I crossed my arms. “Yeah?” Hearing that wasn’t surprising. Over the years, it had always been Dev who’d spoken of his dissatisfaction with needing to hide his sexuality.
“I don’t know, Brody. I’ve won enough Super Bowls already. I don’t care about the money or shit like that. We’re almost thirty. I’m getting really tired of hiding us.”
“I am too,” I spoke softly. “I just don’t know what to say. I’m not ready to retire. I haven’t thought about what I can do with the rest of my life. I can’t sit and fish and play golf for the next fifty years or so.”
His green eyes blazed. “You can do anything you want.” He paced the room, and I let him walk it out, understanding this was his way of thinking things out in his head. Finally, he came to a stop in front of me. “Change of plans. With the bye week, we can take a trip home with your mother and check in and see how the shelter and center are working out. Stay a few days.”
We didn’t need to return until later in the week to start watching films and learning the playbook. The way my heart jumped at the thought, I knew Dev was right.
“You wouldn’t mind?”
A beautiful smile broke across his face. “Baby, as long as I’m with you, I don’t care where I am.”
Every time he said those words to me, he made the impossible happen—I fell even more in love with him.
“Guess we better tell Momma not to unpack yet.”
With a twinkle in his eyes, he popped the top of my jeans and unzipped me. “We have some time. I haven’t greeted you properly yet.”
**
Two days later, Dev and I walked into the shelter with armfuls of Kings signed merchandise to give away. We were greeted with hugs by all the staff. Leah, Janie’s sister, who worked there full-time, took us around to show us how much better the living conditions were now.
“And all the proper clothing for the adults to wear for job interviews has helped immeasurably. That and the school supplies for the kids…” Tears welled in her eyes. “You two have been incredible.”
“It’s not only us,” I explained. “The Kings organization is behind it as well, and there’s more help on the way. They’re planning on setting up a satellite office down here to make it easier for scouting and offer jobs to people who want to work for them here or who might be willing to relocate up north.”
As I spoke, Leah’s hand covered her mouth. “Oh, my goodness. That would change so many lives. Thank you.”
“We wanted something permanent we could help with, after our football days are over.”
“That’s not happening soon, I hope.” Troy wheeled himself over to us. “You guys are the best in the league.”
“Nah, ’course not,” I answered. “How the heck are you? How’s Amber and little Jimmy?”
“Amber’s working at the hair salon and doin’ great. Jimmy comes here after school, and I pick him up after I get off my shift.”
“Where’re you working now?” Dev asked.
“McPherson’s electrical supply. With my degree in electrical engineering and experience in the Army, I help with HVAC systems and industrial installations.”
“Great.”
“I was wondering about something, Dev. You got a minute?” Troy wheeled a little closer.
“Sure.”
I wondered what the exchange was about, but a tiny smile played along Dev’s lips.
“I haven’t had the chance to see you in a long time. Would you know anything about the mortgage on our house bein’ paid off?”
“Now why would I know that?” Dev adjusted the Kings cap on his head, but he didn’t fool me. The fact that he hadn’t mentioned doing something out of the goodness of his heart was typical Devlin Summers.
“Oh, I don’t know.” Troy chuckled. “Maybe we received a letter from the bank, stating our mortgage was paid in full and they had our free and clear title.”
“I’m sure a lot of people would want to help a hero veteran like yourself.” Dev continued his nonchalant approach.
Troy cocked his head. “While that may be true, a little birdie who was at the bank the afternoon of the rec center opening told me she saw you meeting with the bank manager, and magically, my mortgage was gone.Poof. Just like that.”
