Epilogue
TEX (TRAVIS)
ONE MONTH LATER
“What the hell was I thinking?” I whispered while standing in front of my dresser mirror, rolling a ring box in my trembling hands.
It was too soon to propose to Colton. But I knew deep in my soul I’d never love another man as much as I loved him.
He was the one. The problem was, would he think this was too impulsive?
Too soon? Did he feel the same? But all my friends were engaged or married now, even Malik and Grey.
Murmured voices and laughter snuck in through the open doorway to my room.
Everyone was out there for our last farewell to the Desert Dog house, the home that shielded us, watched us all fall in love and held all our secrets.
All the guys who’d lived here had come home and even Cooper had flown in with Myles.
I gnawed my lower lip, opening the box to view the silver and black platinum band once again.
It was understated, like Colton, and would look so perfect resting on his finger.
But I had to keep this a secret so Colton wouldn’t find out.
I didn’t need his father, who had bonded instantly with my dad when they’d met at our graduation dinner, to say something inadvertently.
Or my mother, for that matter. Would they all think I was nuts?
The only ones who knew were Malik and Grey.
As if reading my mind, I watched Malik enter the room through the reflection in the mirror. My pulse jerked. He was here to get me. I knew it. No more hiding. I snapped the box shut.
“Dude, everyone is here and…” Malik placed a hand on my shoulder as his gaze met mine in the mirror. “Are you okay? You’re white as a sheet.” He turned me to face him.
“What if Colton says no? What if he tells me it’s too soon?” My brow wrinkled as my heartbeat stuttered. I’d only met Colton in October. I hadn’t had years of knowing him like Malik had with Grey.
“Hey, we’ve been over this. You both love each other, and who’s to say how long you have to be with someone before you propose?
Do what’s right in your heart.” He tapped his knuckles against my chest. “He’s already committed to you, Tex.
The man is moving to Denver with you and passing by job opportunities to live with you.
Putting a ring on it is the right move.” The corner of his lips rose.
“Even if, heaven forbid, he said it was premature, then hold on to the rings and propose again when you’re more settled in your new life. Either way, he’s not going anywhere.”
My hands steadied as my eyes pricked. “Thanks, Malik.” He knew exactly what I needed to hear. “Let’s do this.” I stuffed the box into my jeans pocket and strolled out of my room beside him.
As I entered the main room, I scanned all my best friends, the men I’d played with on the field, traveled with, studied with and yeah, sometimes cried with. We’d had some incredible years, and now it was ending. At least we’d go out with a hell of a party.
JJ approached me with Holden on his arm. “Hey, buddy, where’ve you been?” He hooked an arm around my neck and kissed my cheek. “It feels like forever since I’ve seen you.”
“It has.” I side-hugged Holden while smiling at JJ. “How’s the IT band?”
“It still bothers him sometimes, but I take good care of him.” Holden beamed at JJ.
“He certainly does, in more ways than one.” He wagged his brows.
“You look like you need a beer.” With a smirk, Casey pulled Ryker along toward me and handed me a cold can of beer. “Dude, the Broncos? Really? Vegas will slaughter you this year. Your quarterback only knows how to throw ducks.”
“Maybe with Tex on the team, they’ll be able to run more. You know, with Tex making all those holes.” Ryker gave me a sly grin and sipped from a beer can.
“Listen to your better half, Casey. He knows shit.” With a chuckle, I wrapped both my arms around their shoulders and hugged them. “It’s good to see you both.” As I released them, I asked, “How’s the Audi running?”
“Like a charm. Best car Casey has ever owned.” Ryker sniggered.
“That’s great.” Opening my beer can, I stepped toward Eli and Wren, who were chatting with the parents. Eli had enjoyed a breakout year with San Francisco. “Hey, man.” I tapped my beer on Eli’s.
“Tex, nice of you to show up to the party.” Eli side-hugged me and then Wren did the same. My gaze swung to Dad. “What’s Eli telling you?”
“Oh, we were just talking shop,” Dad said.
Mom rolled her eyes. “I can’t get away from it, can I?”
“No, you can’t. It’s constant with these guys.” Wren grinned at Mom.
Dad scoffed and touched Andy’s arm. “Andy here is learning a few things.”
Andy’s eyes lit. “Am I ever. I’ve never been in a room with so many NFL players. Hell, I’ve never been in a room with any NFL players.” Shaking his head, he said, “You boys make me proud. Every single one of you.”
“Thanks, Andy.” My heart swelled with warmth. He’d be my father-in-law soon enough if today went well. Thankfully, all the PFLAG meetings and therapy were working their magic.
As I drank more of my beer, I stepped through the guys to Cooper, Myles and Evan, standing in the kitchen. It figured that the hockey players were banding together. “Coop, it’s great to see you. I’m so glad you could be here.” I gave him a brief hug and then greeted Myles and Evan.
“Me too. It’s been a long time.” He pointed his thumb at Myles. “Can you believe these guys? Myles is giving Evan shit about the playoffs.”
“We’ll win our game, you just watch.” With a smirk, Myles lifted his chin.
“Not if I can help it, Canuck.” Laughing a scoff and ticking his brows, Evan drank his beer.
“No fighting at the party. Save it for the ice.” With my heart lifting, I strode toward Malik and Grey, chatting with Colton at the patio doors to the backyard. It was almost time. “Hey, babe.” I hooked an arm around his waist.
“Hi. This is sort of bittersweet for you, isn’t it?” Colton leaned against my side. “We were talking about planning some sort of reunion every year when the season is done. What do you think?”
“Sure, but let’s not do it in Phoenix in May when it’s hot as hell already.” I glanced toward the backyard. The intense sun had already drained the plants of color. I wouldn’t be too upset to leave the heat behind. But I wasn’t looking forward to blizzards either.
“Hell no. We can pick different locations. I’d love to show you all around New York City.” A smile swept across Grey’s face.
Malik gave me a pointed look. He’d be the one to gather everyone.
It was time. I nodded at him. “Hey, Colton.” I faced him as my pulse skyrocketed, spreading adrenaline through my body as if I were taking the field for the first time in the NFL.
“Yeah?” His gaze found mine, his stunning green eyes warming my soul.
I might get to gaze into those eyes for the rest of my life. “Um…” I stuffed my hand into my pocket.
“Everyone, I need your attention over here.” Malik waved his hands, and everyone’s gazes drew to us.
Striding into the kitchen, Grey pulled bottles of champagne from the refrigerator.
Eli spied Grey and, with a smirk, jogged to him to help him. He knew what was about to happen without me even telling him.
I cleared my throat, focusing on Colton while the rest of the room blurred.
“Colton? I know we haven’t been together for very long, but I’ve loved no one the way I love you.
You’re the one for me and…and well…” Shit, I didn’t know what to say.
“I’d like to put a ring on your finger if you’ll let me.
” I dropped to one knee, slipping the box from my pocket and opened it for him. “Colton Reed, will you marry me?”
“Oh, my God.” Mom held her hands over her mouth, her eyes glistening.
Colton stared at me, eyes wide and jaw dropped open.
“Son, you better say yes, or I might have to strangle you,” Andy said.
With a glance at his father and his eyes brimming with tears, Colton swallowed hard and said, “Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.” He held the fingers of his left hand toward me.
“Fuck yeah!” Casey whooped and fist-pumped the air.
Grey and Eli popped champagne bottles open, the corks taking flight.
As I stood, I slipped the ring onto Colton’s finger. “I love you so much, babe.” With my heart full, I grabbed his face and planted the kiss of a lifetime on his mouth.
With a sniffle, he held up his fingers. “Where’s yours? I want to put yours on you.”
“Oh.” I’d stuffed mine in my other pocket and almost forgotten about it. After fishing my ring out, I handed it to him. “Here.”
He skimmed the ring onto my finger and then looked around the room. “Everyone be quiet for a moment. I have something to say too.”
The room quieted as Eli and Grey handed out champagne.
Gazing deeply into my eyes, he said, “Tex, you changed my life, and I can’t thank you enough.
When I met you, I was scared and broken, but with your love and patience, you helped me return to the person I was meant to be.
I’m not perfect yet, but I’ve come so far.
” With glittering eyes, he scanned the room.
“And being a part of this family, this crazy football—”
“And hockey,” Evan called out.
A quick chuckle sprang from Colton’s throat. “Okay, sports family, is amazing. I love you all, but mostly, I love this guy.” He planted a hard kiss on my lips.
I had nothing to fear after all.
Evan thought he knew exactly who he was, until he meets a broody rockstar who makes him question everything just when his NHL dreams are about to come true.
One collision changes the game… and falling for him might cost Evan everything.