Page 17 of 4th and Goal (Season of Change #4)

Stubborn fucking woman! Lilly Geddes is a pain in my ass.

I must be stupid to put up with her shit.

Stupid in love, I guess. She’s elsewhere in the athletic complex, standing in solidarity with Edee as Ty and Lyndell hold a press conference.

Is she wearing her sling? No. She doesn’t wear it at all while she’s here.

It’s only in the comfort of our homes that she’ll admit she’s in any discomfort.

I love that she feels safe enough with me to be vulnerable, but her arm was fucking dislocated, and she’s ignoring doctor’s orders and probably delaying her recovery or doing further damage.

But there’s no convincing her otherwise.

She doesn’t want to alarm anyone at work, knowing that so many of “her people” are still dealing with their own shit.

She’s strong for everyone else, so like I told her before, I’ll be strong for her.

The home football season is over, but the athletic complex is the building that never sleeps on campus.

It hosts many university teams, student gyms, athletic trainers, and so much more.

Lilly oversees PR for every athlete, coach, and team for the university.

She’s a busy woman. Football season takes up a lot of her time, but she likes getting a break to focus on all the other amazing talents on campus.

I glance up when someone knocks on my office door. Surprised, I greet Crue Pribula with a grin, standing to shake his hand.

“To what do I owe the pleasure, Mr. Offensive Tackle?” He smiles sadly as he takes a seat when I offer.

“My days as offensive tackle are numbered, Brody. I’m looking to the future. Which is why I’m here.” I lean forward in my seat, my elbows on the desk between us. “You should come to the Rose Bowl with us.”

I chuckle easily. “Thanks, but I think the stadium has their own security.”

“True. But the team could use it, I’m sure.” He continues before I can respond. “I’m gonna propose to Phia, then we’re all going to Vegas for our wedding.”

I’m blown away. Aside from the fact that he and Phia are getting married, he’s essentially inviting me to his wedding. It’s humbling to learn of your importance to other people. Both he and Phia are impressive individuals. Mature, driven, compassionate. I’m honored that he wants me to be there.

“Everyone knows?” He grins and I start laughing. “Everyone BUT Phia?” He nods confidently. “She’s gonna have your balls.”

“I’m not worried. She handles my balls like a pro.”

“Jesus.” I scrub a hand over my face as I laugh with him.

“I’m asking you to come to my wedding, Brody.” He lays it out for me, and there is no reason on earth to argue. I want to be there for him, for both of them, a witness to the power of love. I know a little something about it myself.

“Then I’ll be there.”

“Good. And bring your pretty girlfriend along. But don’t get any ideas, I’m the one getting married.”

“Groomzilla.” He laughs as he walks out of my office. His foot has barely cleared the threshold when he leans back in with a shit-eating grin.

“And I think Ty is going to propose to Edee.”

“Bunch of whipped romantics, the lot of you!”

Prib points at me, wiggling his finger around accusatorily. “You’re one of us too.”

I think about my stubborn baby girl and nod. “Abso-fucking-lutely.”