Page 42 of The Game Plan

“We actually met at Carter and Amy’s wedding,” Sutton said. She looked at him and slipped her hands into his, entwining their fingers. “We hit it off there, then it kind of blew up at their housewarming.”

“That’s so crazy that y’all just met.” Izzy tapped her finger on her chin. “Reese has been on the team for so long, and I know you spend so much time with your cousin. She’s also been with Carter for like, two years, and he hangs out with Reese all the time.”

Sutton’s eyes rounded, and she looked at him, the surprise on her face matching his own.

“You’re right,” Sutton said. “I guess we haven’t been in the same place at the same time. That’s so weird to think about now. Weshouldhave run into one another at least once.”

“It’s like two ships passing in the night,” Izzy said.

“That’s pretty accurate,” Reese replied. “But I’m glad I met her,” he said, pressing a kiss to Sutton’s cheek.

“Aww,” Izzy said, clasping her hands together as Sutton pinkened. She looked away from them and sighed. “I’m being summoned. I’ll see you two later.”

She trotted off, leaving the two of them alone.

“You didn’t tell anyone about the special surprise, right?” Sutton immediately asked.

Reese shook his head. “The only person I told was Magnus, and that’s because you gave me the okay to do that.”

“Good. Carrie asked me a little while ago, and I told her no, but that doesn’t mean she won’t ask anyone else. And Idefinitelydon’t want her to find out so she can be surprised.” She smiled. “She really likes?—”

Carrie headed toward them, and he pulled Sutton to him for a kiss, Carrie’s mouth dropping open as Sutton squeaked, a few cheers coming from his teammates surrounding them.

It was only a quick kiss, but when Sutton stepped back, she was flushed from the warmth that spiked between them.

“Hi, Carrie,” he said, giving her a wink. Sutton’s eyes widened as she realized he did it to prevent her from revealing the secret to her assistant.

She mouthed ‘thank you,’ and he squeezed her hand still entwined with hers.

“Hello, you two lovebirds,” Carrie replied, pointing between them. “That was kinda hot.”

“Carrie!” Sutton admonished, but her assistant just laughed and waved her concern away. “It was; don’t act like it wasn’t.”

Sutton rolled her eyes. “Are you all right? Did you need something?”

“The director said he has everything he needs, and Izzy let me know that the majority of the families have rotated through the stations, so they should be ready for the special surprise in a half hour.” She sidled close to Reese. “Do you know what the special surprise is?”

Sutton squeezed his hand, and he faked a confused look. “I don’t know. She didn’t tell me either.”

Carrie’s eyes narrowed. “I doubt that.”

“Didn’t Izzy say we only had a half hour to find out what it is?” Reese asked. “You can’t wait thirty minutes?”

Sutton pursed her lips to avoid laughing at the disgruntled look on Carrie’s face. “You’re as bad as she is, you know?”

Reese grinned, pressing a kiss to Sutton’s cheek. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Eli called his name, and he gave Sutton’s hand a quick squeeze and let go, leaving the ladies to go back to the offensive line.

Forty-five minutes later,Magnus made the announcement that the surprise was about to start. The familiesgathered around as they wheeled out the stage. Jace’s band was already set up and waiting for him.

Sutton stood at the edge of the crowd, watching as they announced the partners of the team members, the team cheering as they made their way onto the field to join them.

Carrie sidled in next to Sutton, her jaw dropping as Jace walked onto the stage, guitar in hand. She let out a squeal so loud, everyone turned to look at them, and Sutton hid her face.

“Is this really happening?” Carrie asked, clasping her hands over her face. “Is it?” She turned to grab Sutton’s hands. “I love you!”

Jace started to sing, and she let go of Sutton’s hands to raise hers in the air.