Page 44 of Hidden Plays (Desert Football #1)
HOLDEN
MAY THE FOLLOWING YEAR
“ T hank God, graduation is over.” I strolled hand in hand with JJ into his parents’ mansion. We were holding my graduation party here with a select group of friends and family.
“Babe, did you sign the contract yet with the Cardinals?” JJ kissed my knuckles and pulled me past the front room and down the marbled hallway.
“I did. I signed it last night.” Our lives couldn’t get much better. This summer, we’d return to Flagstaff for training camp, and this time I’d work as a full-time trainer with the team. Plus, this year, we wouldn’t be taking Noel. He’d found a better half, who was also sober.
“They’re here.” Nicole padded through the hallway, carrying a glass of wine. “This is so exciting having two Cardinals team members in the house.” With a grin, she wound her arm in mine. “Congratulations, Holden.”
“Thanks.” I kissed her cheek. As we approached the kitchen and family room, maroon and gold balloons and graduation decorations covered the walls and tables. Platters of Mexican food covered the kitchen island, and my parents stood with small plates, chatting with JJ’s Uncle Brian.
“Congratulations, Holden.” Kelly grabbed my shoulders and planted a quick kiss on my cheek.
“Son, we’re proud of you.” Dan stretched his hand to me while holding a whiskey in his other hand.
Shaking it, I said, “Thank you. It’s been quite a year, but having your son by my side made it much easier.”
Dan patted JJ on the back. “I’m sure it did.” His attention drew to JJ. “Did you close on the house yet?”
“Dad, shh…” JJ pressed his finger to his lips and then stared at me.
My eyes widened as I turned my gaze on JJ. He didn’t . We’d been casually looking at houses and had found a charming place in the Melrose District of Phoenix, but…
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Dan dipped his head. “I’ll go, uh, pour some drinks or something.” As he left, he threw JJ a smirk.
“What’s going on?” I grabbed both of JJ’s hands and shook them between us. If he did something like that, he should confess.
“My father is obviously confused. He’s probably had too much to drink since he’s not on call for once in his life.” With a scoff, JJ rolled his eyes.
I tilted my head, studying him. I’d let it go for now.
“Hey, bro. Get some food. It’s absolutely delicious.” Noel stood by me, hand in hand with his new girl, Michelle.
“He’s right. It’s very good.” She flicked a lock of her dark hair over a shoulder, beaming at me with her hazel eyes, a flowered dress hugging her slight frame.
My brother had done well for himself. She was a sweet girl, and together, they worked their recovery programs. “Thanks, Michelle, I think I will grab a plate.” I touched her forearm and made my way toward the island with JJ in tow.
“Hey, you get some food, and I’ll meet you back here. I’ve, uh, got to use the restroom.” Looking across the room, JJ scratched his forehead.
“Yeah, sure.” I chased his gaze and caught Arden in the corner, up-nodding at JJ. What the hell were those two up to?
As I made a few tacos, Mom strolled to my side. “Holden, we’re so proud of you. When is your official day with the Cardinals?”
“The first day of training camp in Flag.” I spooned rice and beans onto my plate.
Where was the liquor? Thankfully, Noel had moved past being triggered by alcohol.
But I knew he didn’t always stay long at parties where it was served.
I turned, my gaze fixating on the bar across the room, where Dan popped open bottles of champagne.
I smirked. He was readying for a toast to my graduation, of course.
Dad approached me. “Holden, JJ’s uncle tells me the Cardinals are poised for a Super Bowl run this year.”
“Yeah, with the team they’ve built, I could see that.
” How cool would it be? We’d made it to the playoffs last year but had gotten beaten by the Niners in overtime.
“Last year’s playoff game could have gone either way.
” I picked up a taco and bit into it, the contents spilling onto my plate. I needed to sit and eat.
With Arden, JJ placed an easel by the window, supporting a picture under a sheet.
What the hell was he doing? He didn’t have a photo of my degree under there, did he? I watched them while taking another bite of my taco. I really needed to get a drink.
Arden and JJ hovered around the easel, and then Arden strode to the bar, grabbed a filled champagne flute and brought it to me. “Here, take this.” He grabbed my plate and set it on the side table of the couch.
“Hey, I was eating that.” I took the champagne in one hand and licked the fingers of the other. Damn it, they wanted to do the toast now ?
“Come here.” Arden led me toward JJ, who was standing in front of the easel and adjusting his flower-patterned shirt over his wide shoulders, fidgeting with the buttons.
JJ looked nervous. Why would he be nervous? I stepped to him and stopped while everyone gathered around us, each with champagne in their hands. “What’s going on, JJ?” Did he buy the house?
“Babe.” JJ panned the room and then inhaled deeply, focusing on me. He ticked his head at Arden and snatched both my hands.
Throwing the sheet off the easel, a photo of the home in Melrose came into view.
He’d done it. The bastard. A smile swept my lips. But it was the most gorgeous home I’d ever seen and was perfect for us. “I love it, JJ.”
“But do you love me enough for this?” Reaching into his pocket, he fell onto one knee and held out a thick gold band. “Be my husband, Holden. Marry me and live with me in our dream home.”
As my vision blurred, I squeezed his hand. “Yes, JJ, I love you enough for all of it.” I didn’t even have to think about it. As a tear broke free, I pulled him up. “Kiss me, babe.”
Throwing his arms around my neck, he planted a hard kiss on my lips.
“Love you so much.” He released me, and as I held out my hand to him, he slipped the ring on my finger.
My gaze snagged on a matching gold band already wrapped around his finger.
“You were so certain I’d say yes, you put a ring on your own finger already? ”
With a shrug and glistening eyes, he said, “I’ve been sure of you all along, Harry. Just took some time to admit it.” He curled the corner of his mouth.
“Here’s to the happily engaged couple.” Dan lifted his flute, and everyone tapped their glasses together, clapping and cheering for us .
I touched my glass to JJ’s, swiped the wetness from my cheek and said, “I’m so glad we both admitted it. We’re going to have the best life, babe.” After sipping my drink, I placed a lingering kiss on his mouth. I’d follow him anywhere, and I knew we’d always find a way.