Page 110 of Who's Loving You

Players on both sides are silent, some with closed eyes and some glued to the action on the field, waiting for the moment they can breathe again.

The clock ticks closer to zero and my heart races faster. Bash and Chase stand on either side of me and I can feel the tension rolling off of them. Chase inches over and smacks my hand with the back of his. We look at each other with a nod that says no matter what happens in the next five seconds, we’re a team, a band of brothers, and we move forward together.

The ball hurdles through the air and I watch two sets of hands reach to the sky, one looking to score and the other looking to snatch away a win.

I swallow and see two guys come down, both still battling for possession. Bodies hit the turf and the cameras zoom in. The crowd goes wild and fireworks boom over the stadium. Confetti rains down as players run out with tears in their eyes. More fall to their knees with broken hearts and thankful prayers.

I search the wave of family and friends that rush the field along with cameras and reporters, combing through the faces for the one I need to hold in my arms.

I spot her and call out her name. “Valentina!” I shout, but my voice gets carried off. I try again and she flings her head in my direction. I hold up my hand and use my body to push through the onslaught, all on a quest for their loved ones.

My parents and sister are right behind her, their hands gripped tight like an unbreakable chain. A hole clears and she tears off, running the last few feet to reach me.

She jumps into my arms and I bury my head in her neck, tears finally breaking free.

“I am, so proud of you.” Her voice is choked with emotion.

I can only nod and continue to hold her. Warm and strong arms wrap around us as my family circles me in their safe embrace. I want to live in this moment forever. My girl in my arms and my family by my side.

The season plays out in my mind like a reel. From the pain of draft night when my brothers and I were ripped apart, to the day Valentina walked into my life. Secrets that almost destroyed the Trickie Nickies, and an evil that was determined to take away my happiness. The joy, the sorrow, the anger and the relief. Every minute was worth it in the end.

Valentina’s tears track down her beautiful face and I wipe them away.

“You wore something sexy,” I tell her.

“It’s just your jersey.”

I shake my head. “No, mi Reina. It’s happiness. Nothing is sexier than seeing bliss radiate from you.”

She blinks and smiles so glorious it feels like my heart is going to burst. “I’d say love looks pretty good on both of us.”

I stroke her cheek and finally kiss her, no care aboutwho is around because she’s mine, and I want the world to know.

We break and I hold her tight with one arm around her waist and use the other to pull my family in close.

Looks are passed around, all of us too stifled to say anything. But we know.Iknow. Their love has never needed words. They’ve shown me everyday what real love looks like, and I’m grateful for al they have given me.

Mom strokes my cheek and I turn my head to kiss her palm. Dad grips the back of my neck, looking much like he did on draft night with a smile on trembling lips. Greer hugs me tight, trapping Valentina between us, and it’s a moment I won’t ever forget.

“You were amazing out there today, Slick Nic. I couldn’t be more proud to have you as a brother.”

“Thanks, Little G.” I kiss the top of her and she drops her arms.

“You’d be better if you could introduce me to a few single teammates.” She bats her eyelashes with a cheeky smile.

“Not a chance.”

She shrugs and sighs. “Worth a shot. Love you, mean it.”

“Love you, mean it. All of you.” We live in our quiet bubble as a family until we can hide amongst the hundreds no more. “Let’s go find Soba. He’s going to need some Loving lovin’, too.”

I set Valentina on her feet and twine our fingers together. Like a snake, we weave through the jubilation. I spot Soba and feel a sense of relief.

Nick freezes and slowly spins around, knowing I’m near. It’s a strange connection the three of us have; the ability to feel the others existence. Like twinsexperiencing the same moment whether near or far, it’s that sixth sense that can’t be explained.

Our eyes lock and smiles spread across our faces like wild fire. We lunge for one another and meet in the middle, throwing our arms around each other. We grip tight and suck down the tears that fall.

“Congratulations. This is unreal.”