"Okay, that's definitely the alcohol talking," I laughed, exchanging a grin with Daisy.
"No, she's right," Nova insisted. "You've both transformed. And it's been beautiful to watch."
"You guys are going to make me cry," Daisy said, blinking back tears.
"Good tears though, right?" Ivy asked.
"The best tears." They hugged, and it made me emotional to watch the two sisters reconnect. I looked at these women who'd become my friends, my support system, my chosen family.
Derek appeared in the doorway. "Sorry to interrupt, but Coach wants to say something."
We all headed back inside, where Coach had gathered the team in the living room.
"I'll keep this brief," he started. "This season wasn't easy. We had injuries, setbacks, and internal conflicts. But we pushed through it together. And tonight, we're champions because we never gave up on each other."
He looked directly at Derek. "Some of you faced demons this season. Overcame obstacles that would have broken lesser people. Derek, I'm especially proud of the courage you showed tonight. That penalty kick? That was more than just a goal. That was you refusing to let fear win."
The room erupted in applause.
"And Max," Coach continued, "thank you for being a leader who knows when to be tough and when to show grace. That's what great captains do."
More applause and cheers.
"Finally, I want to say that this team is more than just soccer. You're a family. And like all families, sometimes you fight. Sometimes you hurt each other. But at the end of the day, you love each other enough to work through it."
His eyes moved to Derek and Aaron, standing side by side.
"That's what makes a championship team. Not talent, not skill, though you have both in abundance. What makes you champions is your willingness to show up for each other, even when it's hard."
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words settling over us.
Then Max started a slow clap that built into thunderous applause.
"All right, enough serious talk," Coach said, grinning. "Enjoy your night. You earned it."
As the party resumed, Derek pulled me aside.
"Want to get out of here?" he asked. "Go somewhere quiet?"
"Read my mind."
We slipped out the back door and walked to his car. The November night was cool but not cold, perfect for a drive with the windows down.
"Where are we going?" I asked as he pulled out of the driveway.
"You'll see."
He drove us to the hiking trail where we'd watched the sunset what felt like a lifetime ago. But instead of hiking, he pulled out a blanket from his trunk and spread it on the grass at the trailhead.
We lay side by side, staring up at the stars.
"I've been thinking," Derek said after a moment. "About what Coach said. About family and showing up for each other."
"Yeah?"
"I want that. With you. Not just dating, not just whateverwe're calling this right now. I want to build something real. Something that lasts."
My heart started racing. "Derek."
