Page 249 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

I’d cushion Mikayla’s body, and she might walk out of this alive and well.

I could break every bone.

I could destroy my spine.

Heck, I could die.

The longer I stare, the more I realize my mind is already made up.

It doesn’t matter what happens to me.

I’m a Heartbreaker King.And though my potential death will break my Baby Girl’s heart, at least she’ll be alive.

A Queen can always rule without a King… but a King without his Queen by his side is but a fool.

“Dad,” I whisper with a shaky breath, hearing the sounds of popping coming from the suite below to the far left. “Whatever happens, protect Mikayla for me, okay?”

That’s all I can ask before I push off the floor to jump on the side table and balance on the metal rail of the balcony with Mikayla in my arms.

The screeches and pleas are loud.

The crackling burn of flames is even louder.

Helicopters are in the air while numerous fire trucks are down below.

Flashing lights.

So much noise.

Lights of white from plentiful phones.

If I focus on the net below, I know I won’t fulfill what I need to do.If I look at the horizon, I’ll regret not telling all those I cared for that I loved them.

Except for one.

The woman in my arms.

My eyes lower to admire her one last time.As long as my eyes are on my grand prize, I can fulfill this final act like a champion. My life may end here in the present, but this beautiful woman right here…

She’s my future.

When I’m pushed by my instincts to make the jump, I don’t think.

As I leap in the air, the deafening explosion coming from behind me whips me farther forward than I expect.

There’s no time to process it all. No more time to question what my life would have been if things went differently tonight.

All I know is my body does its best to curl around my Baby Girl.

Until I’m dunking into nothing but darkness.

Done Being A Coward For The Dream

~MIKAYLA~

“No way is he staying on the team.”

“Isaac. Calm down.”

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