Page 21

21

JAMIE

Post-game media isn’t my favourite way to celebrate a win. It’s always the same old questions and blank expressions in the crowd of reporters. They usually want to be there as much as the players do, and that makes for a very boring, very tiring event.

Tonight, though, the atmosphere is a little different.

Coach didn’t give me five minutes after I’d hopped into the shower before telling me I was set to go out to answer questions. Or spill the news, more like.

He went to find Blakely next. And after I’d spent the entire trip from the field to the locker room worrying that she’d gotten lost or swallowed up by clusters of strangers, I was grateful that he chose to do that. Not being able to be out there with her to guide her inside was frustrating. It didn’t feel right to leave her and Nate on their own.

My shorts and sweatshirt are a nice break from the weight of shoulder pads and a tight jersey as I step up onto the platform and take a seat at the table. More cameras than usual flash, and Jaxon takes the chair beside me with Zach on his other side.

The team is as curious as the media is, but they didn’t get a single answer out of me in the locker room. I told those nosey fuckers to tune in tonight instead .

It’s almost like the Pythons invited every single media outlet in Vancouver and from two provinces over to be here tonight. There are so many faces I’ve never seen and names on badges that otherwise wouldn’t be here or care about post-game interviews.

Coach steps inside through the main door and leans against the wall away from the media, offering me a head nod that I hope means he’s found Blakely and brought her into the lounge. Graham didn’t exactly give me a step by step for tonight, but he did lay out some ideas. Specifically, making a scene during the game and during this upcoming interview session.

The details were and will be all me. I just have to hope that I don’t upset Blakely with them.

Sadie, leading the interviews as usual, gives the go-ahead to one of the news reporters from the middle of the seats.

“Jamie, incredible performance tonight. How does it feel to secure the win, and what do you think made the difference out there on the field?”

I fold my hands on the table and lean toward the microphone. “It feels great. We were hungry tonight, and we capitalized on the loose defense. What more can you ask for?”

“Jaxon, you and Jamie seemed to have great chemistry on the field tonight. How important is having that connection, not just in the game but off the field too?” a familiar face from Sports Weekly asks.

I know even before Jax opens his mouth that this is the moment that changes everything. He’s the only player on the team who knows what Graham asked me to do, and the asshole’s been chomping at the bit to be involved. This is his chance, and he won’t miss it. Especially not once he receives an approving nod from Sadie.

“Oh, the connection’s crucial. Jamie and I are practically telepathic at this point. But honestly, I think his real inspiration tonight was having Blakely on the sidelines. The guy’s been floating on air ever since she showed up in his life. I mean, I’ve never seen him this focused—or distracted.” He turns in his chair, smirking at me. “Care to explain what’s going on to everyone?”

Mumbled voices grow in volume throughout the room, recorders lifting with a vigour that wasn’t there after our last game. Interest gleams in the eyes of those who are itching to get the newest scoop out to the public first.

I give them all a wide grin. “I suppose I can answer a few questions about my fiancée, for those curious.”

Whispers grow from the less-sports-focused media until suddenly, they’re pushing to the front of the room. I’m relieved that Blakely isn’t with me to deal with those who would have bypassed me completely to get to her first if she were.

Sadie, expecting this, is quick to hop onto the stage and wave a hand through the air to draw everyone’s attention.

“Alright. We’ll take two questions for tonight. The rest of you can keep an eye on social media for more information.”

“Was it Blakely on the sidelines with the team tonight? This is such big and surprising news. Why announce it now? The season is in full swing!” a woman shouts, elbowing her way to the front of the stage.

Her press badge hangs around her neck, telling me she’s from the Vancouver Pulse , a rag site that was responsible for posting a shirtless photo of Addie online a year back. It took Maddox three days and a few thousand dollars to get it taken down, but his sister doesn’t know that.

I force my annoyance with her presence to the back of my head and keep my grin strong.

“Yes, it was her. And why not now? Blakely isn’t the type of woman you have and don’t try to lock down. I’m proud to have her and am done hiding that from everyone like we’ve been doing for the last few months.”

“I can only imagine the reactions from your fans once the news breaks. Are you excited for them to meet her? Or, more importantly, is Blakely ready to be in the spotlight? Especially after this long without it.”

The question comes from another woman, and the guy beside her scowls. His badge is a familiar one, and I know he doesn’t give a shit about any of this. He’s here for football, and that’s that.

Sorry, man.

“Blakely has nerves of steel. She’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. So, yeah, while she might not be ready per se, nobody really is. That doesn’t mean she won’t be able to handle it. As for the fans, her being one was how we met, so I think they’ll get along just fine.”

“Can you tell us more about that meeting? Was it really a classic fan-meets-player moment like you’re making it seem?”

I don’t catch who asked that, but I answer regardless.

“Yeah, it was. The entire time, all I was thinking is that this girl has no idea she’s about to change my life. It wasn’t flashy or planned, but it was . . . perfect. Just meant to be, you know?”

The words are a lie, but the heat in my chest as I recall our real meeting is the furthest thing from it.

Sadie cuts in again, keeping control of the room. “Okay, that’s the end of those questions. If anyone has anything else to ask about the game, do that now before we’re finished for the night.”

I lean back in my chair and glance at my teammates. Jaxon is as smug as I expected him to be, but Zach looks almost . . . soft. Like he’s read too far into my words. As the only guy in our friend group who’s in a relationship, it isn’t surprising that he’s able to see right through me.

Coach is still leaning back against the wall. He offers me a tight-lipped smile before the next question comes for Zach.

I know I’ve done well, but there’s still this stupid twisting sensation in my side that tells another story. It’s hard to be happy with nailing these questions when I know that my answers are going to be the ones my family sees when this story breaks. While I managed to sneak a warning phone call to my parents this morning, their reactions have stuck with me all day.

“You haven’t been to the house in over two weeks, Jamieson,” Mom scolds through the phone.

“I’ve been busy, Ma. You know how it is.”

“Hmm. You always make the time for us.”

Dad huffs a laugh. “Just try to come by soon, or your mother will be at your front door any day now.”

Stomping down on my nerves, I reply, “I was planning on coming by tomorrow. I’ve got some news, and I know once it breaks, you’ll have questions that are better to ask in person.”

“What are you talking about? Just tell me now,” Mom urges gently.

My throat is sticky. “I’m getting married.”

“One day? Yes, I always figured you would, honey.”

“No. I’m getting married, Mom. Next weekend.”

The following pause is so silent that my dad’s cough makes me flinch. It’s Mom who recovers first.

“You’re not even dating anyone. Wait, is this the woman who robbed you?”

“What do you mean, ‘robbed him’?” Dad barks.

Mom sighs. “I’ll explain it to you after, Ty.”

“Yes, Ma, it is. Her name is Blakely, and I’m marrying her. I want you to meet her officially before the wedding.”

“Well, that’s generous of you,” Dad grunts, his frustration leaking through the phone. “We wouldn’t want to have not met your bride one single time before you married her.”

“Don’t be like that, Dad. It’s all just happened so fast.”

“Why are you making this decision already? Are you in trouble? If you are, we can help,” Mom offers quickly, worrying the way she’s always done when it comes to Oliver and me.

“I’m not in trouble.”

“Does Oliver know about this?” Dad asks.

“He does.”

“We’re the last to know, then. ”

Mom’s voice is too soft when she says, “I’m sorry for our reactions. You’re just my baby, Jamie. Always. And I worry about your gentle heart. Some people take advantage of those who care too much.”

I didn’t stay on the phone for much longer after that. It’s no secret that I’ve got a heart double the size it should be. I’ve never considered that a weakness, though. Not before I was asked to do this, and not now.

If I hadn’t told my mom about Blakely weeks ago, there’s a chance she wouldn’t have immediately thought the worst when I told her about the wedding. There’s no going back now, though, and honestly, I’m glad I vented to someone about it then.

As the reporters gather away from the stage, signalling the end of the interview, I’m quick to pat my friends on their backs and hop off the stage. I’m not overly interested in chatting with anyone in this room right now.

Coach must read that on my face because he lets me pass without a word. I’ll tell him how much I appreciate that on practice Tuesday.

It’s cooler and quieter in the family lounge. I’m antsy to see Blakely, and once I find her and Nate inspecting the Pythons logo on the wall, I take a deep breath.

“Well, if it isn’t my two favourite people in my favourite place,” I drawl on my way to them.

Nate spins first, his grin immediate. Blakely follows suit, but her smile is much softer, calmer. I’d take any smile from her right now as a good sign, but a kind, genuine one is even better.

“You were incredible! Four touchdowns!” Nate exclaims.

I offer him my fist to punch, and he slams his against it harder than I expected. “Thanks, buddy. You and your sister must be good luck charms or something.”

“Do you need good luck charms?” Blakely asks.

“Not usually. But having one as beautiful as you on the sidelines didn’t hurt.”

Her smile slips briefly as she evades her eyes, staring at the door I just came through. “Is that what you told everyone in there?”

“Amongst other things. Are you ready?”

“Everyone knows?”

I slowly take her hand in mine, interlocking our fingers. The shake in hers has me squeezing tighter. The family waiting room is empty by now, and in any other circumstance, tonight would have been a good time and place for Blakely to meet a few of the other wives and friends, but with how nervous she is right now, empty is better.

She’s already taking in a lot right now.

“They know enough. The rest will come out tomorrow.”

“If they’re mean, I’ll protect you, Lake,” Nate declares, punching the inside of his hand.

“That’s a good man, Nate. We won’t be speaking with anyone tonight, though. Just leaving the stadium together.”

“As a family, right? A collective front?” Nate asks.

Blakely stares up at me, a silent plea in her eyes for me not to tell him otherwise. I tug her close and brush my mouth over her temple, breathing her in. We’re as alone in this place as we’ll ever be from here on out, but I don’t touch her for anyone other than me.

“From here on out, we are family,” I declare.

Nate tries to hide his reaction to the words, but his grin is too wide for that. Hell, I think mine might be too.