Page 32

CHAPTER

THIRTY-TWO

JADEN

L ife is crazy sometimes, but that’s what makes it so incredible. This year has been a roller coaster in the best way possible. The team—my family—has accomplished so much, earning our name an eternal place in the record books as one of the greats.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve watched as one teammate after the next has fallen in love, gotten married, and some even have babies. While I was happy for them and loved all the new additions to the Crane family, I didn’t really understand it. Marriage means one partner for the rest of your life. Kids mean that you are no longer the most important person in your life. Once the babies come, you live for them. While I saw the good points to both scenarios, neither situation was one I coveted.

I loved my life as it was. I was a rich, talented sports star who could get any woman he wanted. That is a dream by any account. Or at least I thought it was.

My love for Anna has taught me that loving another more than oneself is the dream. That kind of love is special, and until you’ve actually experienced it, you have no idea just how incredible it is. True love is a rarity, and I’m so grateful every day that Anna took a chance on us. I can’t imagine loving anyone else the way in which I love her.

It’s been almost a year since she agreed to go on one date with me. And now—in the place where we shared our first date, we’re going to promise our forever.

The Appletons were beyond thrilled to offer up their orchard as the venue for our wedding. Besides the hefty check they received, they’ve pretty much sealed the deal on their lifetime VIP box seat status.

Our event planner extraordinaires, Penny, Iris, and Miranda, turned this into the most magical orchard to exist. The barn was cleaned up and decked out in beautiful furnishings and an insane amount of flowers. There is the perfect space to eat, dance, and have the best night with all the important people in our lives.

The only person from Anna’s past life in attendance is Miranda. Anna’s circle was tight, but it’s so much bigger now. Every guy on this team and the women they love would do anything for Anna. She’s one of us now.

“Is this spot okay?” I ask my mom as I lead her to a seat in the first row.

“Oh, it’s just fine, Jay. Thank you.”

“You look beautiful, Mom.”

She’s wearing a flowy ankle-length navy dress, and half of her dark hair is clipped back. She looks very elegant, almost unrecognizable. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen her in an elegant dress, to be honest. Growing up, she lived in one work uniform after the next, her hair always up in a tight bun.

After Anna’s mother’s funeral, I went to visit my mother with the mug shots in hand. She never gave me a lot of information on my dad’s side of the family when I was young. All I knew was that my father didn’t want to be a father and left my mom to raise me. What I found out after returning from California was much worse.

Finally opening up to me, she confirmed that the people in the mug shot photos were my father and his parents. During a rebellious stage in high school, she started talking to an older guy from the “wrong side of the tracks,” as she explained it. Come to find out, my conception wasn’t made of love but something far more sinister and heartbreaking. Her parents were devastated and ashamed, and instead of being there for her, they abandoned her, not wanting anything to do with her or me.

She raised me all alone in what must’ve taken so much strength. She said there was always an element of regret when she saw me, which made her feel guilty. She desperately wanted to connect with me but felt that she didn’t love me the way a mother should love their child. I was the daily reminder of her choices, heartache, and struggle. She was basically a child herself, raising a child and, from the sounds of it, suffered from years of untreated depression.

My heart broke when she opened up to me, and I didn’t blame or hold any hard feelings. For the first time, it all made sense. She wasn’t capable of loving me the way she wanted, so she worked to make sure I had sports and activities to be a part of so I wouldn’t feel alone. She gave me a support system.

Our conversation was a heavy weight off her heart, putting an end to years of shame. I told her that I understood, and not only that, but I was grateful for her and all she did for me.

I don’t know if my mother and I will ever be close, but I’d like to think there’s a chance. Time heals, and now that she’s not carrying around such a blanket of shame, maybe she will feel more comfortable opening up and exploring a relationship. I’m hoping someday, when Anna and I have children, my mother will get a second chance at feeling what love for a little one should feel like. Deep in my heart, I believe that she will.

Mrs. Appleton sits beside my mother, and I smile, knowing she can brighten anyone’s day. My mother is in good hands. The Appletons have a warmness to them that makes anyone feel good.

Besides my mother, Miranda, and our gracious hosts, every other person in attendance is part of the Crane organization. The ladies from the offices, the players, the coaches, and the owners—and of course all of their families make up the bulk of people here. It’s a perfect group.

My teammates have all taken their seats. I walk across the row, receiving fist bumps and handshakes from the guys.

“This is so beautiful,” Ari, Bash’s wife, says to me.

“It really is.” I look around.

It’s earthy, elegant, and whimsical all at once. The orchard alone brings so much beauty to the venue. Add in the other elements, and it’s off the charts.

“Ready, Jay?” Max claps his hand against my shoulder.

“So ready.” I follow him toward the tall arch of flowers and the minister who stands in front of it. The two of us get in position.

There are no nerves, no whispers of worry as I get ready to marry the most beautiful person in the world. Only gratitude.

Tall bouquets filled with gorgeous bushy white flowers line both rows of apple trees that make up the grassy aisle—the same location where we shared our first date. The aisle opens up into a grassy opening where the guests are seated.

From my spot in front of the beautiful floral archway, I can see the end of the grassy aisle between the rows of apple trees. A string quartet plays as Miranda walks toward us. I’m so happy to experience this with everyone I love. Max is at my side, and the rest of my brothers watch on from the front seats. In the front and center is my mother, who, without knowing it, created a life for me where all this could be possible.

Miranda shoots me a smile as she takes her spot across from me on the bride’s side.

The string instruments change songs, indicating the bride’s approach, and Anna begins her journey to me. I commit every detail, every step she takes to memory. I never want to forget this moment.

Anna’s stunning form-fitting white satin gown flares out at her knees. It has a decent-sized train that trails behind her as she closes the distance. She wore her long blond hair up in an elegant updo, making her look like an angelic goddess.

I blink hard, clearing the tears welling in my eyes. I don’t want to miss a second. I am so in love with this woman, and my love runs deep. I don’t know what the future holds for us, but I know it will be incredible because we’ll be navigating it together. She is part of me, and no matter where this life takes us, she always will be.

Anna reaches the floral arch and stands opposite me as I take her hands in mine. She radiates pure happiness and love.

Standing across from her in front of our family and promising her forever is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.

I still can’t believe a marriage with Anna is a part of my journey. It’s so surreal. My life is pretty amazing. I’ll forever be grateful for it and will cherish her always. A love that I never knew existed and a life of happiness beyond measure exists all because two people took a chance and fell in love.