turned around. “I don’t know. Am I?”
“Stetson Holloway,” I scolded. “You’ve never been nervous in your life. Why now?”
“Because I don’t want to screw anything up,” he admitted, then blushed as if he hadn’t meant to do so.
“You probably will, but so will they. I think if anyone can handle it, it’s the three of you.” With a hand on his shoulder, I urged him toward the door. “Now, whatever is going to happen with this day is done. Your only job right now is to get married. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.” Then with a bratty smile, Stetson tossed over his shoulder, “Or do you prefer ‘Daddy.’”
“Go, before I kick you all the way down that fucking aisle,” I growled, giving him a playful shove toward the ceremony doors.
As I walked ahead of him, I resisted the urge to seek out my men among the guests. I felt their eyes on me though, and an involuntary grin quirked the corners of my mouth.
Since there were three grooms, the space had been set up differently. Instead of the traditional aisle down the middle, the guests sat in a circle surrounding the altar. Levi and Barrett already stood there and as I joined them, soft music started and the doors swung open. Levi’s eyes watered, and Barrett’s mouth eased into a gentle smile. I watched the tension visibly melt from Stetson’s body, and I knew that it was all he could do not torundown the aisle.
I gave my best friend encouraging smiles where needed, and handed over the ring when I was asked, but I couldn’t have repeated a single word that was said. My attention was elsewhere. More specifically, drawn to the two sets of eyes watchingme. Goddamn, my men looked good. Both Reese and Quinton bothwore khakis with white button-downs, popped open at the top to tease at the skin beneath. Quinton had his locs tied back, and Reese’s blond hair was swept away from his face. Both looked at me with such intensity in their eyes that I barely resisted squirming on the spot.
Clapping snapped me out of it, and I refocused my attention just in time to see Barrett and Levi plant a kiss to either of Stetson’s cheeks. He grabbed Levi first, pressing their lips together before giving the same treatment to Barrett. That time, I didn’t bother fighting the tears. They poured freely down my cheeks.
The second I was tapped out of my best man duties, I made a beeline for Reese and Quinton’s table. Stetson rushed past me, pressing a Crown and Sprite into my hand and shouting that it was my turn to relax.
Quinton took charge then, tugging at my jacket until I perched on his knee. On instinct, my left hand searched for Reese. He tugged his chair closer until I could brush a rogue strand of hair out of his eyes. Quinton leaned in, growling in my ear, “You know you’re in for trouble for sending that picture earlier, aren’t you?”
Oh, I counted on it. “Yes, Daddy.”
I was comfortable. I watched everyone on the dance floor, trading hidden touches and lazy kisses with Reese and Quinton when we thought no one was paying attention. Exhausted and sore from being on my feet all day, I didn’t intend on moving for the rest of the night. So when Barrett hauled me out of my seat, I stumbled after him, confused. “What’s going on?”
“Just stand right here,” he said. “Don’t move.”
I had a front row seat to Stetson’s…horriblerendition of “Single Ladies.” Despite being grumpy about being pulled away, I laughed so hard that my eyes watered. He mock-tossed his tie once, twice—and then he stopped and turned around. Beyoncé grew quieter and…
Wait… that wasmyfavorite song—“How Could I Not” by Spencer Crandall.
What the fuck was going on? My smile faded and my heart leapt into my throat.
When Stetson made a beeline forme, the foolish organ stopped beating entirely. He looped his blue silk tie around my neck, utilizing the ends as reins to tug me down to his level. “Before you even ask, they cleared this with us.” He released the fabric, but my legs refused to move. “Turn around, babe!”
Slowly, I pivoted on the spot. The crowd parted down the middle, and Quinton and Reese were headed my way.
“What’s… Oh, shit!”
Both men dropped to one knee, and my words caught in my throat. My vision blurred. My hands flew up to cover my mouth. Each of them opened up a small velvet box, both of which held identical thin, gold bands. The music faded away, and Quinton spoke first.
“Maverick, I knew you were something special the first time we met, but I couldn’t even pretend to predicthowyou’d change my life. You’re one of the kindest, most selfless people I’ve ever known. I fell head over heels in love with you before I could catch myself, but you’ve become so much more than my partner. You’re my best friend, and I couldn’t imagine living another day of my life without you.”
