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The Next Gen Cup.

He made it!

Callum is here, with the rest of the Red Tails. And while soccer is a long season and there will be more games before Callum gets a good break, this game is a big one. This is why all those Red Tails chanted and urged Cal to kiss his lucky charm.

I can’t say that I mind.

The team has warmed up. They’re dressed head to toe. They’re on the field, ready to be announced. My nerves are ping-ponging over every inch of my body. And while I didn’t get one little kiss before Callum raced through the tunnel with his team, I get it. He’s oh, so focused. This is a big one.

Rose and I sit with the entire Whitaker clan in my usual spot. Even Lucca’s biggest fan, Matt, is one row down, holding up the ballpoint pen he stole from me, waiting for Callum to come my way.

“I thought he kissed you before they start,” Tiff says on my left .

“He does. Normally,” Rosalie says on my right.

“Guys,” I say. “This is the game they’ve been working so hard to get to. I’m sure he’s nervous and focused and doesn’t need distractions. Besides, Callum doesn’t need luck.” I say the words—but I’m not sure I mean them yet. I was sort of hoping he’d still want that lucky kiss.

But it doesn’t change anything. Lucky kiss or not, my feelings for Callum are just the same. He needed love. And I needed him.

I set my hands on the advertisement wall that separates me from the field.

“You aren’t considering leaping over, are you?” Rosalie says in my ear.

I breathe out a not-so-steady laugh. “Of course not.” But it’s not a terrible idea.

“It’s time,” Brady says, pointing to the field. Kristina’s beside him, in the end space open for a wheelchair, grips the armrests of her chair with both hands. “They’re announcing the starters.”

All this time, Callum’s been seating me in his family’s spot. Yep, that man can do whatever he wants today. He’s already made me the happiest girl.

Kristina holds out her phone, recording as they announce player after player.

“Don’t they normally go in numerical order?” Asher says.

“Always,” Kailey says.

“Then they skipped Callum,” I say, standing up and peering out at the field.

The speakers around the stadium boom with the announcer’s voice. “Anthony Cross!” Anthony is number sixteen. They’ve skipped Cal .

“Where is Cal?” Tiff says.

“Is he not starting?” Rosalie stands, looking out with me.

“Cal always starts,” I tell her. “He’s their captain.” I peer down at Kristina, but she’s staring at the field, zero worry wrinkles and a smile on her face.

And then the music stops. The loud pump-up music that always booms through the speakers with every start of the Red Tails game is gone.

Until a light drumming pulses while a slow tempo base fills the air.

“And now, your Reno Tesoro Red Tail Captain,” the announcer roars, though I still don’t see Callum. “Calluu-uum Whitaker!”

The line of Red Tail starters parts, and Callum walks out from behind, a microphone in hand.

“I know this song,” Rosalie says beside me.

I know it too. “Dirty Dancing”? But then I’m focused on the man crossing the field toward me, his head high, still plenty of grass to go.

He keeps walking, but as the music swells, Callum lifts the mic to his mouth. “ Now I’ve had the time of my life …” He continues to sing, walking toward me until he’s right in front of us—me, Rosalie, his mom, dad, and siblings.

Callum hops up onto the second cement step, making himself eye level with me. “ And I owe it all to you— ” Drums beat and vocals on the track continue, but Cal’s dropped the mic to his side.

“Am I supposed to leap into your arms?” I whisper. “Just like in the movie.”

“How about after the game?” he says, a grin lighting up his face.

“But you created a remake for me. ”

“Maybe.” He cups a hand to my cheek.

I lift one brow, never taking my eyes from his. “Because you’re proposing?”

He blinks a million times in rapid succession, his mouth falling open. “Um. No. Because I thought you’d appreciate the song and because I wanted to say that I love you.” He clears his throat, his lips tugging up at the corners. “I love you, Fran.”

I smile, brushing my nose against his and pressing a soft, lucky peck to his lips. “I love you, too, Callum Whitaker.” A breathy giggle escapes my mouth. “And I can’t wait to see how you propose.”