Chapter 47
The way Demi fits against my chest feels like the perfect catch.
A well-placed spiral landing right into the arms of the receiver downfield.
Except the boulder-sized lump in my throat doesn’t happen when I score a touchdown.
I feel every bit of emotion coursing through me right now.
The hope, the love, the excitement, and even the fear.
Because hearing Demi tell me she loves me is everything I’ve wanted to hear for years—but I know it’s not something she’s saying lightly.
“I knew waiting for you wasn’t a waste of time,” I say into her ear with a low laugh, and she shakes against my chest laughing too.
“I’m sorry I took so long.” She pulls back, looking up at me.
“Forgiven.” I smile.
Demi’s fingers interlock with mine as she smiles back, but it slowly fades as she looks past me to the skyline.
I came up here to think. My world felt like it was spinning, and the need to get out into the open air was too strong to ignore. But I never would’ve expected Demi to come bursting through the door the way she did.
“You know, I’ve always admired you.” She cocks an eyebrow up at me and I nod. “For a million reasons, but over the last year I watched you become so damn resilient. You never faltered, at least not publicly.”
She lowers her head, shaking it with a soft laugh.
“You’re graceful in your resilience, Dem. A quiet strength you’ve shown that’s inspiring as hell. You make me want to understand my emotions better, handle them better, be better.”
Her thumb draws circles on the back of my hand slowly.
“There you go again,” she says as she inhales. “Sweeping me off my already floating feet.”
I feel her tense slightly against me before she clears her throat.
“I…I need to be clear, though. I meant it when I said I don’t want to have kids,” she says nervously.
And I never see her nervous. Overthinking, sure. Second guessing, yeah. But nervous? Like what she’s saying could actually scare me away is a new one.
“I believe you.”
“I-I’ve just been down this road before. And I’m not saying we’re about to get married or anything like that. I’m just trying to be clear. So clear that there’s no room for miscommunication.”
My head nods and I pull my lips in, forming a firm line.
I’ve never been dead set on having kids or not having them.
My first line of thought was always to find the woman I love and the rest—whatever that may be—will happen as it’s supposed to.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have fears about becoming a parent and ending up like my father.
Despite actively working to be nothing like him.
“And my job—it’s important to me, and your career is important too. We’ve both worked hard. I’d hate for things with us to get in the way of that.”
I take my hand and bring it to her cheek, gently cupping the side as I turn her to face me.
“I love you, Dem. I think you were made for me. Somehow, someway—you and I were meant to find our way to one another. I’m so fucking certain of that.
I don’t need to have kids. It’s never been a factor for me one way or another.
I love kids, yeah, but I have a niece and some nephews.
I’m with kids when I volunteer. I would never lie to you.
I would never, ever put myself in a situation where I’d lose you.
Because you, Demetria Sanchez, are enough. You are who I want. You.”
She nods, placing her hand over mine resting on her cheek.
“And as far as my career?” I scoff playfully.
“I won a Super Bowl. And I was named MVP. I hold the Knights record for most rush yards in a season for a quarterback. I’ve made the Pro Bowl, All Pro Team, and player of the week—many times.
None of those accomplishments measure up when it’s between you and football.
It’s not the most important part of my life anymore.
” Her dark eyes soften. “I already told Kat that I’m open to a trade.
And Coach Aarons knows it’s a possibility too—although he doesn’t love it.
” I chuckle to myself. “But I won’t let you risk your job here.
I know you don’t have news on the promotion yet, but I’m betting on you.
I’ll bet on you every damn time. But I don’t need to play here.
I just need you. If I could, I’d plaster how much I love you on every billboard in this goddamn city. ”
“What?” Her eyes widen and her lips stay apart. “You—you love playing in Tampa. This place was your dream, I read it on an interview sheet, Liam.”
My head shakes back and forth as pink and purple colors sneak up in the sky.
“No,” I whisper, bringing my other hand to her face as well. “You are. You’re every dream I’ve ever had come true.”
“Liam.” I feel her knees weaken under her.
“Listen, Dem. I’m just getting the hang of sharing my emotions more openly, but I’ve never felt more sure about anything.
I used to think that whatever bullshit I was going through in my head was something I had to ignore.
Keep smiling through any pain or darkness.
I never really…I don’t know, let myself process any of it.
But you made me feel like it was okay to sit in the dark for a minute.
To feel what I’m feeling and get through it without letting it swallow me.
Like I wasn’t going to drown if I let myself show emotion.
You helped me believe I could make it through any rough waters. You showed me how to build a boat.”
“I love you,” she whispers, eyes welling with tears. “I love you,” she says again before bringing her lips up to mine.
It’s sweet and soft. Warm and welcoming.
Home.
“My interview…” she says, shoulders pulled back in that confident way she does. “It’s in two days, then I’ll know within the week if I get it.”
“And once you ace it, we’ll know more about where we stand—publicly.
For now, we can still do things on your terms. If we need to stay a secret, my lips are sealed.
Ready to hold my hand in public? I’ll grab yours first. I’ve waited for you.
God, I’ve waited years for the way you’re looking at me right now. I’ll do anything you ask me to.”
“I want to be with you.” I feel her thumb brush my hand. “Everything else we’ll figure out together. I just know I want to be with you.”
I pull her hand to my lips, brushing her knuckles with a soft kiss.
“Last thing,” she says, and I sling my arm over her shoulder as we walk toward the door.
“What’s that?”
“I know you’re doing something with my rent.” Her eyes narrow my way. “And that stops now.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I pull her closer, planting a kiss on the top of her head and I catch her eyes roll as she sighs with a smile.
A big fucking eye roll. And damn, I love to see it.
“Did we actually lose the last piece? I knew Birdie would eventually get sick of this puzzle all over the table and start swatting her cute orange paws at the pieces.” Demi huffs as she looks under the couch.
We ended up finishing the puzzle over chocolate chip cookies and flan last night. Well, we didn’t exactly finish it since there’s one piece missing.
“How dare you?” I tease. “Birdie is offended.”
“Ugh.” Demi stands, rolling her eyes as she walks down the hall toward my bedroom.
I should probably tell her I see the piece next to the plant by the sliding glass door, although it’s pretty hot seeing her all flustered over a missing puzzle piece.
“I can’t believe we spent all of that time working on this puzzle and we aren’t going to finish it.” She pulls her purse over her shoulder.
“Dramatic, aren’t we?”
She gapes at me. “Doesn’t it bother you that the puzzle is unfinished?”
I just shrug, walking over to the door as Birdie meows at my feet. When I bend down to pick up the piece, I turn to face her.
“I found it,” I say. “Want to do the honors?”
“Oh my god.” Her hand flies to her hip. “We finished it.”
“We did.” I smile, placing the piece in its spot before taking her hand.
Her phone rings and she pulls it from her purse. I catch Greg’s name on the caller ID.
“Oh god.” She swallows. “I figured it was a no since I didn’t hear anything.”
“Answer it,” I urge, silently praying for her dreams to come true.
Demi puts the phone to her ear, and I want to give her space so I back away slightly, but she reaches for my hand, holding it as she nods on the phone. She says very few words, most of them are “uh-huh,” “okay,” and “thank you”—really giving me nothing to go on.
When she hangs up and drops the phone back in her bag, her dark eyes connect with my patiently waiting stare.
“I got it,” she whispers. “I got the promotion.” Her eyes water and mine do too. I pull her into my arms, wrapping her body against mine.
“I knew it, Dem!” I celebrate. “God, I knew it. I’m so proud of you. Congratulations!”
She deserves every bit of this. Every good fucking thing that happens in her life, everything she works for and is passionate about. Even if things between the two of us never came to fruition, I’d still be shouting how proud I am of her.
“I can’t believe it.”
My lips land on the top of her head, pressing a hard kiss and inhaling the candy-like scent. “I can. Come on, let’s go celebrate.”
“Happy Friendsgiving!” Mia shouts as Demi and I walk through the front door.
CeCe runs up and latches onto my leg for a brief moment, and I bend down, kissing her head. Nate and Mia’s boys are nowhere in sight, but I definitely hear them running around somewhere.
“Hey, Clarky,” I say, kissing Mia’s cheek. “It smells good in here. Let’s see what you’ve got going on.”
“Uh-uh, you stay out of the kitchen.” Summer comes up on my right, jabbing my bicep before giving Demi a hug.
“What? It’s part of the tradition!” I yell as all three of them are already in another room of the house.
I notice Ford, Chase, and Nate out on the back patio, and I say a quick hello to Abby while she’s on FaceTime with her mom, before heading out the sliding glass doors.
“Look who it is,” Ford says, tipping his beer up at me.
“He’s settled down now, so no more third-wheeling with Chase and Summer,” Nate jokes as I take the seat between him and Ford.
“Ha-ha, very funny.” I shake my head as Chase hands me a beer.
We cheers over the table, and I take in the scenery around me. Trying to commit every detail of this evening and these people to memory.
The girls come outside a few moments later, bringing appetizers, and I nudge Demi, knowing this is the perfect opportunity to share her news and the potential news of me playing elsewhere next year.
“Hey, while we’re all out here, we need to make a toast. Demi worked her ass off for years—she put up with me for five of them,” I say, earning a laugh. “And I thought you all should know you’re looking at the new broadcast reporter for prime-time game coverage starting next season.”
“No shit!” Ford shouts.
“Hell yeah,” Summer says, nodding her head at Demi and raising her champagne glass.
Congratulations are heard around the table, and everyone takes a few moments to ask her some questions, some she can answer and others she can’t.
“So what does this mean then? For you guys?” Chase asks, genuine hope on his face.
“Well,” Demi says, bumping her shoulder into me. “I think he has some billboards he wants to put up.” She smiles, and I can’t fucking tear my eyes from her face when she does it. She’s beautiful.
“Uh, one more thing.” I clear my throat and the voices around me die down after laughter and conversation.
Summer takes a seat in Chase’s lap, while Abby leans against Ford, his arm wrapping around her waist. And Mia stands with her palm on Nate’s shoulder as Demi comes to my side.
“Before we knew what was going to happen, I did make it known that a trade wasn’t completely off the table for me.”
Nate’s brow creases as he looks at me, but then softens when I see his focus move to Demi. He gets it. They all do.
“I love all of you. And I have loved playing this game with you. Every high and every low. When the lights are off and our time is up on the field, I know we left our mark. You guys made me love this game the way that I do. I know that football is a sport, but it means so much more than that. You’re my family, and the thought of not getting to do this with you all forever is hard to process.
” I snap my gaze to the girls. “It’s been an honor sitting back and watching my brothers fall in love.
Seeing how beautifully your lives have turned out.
” Then I glance at Demi, and she smiles at me.
“Being along for the ride you each had to finding your better half was a fucking trip. One I don’t think I’ll ever forget.
And if I don’t end up playing here next season, I just need you all to know that this part of my life has been my favorite.
” I squeeze Demi’s hand wrapped in mine.
“I hope I’m here. But if I’m not, I’m okay with it.
The game isn’t forever, but this is—all of you are. ”
Everyone’s eyes are wide, some are teary, but all are understanding.
My time with Demi was an unexpected blessing this year. Something I used to daydream about, never thinking it would be my reality. And now that she’s standing next to me and our entire lives are before us, I feel the urge to protect it—protect her—at all costs.
Falling so deeply in love with her hit me fast. But it’s not like I didn’t see it coming. I just didn’t do a damn thing to stop it or slow it down. My feelings strengthened quicker than the snap of a football, the tick of a game clock, the blitz of a pass rush.
I’m in love. Desperately. Undeniably. In love. And I’m going to hold onto it as long as I can.
The guys nod, and Demi keeps her hand in mine as she rests her head on my arm.
This has been the greatest adventure. It’s changed me in every way possible.
My life is infinitely better because of the people around this table, and I’ll never be able to say thank you enough for the love they’ve given me.
I’m not 100 percent sure where the next season will take me. Maybe I’ll stay here, maybe I won’t—Demi’s home base can be anywhere now. But it doesn’t matter where I end up, because all I know for certain is she’s who I want to end up with. Every day. Always.
I tip my head down, getting a quick glimpse of Demi. Dark brown eyes and curls sitting over her shoulders. She’s beautiful and brilliant. And I’m so fucking lucky I get to call her mine. Every bit of my future lies with this woman—no matter where life takes me.