Epilogue
NATE
NINE MONTHS LATER
It took me leaving after my ninety days, returning a month later—rather than the initially planned two months—and then perhaps another couple of weeks for the media frenzy to truly stop.
But honestly, what completely blindsided the both of us was that it was all concerning rumors of Ryan taking early retirement to move back to Australia rather than him being gay.
And who the fuck knew who started that rumor.
There’d been a few quieter weeks during that time, especially as he didn’t confirm anything. Some trade or whatever snagged the media attention for a while. It had been exhausting, especially for Ryan, who seemed to make it his mission to play harder than ever before.
His fierce determination to shut down the hate—because, while his team and the League were impressively supportive, there was no cutting the stupid out of bigots—by playing phenomenally made me as proud as I was concerned.
He’d pushed himself hard all season, doing some damage to his ankle that didn’t seem to properly heal.
And while the fans and media sang his praises after a win, the slightest fumble meant fresh news stories about his sexuality and a new round of hate-filled Tweets would make their rounds.
But we bore it all together. My three trips away to renew my visa had still happened, but the second and third time had been for just a week rather than my planned month. Not only was that because I missed Ryan, but I refused to let him go through any of this alone.
For eight long years we’d done that, and we’d both learned our lesson. Together we were happier, stronger.
Tonight was a struggle to hold back my excitement.
As hard as I tried to maintain a sad face and commiserate with the team as they exited from the locker room after their round five loss in the playoffs, the twitch of my lips kept breaking free.
Happiness knowing this was all finally over danced around my system.
I wanted to grin and cry and jump on a plane and get the hell out of here and be home more than I wanted almost anything in the world.
The exception being my man, who’d be stepping out any second.
“You could at least pretend to be miserable.” Jayden nudged me. I grunted when he made contact and shot him an evil eye.
“Watch it. Even your elbows have muscles.”
He grinned at me, but the usual happiness I was used to seeing from him didn’t quite reach his eyes. When he’d flown in alone yesterday, both Ryan and I had done a double take. It took me an hour to finally relax, certain Sutton was going to jump out of Jayden’s suitcase or something.
He never did.
Jayden had still played his role, pretended nothing was out of the ordinary, joked and made fun of Ryan, but something was off, and the gaping Sutton-shaped hole usually by his side was the only explanation.
“So you’re seriously going to come with us?” I asked him, keeping one eye on the door. Only a couple of players had exited so far.
“Hell yes. I already have a list of everything I want to see and do.”
When Jayden had mentioned to me this morning after Ryan had left that he was considering tagging along with us to Australia, I’d thought he was joking. It didn’t take long to realize he was serious.
“I’ve already called to organize my ticket and make sure they can get me a visa or whatever I need. I’ll keep you both entertained on the flight.”
I chuckled, sure he would, but none of that eased my concern for the guy.
The doors opening caught my attention. Philips exited with Tucker, both looking exhausted and just a little miserable. A few more players left wearily, wearing similar expressions. And then there was Ryan, his gaze already roaming the small crowd, seeking me out.
Unlike his teammates, he grinned and limped through the crowd. I had no idea how he’d managed to keep playing with the ache of that damn foot. But play he did. Like a goddamn rock star.
I ignored Jayden’s snort and his “Yeah, completely devastated,” wanting all my attention on the man arrowing straight for me. And then he was here. In my arms. Hugging me. Holding me so damn tightly I was worried a rib might crack.
“You played so well,” I whispered against his neck. The whole team had played their hearts out, but the other team had fought just as hard and won with a buzzer beater. “I’m sorry you didn’t get through.”
Ryan released me, his brows arching high. “That right?”
I rolled my eyes at him. “You know it is. I would have loved for you to get to the finals and win.” If he had, I would have cheered the loudest.
“But?”
Jayden snorted again, and I reached out and smacked him on the chest. “But we get to fly home in three days.” A thrill of excitement thrummed along with the beating of my heart. It had been an experience being here, living this life with Ryan, but I was so ready for normality.
There’d be things I missed, our friends mainly, but I knew we’d be seeing them again.
Speaking of— “Looks like we’ll be having our first guest too.” I indicated Jayden, who nudged me out the way and hugged Ryan. I clamped my mouth shut, holding back my chuckle at the wide-eyed expression Ryan shot my way.
“We will?” he finally said, pulling away from Jayden and throwing an arm around me.
“Hell yes.” Our friend rubbed his hands together. “I’m so going to ride a kangaroo.”
It was impossible to keep my laughter contained.
It burst free, my shoulders shaking. Meanwhile, Ryan rubbed a hand over his face, sighing wearily.
But he couldn’t fool me. He loved Jayden.
He’d be pleased that, despite retiring from the League and this having been his final professional game, his friends would still be around.
“Right, beers are needed. You all need some serious cheering up,” Jayden shouted loudly, clearly talking to the team as a whole.
As we followed him out, my hand firmly holding Ryan’s, I cast him a quick look. “It’s the last time I’ll ever ask,” I promised, “but you sure you want to give all this up?” If he had changed his mind, we’d make it work. Though I wasn’t sure how much longer his ankle could hold out if he did stay.
Stopping, Ryan tugged on my hand. I turned and stood before him, inhaling his shower gel and cologne I’d bought him for Christmas.
“The only thing I’ll never be prepared to give up is you.” He leaned down and brushed his lips tenderly against mine. “Say it,” he mumbled against my mouth.
I smiled and pulled back to look into his eyes. “Really?” I couldn’t even pretend to be annoyed, not when the way he looked at me made me melt.
“Yes, really.” He shook me a little, urging me on.
I rolled my eyes, my mouth twitching as I said, “No take backs.” Emotions pushed to the surface, knowing despite the teasing, I meant every single word.
“That’s right, baby. No fucking take backs.”
Continuing for the exit, we stepped out into the warm evening. And for the first time ever amongst the camera flashes and the call of Ryan’s name, my boyfriend hauled me into his arms and kissed me like he absolutely meant it.