Love on the Sidelines: A Small Town Sports Romcom

Epilogue

Ava

Ican’t believe it’s been a year since everything happened with Charlie.

He’s been one of the brightest parts of my life so far. He’s taken me on a trip here and there, but mostly, we’ve been able to mesh our families for holidays and other events. We’re still a small bunch, but we’re mighty. Bobby even came to visit for a week a few months ago and laughed at our antics, just like when we were growing up. The best part now is that I can kiss Charlie anytime I want.

Gran healed up well and joined me on the pickleball court. There have been no more stitches or surgeries needed, though. She loves Charlie and all that we’ve been up to.

Tina also recovered from her injuries and has been like a second mother to me throughout this time. She’s one of the best cooks I know, and I’ve learned a lot from her about how to make something other than casseroles.

Emily already has some interest from college coaches, but she’ll be returning to the elite camp in two weeks and will probably get more interest going there.

Charlie has been working on not working as much, and I’d say he’s doing a pretty good job of it. The first year of the NHL team was a lot, but he didn’t let it consume his schedule, leaving plenty of time for the two of us. They did pretty well for a first-year team, making it to the first round of the playoffs before being eliminated.

We’re down at a tournament in Park City, just outside Salt Lake, and I’m so proud of the girls. They’ve worked and worked to get to a higher skill level and the way they pass and work together is paying off on the scoreboard in each game.

We win this game, and I can’t help but smile as I look over at Tina and Gran. Where’s Charlie?

He was sitting there only moments ago.

There’s a bunch of oohing and ahhing from the girls, more like giggles. I turn my head a bit and see Charlie kneeling down behind me. He looks nervous, but I’m hoping he didn’t get hurt and now can’t stand back up. The history of hip and leg injuries we’ve had in our families is extensive.

Then he pulls out a ring and says, “Ava Marie Hooper, I have loved you for a long, long time. You’re one of the best things that’s happened to me, and you’ve helped me change my perspective on what living life should be like. I want to be with you for forever. Will you marry me?”

Squeals all around me cause my heart to beat hard enough it might pop out of my chest. Staring at the man I love, I can’t help but let the tears fall. He’s worked through my fears of being abandoned and has helped me find a safe space with him.

“Yes, I’ll marry you.”

He slides a simple ring on my finger and I can’t help but grin. “This is beautiful.”

He stands up and leans in to kiss me. “I wasn’t sure what you would like, so I took Gran.”

I laugh and say, “So that’s why she was showing me all of her jewelry and having me try it on!”

Charlie laughs. “I wanted this to be a surprise. Did it work?”

Grinning, I say, “Yes,” before leaning in to give him a kiss.

I lean back, surveying the group around us. The dozen girls on the team, their parents, Gran, Tina, Emily. They’re all there. An odd little family, but they’re all excited, cheering for us as we record this new milestone in our relationship. I couldn’t ask for a better moment than this.

The perfect ending to a love story started on the sidelines.

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