Page 42 of Sideline Sweetheart
When the first notes ofRunning Down a Dreamfill the air, Coach Blakely lifts his arm indicating it’s time to take the field. We give him a head start as to not run him over, due to sheer adrenaline coursing through us as we explode from the tunnel and onto the sidelines. Fans are on their feet as the captains of each team make their way to the fifty-yard line to stand on the logo painted in the center of the field.
While the coin toss takes place, I glance over at the medical tent and see Mackenzie talking with one of the trainers. As if she can feel my eyes on her, she looks up catching my gaze. I wink at her and she smiles before returning to her conversation. While our relationship isn’t a secret, we keep it professional when out on the field.
As the captains make their way back to the sideline, I secure my helmet and jog out to huddle up. Harris Mathis, our tight end and one of the designated captains for today informs us of the results of the coin toss.
“We won the toss and deferred ‘til the second half. So, defense, you’re up. You know what to do.”
We break on a clap and the defense takes the field to line up against the New York Nighthawks. The whistle blows and the game is underway. The defense is on point, so the Devils turn the ball over on downs.
We take the field with the same result. We do manage to get a field goal on the board before the end of the first quarter.
The whole game is back and forth until halftime. As we jog into the tunnel to head to the locker room, I glance up at the scoreboard and see we have the lead by six. Our defense hasmanaged to hold them to a field goal. While theirs robbed us of the extra point after the only touchdown of the first half.
I enter the locker room, grab two bottles of water and set my helmet on the bench. I down the first bottle in three large gulps. Then I grab the other, soak a towel and run it over my face and head before draping it around my neck.
Coach Blakely moves into the middle of the room and adjusts his hat back to better see us as he speaks. Only it’s not Coach’s voice we hear, it’s Clayton Jacobson, dressed in his sideline gear, who moves to stand beside our head coach and address the room. “Okay, fellas, you all saw the scoreboard as you walked off the field. We’ve got the lead, but not by much. I don’t have to remind you what a win today means, we’ve had our eye on the prize all season.” He pats his leg, as if he must remind us why he’s not lining up with the rest of the team. “You all know how much I want to be out there making plays with you, but rather than risk cutting my football career short, I’m going to be the best damn cheerleader this team’s ever seen.”
“Might be the ugliest, too,” Harlan Mathis calls from the back of the room.
“Watch it Harlan,” CJ teases. “Even injured I can still take your ass down.”
The locker room erupts into laughter as Coach Blakely claps CJ on the shoulder. “You heard the man, fellas. When he comes back next year, he wants to be playing on a championship winning team. The only way the trophy comes home with us, is if you get out there, set your sights on the Nighthawks and finish this thing.” Coach turns a circle, looking each of us in the eye. “Question is, are you going to let the Nighthawks take away your chance of becoming champions?”
“No,” the team screams back in unison.
“What’re you going to do then?”
“Win!” The team begins to chant while pumping their helmets in the air.
“Damn, straight,” Coach yells. “Now get out there and make it happen!”
We hit the field with renewed vigor after our halftime pep talk. The third quarter is a wash, both teams keeping the other from putting any more points on the board. We are halfway into the fourth quarter when Justice Rosner makes an interception that has the Generals sideline on their feet as the fans explode into celebration. With Greer at his side, Coach Blakely calls the play and sends us out on the field. Our offense lines up against the Nighthawks and the center snaps the ball to Owen. He drops back in the pocket, looks down the field and finds his target.
Owen fires a perfect spiral, and I catch it on the run to the endzone. Two defenders are hot on my heels, but I’m faster than they are, and I cross over the goal line as one of their hands brushes my ankle in an attempt to tackle me. The entire stadium erupts into cheers as the clock runs out, indicating we’ve won the game.
My teammates rush the endzone lifting me in the air and cracking helmets in celebration, while the coaching staff spills out onto the field as Coach Blakely walks out to shake hands with the Nighthawks head coach. It’s easy to see the mutual respect
Confetti rains down and fireworks explode overhead as I hug my teammates and shake hands with the Nighthawks players. As chaos ensues around us, I search the crowd for the only person who knows my intentions, Coach O’Neil. He steps in front of me at the exact moment my eyes collide with Mackenzie’s.
Coach O’Neil’s hand lands on my chest catching my attention. “Great game, Coban,” he says with a wink. “Now go get your girl.”
I smile and clap him on the shoulder as my fingers wrap around the small velvet covered box, he hands me. I scan thestands for our parents in the family section and head in that direction as Mackenzie starts to run toward me. She leaps into my arms, and I catch her around the waist as her arms wrap around my neck. I slam my mouth to hers as her fingers weave into my hair.
When the kiss ends, Mackenzie’s smile rivals the lights surrounding the stadium. “Great catch, Champ,”
“Told you, you were my lucky charm,” I say as I kiss her again and then set her feet on the ground.
Mackenzie grins and shakes her head. “I think you may be exaggerating a little.”
“I don’t,” I reply confidently. “I also know after today, you and I will have matching championship rings. However, there’s another ring I’d like for us to have matching.” I drop down on one knee and open the ring box. Mackenzie gasps as her hand flies up to cover her mouth.
“Mackenzie Flynn, I knew the moment I laid eyes on you, you were going to be a challenge. Of course, I didn’t realize how hard you were going to make me work for our first date.” She laughs as tears stream down her face. “But I knew once I broke through the brick wall you built around your heart, there was no way I was going to let you put it back up. I love you Mackenzie, and I can’t imagine playing another game or taking another breath without you by my side. So, Mackenzie Flynn, will you do me the greatest honor and be my wife?”
She takes a step forward, her hands cradling my face. “Yes, Bryce, I would love to be your wife.”
My right hand covers her left and I glide it to my lips to place a tender kiss on her palm before sliding the engagement ring on her finger. I stand and haul her into me kissing her and proving to her how much I meant the words I voiced moments ago and sealing all the promises I have yet to make.
When I reluctantly end the kiss, we find ourselves surrounded by our parents, patiently waiting to congratulate us. I draw Mackenzie to my side and kiss the top of her head, as the announcer’s voice comes through the speakers.
