I feel tears well in my eyes, and I groan. “God, I’m sick of crying for one day. Doctor Brant is not going to be happy with all the loss of fluids.”
Despite the serious moment, my father chuckles. The sound is such a comfort, I revel in it. “Ryder did prove one thing to me. He put you first, so that’s a start in his favor. But he has exactly one chance with me—” he holds up a finger, his tone darkening “—he ever hurts you… Let’s just say, he better not dare.”
I don’t take my father’s warning lightly. But I also know that where history repeats itself, it also offers a chance for rebirth. Ryder and I have been given an opportunity to create something new. All of our own. A life for ourselves away from either of our pasts.
Voices travel into the room from the hallway, and I startle into motion, wiping the tear marks from my face. As Vee and Mel enter, followed by Becca and a nurse, all carrying plastic bags and sodas, I hike my eyebrows.
“What have you done?” I say, not addressing any one of them in particular. All their faces convey a touch of guilt and mischief. Although, I have some clue as to who was the culprit. I pin Mel with a look, but she immediately points to Becca.
Becca clears her throat and lifts her chin. “Well, it was hardly an easy task to get decent refreshments for a Super Bowl party at the hospital cafeteria.” She places her bag on the table, and I gape openly at her. “So, we went to the grocery store.”
I am shock. Shock is me. Becca went grocery shopping. My father’s lips twist into a smirk, and I know he’s thinking the same thing. The fact that this doesn’t disturb me is just the first step on a long route to our own personal recovery.
Difficult. But not impossible.
“It’s not the Super Bowl, dear,” my father says, rising and offering his chair to Vee. “This is college football.”
Becca stares blankly at him. “And? It’s on the flatscreen.” She says this as if it proves her point. “Regardless, I was disappointed they didn’t have quiche, but I did find some canned caviar.”
Mel makes a face. “I wouldn’t chance that, if I were you.”
Vee laughs, but I think Becca’s going to have to discover this mishap all on her own. I know my stomach definitely can’t take that kind of abuse. “Thanks, Becca,” I say, and she gives me a hesitant smile.
The nurse waves at the screen. “Turn it up,” she instructs. “My shift is over and I’m not missing my team take Engleton. I’ve been waiting for this for years.”
Vee nudges my arm. “Watch out for that one”—she nods to the nurse—“she might have a meltdown when she finds out we’re dating two of the players.”
I snort. “I can’t believe she’s actually, like, partying here. In my hospital room. With my stepmother and canned caviar.” I shake my head. “What’s next? The doctors and a beer keg?”
“It’s football.” Vee says this as if it clarifies everything.
“Of course,” I say, loving the light banter. Just moments before, I was ready to crawl under a rock. Now, even with the championship riding on Ryder, and people filling my room at the worst possible time in my life, I’m okay. I’m not one hundred percent, and I sure don’t feel like going to any after game parties—but I’m grateful to my friends and family for making me feel normal.
And oddly enough, I never thought that I’d aspire for normality. But it sounds pretty damn good.
“Look at your man,” Mel says. “Damn, girl. I need to call Boone over here immediately before I punch you with envy.”
“Oh,” Vee says. “Well, that one right there.” She points to a blip on the screen that she somehow knows is Gavin. His number isn’t even showing. “That one’s mine.”
Mel sputters. “Yeah, not a fan of bulk. He’s all yours.”
Vee tosses a popcorn kernel at Mel’s head.
This, right here, is perfection. It’s messy and flawed and complicated—but life is supposed to be. And on the screen, looking like he was born to play this game, is my future. The fact that I know what he looks like wearing glasses, and how good he feels on top of me, and that he’s the most intelligent and charming jock—that’s just a huge perk.
At three seconds to go, Ryder sends the ball spiraling through the air. It’s caught and run home for the winning touchdown. Braxton University wins the championship, and this one, defining moment will forever change Ryder’s life.
Our life.
He found me. He chose me. When I was fading, his love shone bright enough to chase away my darkness. He was willing to sacrifice his future—all because he believed in us.
Sometimes love means fading out so another shines brighter, but our love means never having to dim; we burn for each other.
Epilogue
Years Ahead
Arian