I’m a big believer in letting what’s meant to be find you. You can’t force fate. You can be open to the journey life wants to take you on, and you have to be willing to pivot and change, but in the end, what’s truly meant for your heart will be unstoppable when it’s ready for you.
For some reason, my mind had been picking up signals that Gage was someone I was meant to make room for. Something about him was drawing me in, unlike anything I’d ever felt before. Maybe he’s been put in my path for a different reason. Maybe he’s just meant to be another person I meet in life and think,Wow, the world is lucky to have you.
I pull my phone out of the hidden pocket of my dress, bringing up the group chat with my sisters.
ME:
Did you guys know straight away that your husbands were someone special?
MADELINE:
Yes. I thought for sure, this was the guy that was finally going to get me fired because he’s such a pain in the arse.
Madeline works for the football team Jacob plays for, Heart City Hurricanes, as a partnership manager. She overseessponsorship deals and media campaigns, which often saw her interacting with the players.
ME:
So how did you go from that to marrying the guy?
I stare down at my phone waiting for more information to appear, but nothing comes through.
ME:
…??
MADELINE:
Sorry, Jacob just got home from training with take-out, wearing a backwards cap. I may let him put another baby in me.
CHELSEA:
That is too much information, Maddie.
ME:
And you still didn’t answer my question! What changed?
MADELINE:
He pursued me from day one. Always flirting, leaving little gifts and notes on my desk at work. I thought it was typical player behaviour until one day I could see in his eyes how closely he was watching my reactions to everything he did. He really cared. When I let myself see the actions instead of the words, that’s when I realised it was different.
My pulse thrums in my ears, my skin prickling as I consider the similarities. What I’ve seen of Gage, versus what I’ve been told to expect. I chew my lip as I type another message.
ME:
Chels, what’s your take?
CHELSEA:
Evan kept showing up when I didn’t expect it. It was hard to date as a woman in my field. Most men don’t understand the demands of my hours, as well as the fact that I never wanted children. I was never going to be a woman who stopped working to raise a family - as much as I love my niece, and I sincerely hope for many more. Evan clicked from the start. It always felt like we were on the same page. I don’t know if I knew he was the one from the start, but I definitely knew he was someone who was going to be different. Significant.
CHELSEA:
What sparked this line of questioning? Have you met someone?
MADELINE:
OMG HAVE YOU MET SOMEONE?!?!
