Page 88 of Full Court Crush

“They don’t play her enough,” she grumbled when there was another player substitution, but it still wasn’t Sonia. “She barely gets any minutes.”

“Well, that might be about to change.” Coach Grant took the seat on the other side of Keira. Amelia grinned.

“Huh?”

“I have it on good authority that Sonia’s contract only runs to the end of the season, after which she’s changing to a team that will better appreciate her talents.”

“What?!” Keira exclaimed, drawing everyone’s attention. Amelia shushed her. “What?” Keira repeated, more quietly. “Why didn’t she tell me?”

“Because it has to be kept quiet, until the end of her season. Plus, we’ve only just got everything finalised.”

“We?” Keira looked between Amelia and Coach Grant.

“She’s signing for us, Keira,” Amelia grinned, and Keira’s jaw hit the floor.

“Seriously? You’re not pulling my leg right now?” she asked, her whole body vibrating.

“Seriously,” Amelia said. “She isn’t supposed to tell anyone, but, you needed to know so you could appreciate” — Amelia dug around in her pockets — “that these tickets might be for her last WNBA game.”

Amelia handed Keira four tickets, two for a WNBA game next month, and two plane tickets.

“With your dad getting the all clear… I thought we could go. See the sights. Make a holiday of it.”

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she engulfed her girlfriend in a hug.

“Thank you,” she whispered, then leaned in for a kiss. She would never tire of the butterflies she experienced every time their lips met.

A little before halftime, Annabelle woke up, and Evie disappeared to feed her. She came back when the game was getting underway again, and brought a now wide awake Annabelle with her.

“Now everyone’s here,” Michael said, looking lovingly at his granddaughter. “Team photo? Before you all get distracted by sports ball again.” He chuckled.

They all shuffled closer, centring around Evie holding tiny Annabelle in her arms, flanked by her overprotective father and auntie.

“Okay, everyone, quietly. Blizzards on three!” Michael said, and everyone laughed.

“1…2…3… Blizzards!” they all whisper-yelled. Keira felt Amelia’s arms tighten around her waist.

“I love you,” Keira whispered in Amelia’s ear as the team separated and went back to their seats.

“I love you, too,” Amelia replied with a smile, sounding contented.

Keira relaxed back into her chair, basking in the evening sun and being surrounded by her friends. With her girlfriend’s hand in her own, hanging out with her team, and her dad officially cancer free, life couldn't get any better.