Congratulations are heard around the table, and everyone takes a few moments to ask her some questions, some she can answer and others she can’t.
“So what does this mean then? For you guys?” Chase asks, genuine hope on his face.
“Well,” Demi says, bumping her shoulder into me. “I think he has some billboards he wants to put up.” She smiles, and I can’t fucking tear my eyes from her face when she does it. She’s beautiful.
“Uh, one more thing.” I clear my throat and the voices around me die down after laughter and conversation.
Summer takes a seat in Chase’s lap, while Abby leans against Ford, his arm wrapping around her waist. And Mia stands with her palm on Nate’s shoulder as Demi comes to my side.
“Before we knew what was going to happen, I did make it known that a trade wasn’t completely off the table for me.”
Nate’s brow creases as he looks at me, but then softens when I see his focus move to Demi. He gets it. They all do.
“I love all of you. And I have loved playing this game with you. Every high and every low. When the lights are off and our time is up on the field, I know we left our mark. You guys made me love this game the way that I do. I know that football is a sport, but it means so much more than that. You’re my family,and the thought of not getting to do this with you all forever is hard to process.” I snap my gaze to the girls. “It’s been an honor sitting back and watching my brothers fall in love. Seeing how beautifully your lives have turned out.” Then I glance at Demi, and she smiles at me.
“Being along for the ride you each had to finding your better half was a fucking trip. One I don’t think I’ll ever forget. And if I don’t end up playing here next season, I just need you all to know that this part of my life has been my favorite.” I squeeze Demi’s hand wrapped in mine. “I hope I’m here. But if I’m not, I’m okay with it. The game isn’t forever, but this is—all of you are.”
Everyone’s eyes are wide, some are teary, but all are understanding.
My time with Demi was an unexpected blessing this year. Something I used to daydream about, never thinking it would be my reality. And now that she’s standing next to me and our entire lives are before us, I feel the urge to protect it—protect her—at all costs.
Falling so deeply in love with her hit me fast. But it’s not like I didn’t see it coming. I just didn’t do a damn thing to stop it or slow it down. My feelings strengthened quicker than the snap of a football, the tick of a game clock, the blitz of a pass rush.
I’m in love.Desperately.Undeniably.In love. And I’m going to hold onto it as long as I can.
The guys nod, and Demi keeps her hand in mine as she rests her head on my arm. This has been the greatest adventure. It’s changed me in every way possible. My life is infinitely better because of the people around this table, and I’ll never be able to say thank you enough for the love they’ve given me.
I’m not 100 percent sure where the next season will take me. Maybe I’ll stay here, maybe I won’t—Demi’s home base can be anywhere now. But it doesn’t matter where I end up, because allI know for certain is she’s who I want to end up with. Every day. Always.
I tip my head down, getting a quick glimpse of Demi. Dark brown eyes and curls sitting over her shoulders. She’s beautiful and brilliant. And I’m so fucking lucky I get to call her mine. Every bit of my future lies with this woman—no matter where life takes me.
SIX MONTHS LATER
“I’ve got the red cooler,” I shout over to Nate as I’m loading up the boat.
The offseason came quickly, and while this time is often spent alone, I haven’t had a day to myself since last November and I’ve never loved it more.
Demi’s new role will officially start this upcoming season, and I’m so damn excited for her. She’s part of the Monday night prime-time crew—so she’ll cover any team playing during the season on Mondays. It’s going to be so fucking cool to see her every week on TV doing what she was made to do.
The Knights and I did have a meeting about my contract—a couple, actually. The first thing I told Coach Aarons was how much I’ve appreciated his mentorship. And then I swiftly followed that up with telling him I understand this is a businessand guys get traded every day. I was honest, telling him how much my personal life has changed, the happiness I’ve found. It turns out that was obvious to everyone around me. The uplift, the spark, the joy that seemed greater than my usual.
He was surprised when he found out Demi and I are together, but never judgmental. Never accusatory or off-putting. He had a couple questions, and I answered them with certainty, something I know he appreciated.
When our conversation shifted back to my contract, he chuckled, removing his thin-framed glasses from his face and placing them on the table.
“If you think you’re playing anywhere other than this team, Evans, I’ll tell you right now, I’ll go to bat to have you stay.”
His words made my breath hitch—I’m so used to being told that being vulnerable or my personal life might hinder my chances at longevity in this game.
I’m thankful we were able to find common ground and I can still call Tampa home for the next three seasons.
After last season ended, Demi and I took a trip to Arizona to visit her family. We spent two weeks out there, and I have to admit, although it was hot as hell, the no humidity thing is nice.
Her parents are amazing, and I found myself really enjoying my time with her dad. He isn’t a Tampa fan, but I guess I wouldn’t expect it living out west. Although he did wish me good luck next season, and Demi tells me that’s a big leap from his previous comments about any team that isn’t his.
I got to spend a lot of time with her mom and her abuela too. I can’t count how many tostones I ate, but I know it was in the double digits. I also think I had the best empanadas I’ve ever had in my entire fucking life too.
Demi lit up around her family—her usual casual demeanor was lifted just a bit being around them. She smiled so much it made my chest pound every time I saw them interact. Hersweet abuela was trying to teach me some words in Spanish. I’ve been practicing every day, and I feel good about the prospect of being able to hold a decent conversation with her next time I’m visiting.
