Page 87 of Lavender and Linebackers

I chuckle and lean in to hug him. He returns it with a few pats on the back.

“Besides, this is their doing. How would it look for the Tarpons to fine you or fire her? You’re one of the hottest sports celebrity couples. While you haven’t come out and publicly claimed to be together, I think most people think you already are. The fans wouldn’t react kindly.”

I guess I never considered it from that angle. I was worried about following the rules and keeping things private that the campaign, which we both hated, actually works in our favor. In a way, it’s like a team endorsement. He’s right. If they don’t bring her back next year, there will be speculation and negative commentary, and no one wants that.

“Thanks, man.”

“Have you told her?”

A smile splits my face. “Yes, and I’ll continue to tell her every day for the rest of my life.”

Chapter 29

Alice

After Ryder left, I decided to start my day by drinking another cup of this delicious coffee on his back patio. The air isn’t overly humid or too warm, so I’ve been sitting here enjoying the lake. His view faces north. There’s an opportunity to see the sunrise and the sunset. Even though this house needs a lot of upgrading, I can see why he bought it. The location, the large lot, the huge backyard, and the dock—it’s a dream family home. One that, within twenty-four hours, has started to feel like it is going to be ours.

Or maybe it always was, and he knew it.

The only thing it’s missing is a pool, but I’m not sure that it needs one. Maybe down the road it’s something for us to consider, but at the same time it’s easy to see where I could have a garden, we could put a swing set, and a hot tub. Not that I’m trying to get ahead of myself, but it’s hard not to imagine it all. Looking around, I find his infamous grill. Well, I should say three grills. There’s a standard gas grill, the Green Egg, and another that has a flat top. But that’s not what has caught my eye. It’s that on the end I find two large pots, both filled with gorgeous blooming lavender.

Lavender.

I don’t need to question why he has them. I know why, and my eyes prick with tears. He remembered, and at some point, he bought them for me, not even knowing if I would ever see them. And honestly, they don’t look that new. They look like mature plants. They’re full and flourishing with violet-blue flowers.

If I weren’t already in love with him, this would have done it.

Next to me, my phone starts ringing. I look down and see that it’s Kelli. I immediately answer it.

“So I’m looking at your location on my phone, and you’re not at your parents’ house. You’re at some house on a lake. Where are you?” she asks suspiciously.

I’m nervous to tell her because I’m not sure how she’ll react. I’ve been pretty open with her every time something has happened between us or changed between us, so maybe this won’t be such a surprise. “Ryder’s house.”

There’s a long pause. “Is it a nice house?” She’s curious. Relief washes over me.

“Yes. It’s dated, and he’s been renovating it himself. It has the most beautiful view of the lake.” My gaze travels toward it, but lingers on the dock. You know how there are moments in your life when you can look back and remember exactly what happened and how it made you feel? That dock will forever be that kind of place for me. I can visualize us there in the rain, putting it all out there, and ending with him telling me he loves me.

He loves me.

“When you say renovating it himself, do you mean like with his hands? He’s a fix-it-himself kind of guy?”

“Yes.” I laugh. Although I haven’t seen him fix anything, I can imagine him shirtless, leaning over a saw or standing in the kitchen with a hammer. “He’s already replaced the downstairs floor, he tore down some walls, and he’s been redoing the kitchen. It looks amazing.”

“Soooo, what you’re saying is he’s good with his hands?” The innuendo comes through loud and clear. There’s no one here to see me blush, but I do anyway.

“He’s very good with his hands.” I’m grinning hard, and my cheeks start to hurt.

She squeals on her side of the line.

“Was it amazing?” She’s begging for details. Not that I blame her. When the roles were reversed, I wanted to hear all about it.

“Indescribable.”

“Wow. I mean, just look at him. He’s got all that God gave him going for him. If he messed this up, I’d be royally disappointed for the rest of us who are hoping that a tall, hot, athletic guy will come our way.”

I laugh.

“He definitely didn’t disappoint.” I pull my knees up and glance back over at my lavender plants. Am I sore today? A little, but it was so worth it, and I can’t wait to do it again.