I held my breath, waiting to see which quarterback would be called. My lips curled as Fin ran onto the field. The first two calls were handoffs. We were at third and inches. Fin’s handoff was a fake to TreshawnMorgan. As Dijon Ortiz pushed Fin from behind, Fin rushed.
First down.
The crowd screamed.
“Fin. Fin. Fin.” A chant erupted. The crowd was deafening.
We ended with a punt after using three minutes on the clock.
Time-out for the two-minute warning.
The Cardinals needed two scores to win or tie.
They went for it on fourth down and goal. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the referee.
Denied.
The Coopers had the ball with forty seconds left on the clock.
A sea of amber began to file out of Crystal Light Stadium.
We won.
“Great game,” I said to the players and coaches as they headed into the locker room.
“Malik,” I called. He turned my way. “You’re right. You’re a hero.”
His smile grew. “Thanks, Ms. Maeve.”
A smile I appreciated even more met me. “Good game, Mr. Graham.”
Fin passed by closer and said in a deep whisper. “I want to kiss you right here.”
Warmth filled my cheeks. “Later.”
Once the team was off the field, I made my way up to the family suite. Everyone was still inside when I arrived. Scanning the suite, my attention went to Dad, Uncle Darin, and Grant beyond the glass.
“Vee,” Lip called as I entered. “Damn, great game.”
“Is there something going on?” I asked, tipping my head toward the three men standing behind the glass.
Lip shrugged. Before we could say more, Royce Beasley turned, seeing me. His smile grew as he arched a bushy eyebrow. “I’ll take that apology now.”
“Apology?”
“Griffin Graham.”
“I never said you were wrong about him. I just didn’t think an old man like him had it in him.” I nodded. “I stand corrected on all counts.” Fin definitely had it in him. I wasn’t going to share that. “Troy is looking good. He’ll start practicing this week.”
As our conversation moved on to Troy Dennison, Dad appeared at my side, carrying a pink drink.
I narrowed my gaze. “You going to froufrou drinks now, Dad?”
He passed the glass to me. “It’s for you, my daughter and the heart of the Coopers.”
I took the glass, holding it by the stem. “Thanks, Dad.” I took a sip of the cosmo. “I’d say there are many important parts to the Coopers. I’m happy to be one.”
Uncle Darin and Grant were still in a private discussion out beyond the glass separator.
