“You don’t have to do that.”
“At the rate you’re creating an Embers and Ashes empire? You need it. And it’s not about having to do it—I want to.”
She grabs the front of my shirt and pulls me to her. Our noses touch when she says, “Thank you for loving me, Ty.”
“You make it easy, baby,” I say back to her before putting my mouth to hers. Kissing her for all the times I felt like I couldn’t or was too afraid to cross the line.
I have a lot to make up for—loving someone secretly for a decade will do that—but you know what? That’s a challenge I’m more than willing to accept.
Blair? She’s more than worth it. The type of woman who you get a hold of, you do everything in your power, and maybe then some, to let go. Loving her is a privilege.
And I’m the luckiest man in the world.
Cosmos Fall Short of Super Bowl, But Have They Already Won?
UPSTATE, N.Y.—The Upstate Cosmos came within three yards of punching their ticket to another Super Bowl appearance on Sunday night. But in a heartbreaking turn of events, a last-second fumble on the three-yard line—recovered and returned for a touchdown by the Bulldogs—sealed their fate and ended the Cosmos’ season.
To call it a fumble might be generous to the defense; the ball was punched out with precision by a relentless Bulldogs defense. Even the league’s top running back couldn’t withstand the punishing pressure in those final moments.
Yet, amid the heartbreak, one storyline continues to rise above the loss: Blair Miller.
Since Week 5, the Cosmos’ rookie kicker has been nothing short of remarkable. On Sunday, she was perfect—nailing all four extra-point attempts and drilling a 22-yard field goal. Each time Miller took the field, the energy inside the stadium shifted. Fans knew they were witnessing something historic.
Typically, postgame chatter focuses on what went wrong—the missed opportunities, the turnovers, the “what ifs.” But this Monday, that conversation feels misplaced. The Cosmos’ season deserves more than scrutiny; it deserves celebration.
This is a team that took a chance early in the year on a young woman with undeniable talent and composure. That decision not only reshaped their season—it helped redefine the sport itself. Around upstate New York and beyond, fans wearing jerseys emblazoned with Miller on the back stood and cheered, honoring the player who changed what was possible in the NFL.
Blair Miller has been more than a standout rookie; she’s been a symbol of progress. While some critics may remain skeptical, their doubts only add fuel to a growing movement toward inclusion and innovation within the game.
Whether or not the Cosmos made it to the Super Bowl, Miller’s contribution has made us all feel like winners today.
Blair Miller—thank you.
Forty-Two
Blair
“Ican’tbelieveyouown so much pink,” Tyson says to Zack, who is wearing an almost-neon blazer with matching loafers.
Grinning like it’s his job, he counters, “If you must know, this was my Super Bowl pre-game fit. We obviously aren’t playing, so I had to at least wear it tonight.” He swipes at an invisible piece of lint on his shoulder.
My heart sings as Tyson and Zack banter back and forth. When we lost in the conference final, I didn’t know what this night would look like for them. I was bummed—I would have loved to have had an opportunity to play for a championship—but those feelings of missing out weren’t the same compared to the guys.
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but they handled the loss a hundred times better than whatever I was hoping for. Sure, everyone was disappointed, but they kept it together until we made it back to the locker room. There were tears. Hugs. Teammates being proud of each other—some in the last year of their contract and not knowing what comes next.
It was clear from the team’s reaction and the coaching staff’s closing remarks: we had a hell of a season and had nothing to be sorry about.
Zack has decided to host a party tonight, inviting his closest teammates and their families to watch the game. I can’t wait for my brother to show up; it’s going to be so much fun.
For now, we’re the first ones here, arriving early like Zack requested. He needed Tyson’s help hanging up some décor—which turned out to bealmost life-size cutouts of the teammates he invited. Each one has our name, number, position, and a fun fact that Zack gleaned from us throughout the season.
Tyson’s fun fact reads “Knows The Greatest Showman soundtrack by heart,” and mine is “The queen of ordering the perfect amount for the table at any restaurant.”
“Blair! Finally!” someone yells, and I turn to see the most gorgeous crimson curls I’ve ever seen on someone. Emilie. Zack’s wife.
She practically runs over and then opens her arms for a hug. “I’m Emilie! It’s so good to finally meet you. Blair Miller… in person!”
I lean in and let her hug me. “Thank you for having us. Everyone is so excited. And I screamed when Zack told me you’d be here,” I gush, cheeks pinching from smiling.
