Page 24 of Sacking the Quarterback

The sun was shining,the food smelled delicious, and the vibes were perfect.

It was rare that Callum”s whole family was around at the same time that my family was free, and I couldn”t wait for everyone to try my dad”s cooking.

I looked around the scene, taking in the moment and appreciating how far we had come in only one year.

Sure, there had been some stress over the court proceedings with Ari, but everything had gone in my favor. After a stint in jail, he was being monitored more closely now and had court-mandated therapy and for the first time, I trusted that he would be out of my life for good.

Now it felt like the time for new beginnings.

Everyone that I loved was here. My family, Callum”s family, and of course, the man himself.

My eyes landed on him where he was sitting on the patio with his sister, chatting. Of course, he caught me watching and smiled warmly.

He gestured for me to come over, but I shook my head. I didn”t want to get roped into a conversation right now. I was too nervous.

But I knew now the curiosity would be killing him, so I wasn”t surprised when Callum excused himself from the conversation and stood to come over to me.

“What”s up?” he asked as soon as he reached me.

“You look so good in white,” I responded.

Callum laughed, the sound bright and light enough to make me float. Dammit, I wanted to be with this man for forever and then some.

“I can”t believe it”s been a year since we met,” I mused, unable to stop myself from grabbing him around the waist.

“I can”t believe it either. Next week when training camp starts, it”ll be a year exactly since I rushed my way into your heart.”

“And it was love at first throw,” I said, adding to his dad joke.

“Really?” he asked.

I was about to deny it, but I wasn”t so sure.

“You got my attention straight away,” I admitted. “I could barely keep my eyes off of you. I don”t even know when I fell in love because it was just there at some point.”

Callum”s cheeks darkened and the playful mood shifted.

“You”re always so damn romantic,” he sighed. “You”re outdoing yourself.”

He leaned toward me, seeking a kiss, but I backed out of reach.

“Well, let me try to outdo myself again,” I said and, heart racing, I lowered onto one knee.

Callum”s jaw dropped in shock. There was a collective squeal from all of the women, but I was entirely focused on Callum.

“Stop,” he breathed before I could say anything. “You”re joking.”

I shook my head and reached into my pocket, pulling out the ring box.

“I”ve been walking around with this for weeks,” I told him, “waiting for the right moment.”

“Oh my god.”

I couldn”t tell if Callum wanted to jump into my arms or run far away. He looked overwhelmed and I didn”t blame him. I was too. My hands were shaking so freaking hard.

“Callum,” I said, voice trembling. “Will you do me the honor of spending the rest of your life with me?”

Tears suddenly sprung into his eyes.

“I was planning on doing that anyway,” he choked. “Yes!”

He launched himself at me and I caught him, laughing in joy.

“You”re crazy,” he said, wiping tears.

I was no better as I pulled back far enough to get the ring onto his finger, missing because I could hardly see through the tears.

“If this is how we are during the proposal,” Sabrina said, sniffling, “we”re all going to be a mess at the wedding.”

Everyone laughed and then one by one, we were congratulated and hugged.

“I already have my dress picked out,” Callum’s mom informed me, hugging me.

“Welcome to the family, son,” his dad said, squeezing my shoulder.

When I looked at Callum, he was beaming, accepting a hug from my mom. The whole while our hands were clasped together.

I was so happy to have done it here, in front of our families because the love was amplified. Still, I pulled Callum into my arms once everyone was done and squeezed him against me.

“I can’t stop smiling,” he said.

“That’s how it should be.”

He pulled back far enough to examine the ring.

I had spent a ridiculously long time trying to pick the right one. Callum wasn’t a flashy guy so I wanted to get him something that was classic but still expensive.

The silver band with the gold stripe through the center popped against his honey-brown skin tone and the small diamonds were subtle enough that I hoped he liked it.

“Wow,” he said, turning it in the light. “I never imagined getting an engagement ring. It’s beautiful.”

“You really like it?” I asked, relieved.

“I love it.”

He turned and kissed me.

“Now I want to get you one too.”

“I would like that,” I said, smiling. “Let the whole world know I’m taken.”

“I’m going to give you the best ring,” he promised solemnly. “And the best years.”

“I don’t doubt that for a second, because this year has already been the best I’ve ever had.”

And that was with a dislocated knee at the start of the season, a stalker situation, and coming out to the world. I could only imagine how good life would be from here on out, with Callum at my side for each step of the journey.

END