"Yeah," I say.
Then I say it clearly.
"I love her."
For half a second the gym is silent.
Then it explodes.
Kids cheering.
Dex jumps into the air like someone scored a playoff goal.
"FINALLY!" he yells.
Colby claps my shoulder.
"Career Day MVP," he says.
Bobby shakes his head.
"Took you long enough."
Coach mutters behind us.
"About time he laced up his skates."
Maddie beams like she personally solved the mystery of the universe.
She runs across the gym and throws her arms around Natalie.
"I knew it!" she says.
Natalie laughs and hugs her tight.
I walk toward them.
Dex is still narrating.
"I would like it noted," he announces, "that the team played a crucial leadership role in this relationship."
"You pushed him a little," Bobby says.
"Motivated," Dex replies.
"Encouraged," Colby adds.
"Inspired," Dex corrects.
I stop in front of Natalie.
For a second the noise fades away.
Kids still buzzing with excitement.
The guys are grinning behind me.
The teachers look stunned but amused.
