Page 44 of Forecasting the Forward

Once through security, I grab Becca’s hand and lead her into the private lounge I only know about because Levi pointed it out on a weekend trip a couple of years ago. Grabbing a loveseat, I take out my phone.

Here goes nothing.

“Jax,” Coach Davenport says. “You got an ETA?”

“I’d just like to start off by saying that I feel I’ve been an exemplary employee, and I’ve never been late to anything,” I blurt out.

Coach sighs. “What the hell happened?”

“Our flight is delayed.”

“Our?”

“Oh, uh, yeah. Some stuff went down, and Becca’s coming with me.”

“Alright. So the delay means you wouldn’t get here before the game? It’s five hours from Indy to Cleveland, man. Rent a car.”

“So,” I clear my throat, “I’m not exactly in Indianapolis anymore.”

Silence.

“Coach? You still there?” I ask.

“What did you do.”

“That didn’t sound like a question,” I joke.

“It wasn’t. Just explain what happened, please.”

“Long story short, Becca’s brother tried to demand she marry some dipshit who’s dad was friends with their dad, so I said she was already married to me. Since we weren’t exactly married yet, we took a red eye to Vegas and got married this morning.”

Another loud sigh. “So your delayed flight is actually in Vegas.”

“Yes.”

“Jesus Christ,” Coach mutters. “I’d really love a week where all of you behave and I have zero public relations disasters to deal with.”

“Sorry,” I murmur.

“Alright. You are correct about always being on time, and while this PR will be a nightmare to cover, you’re definitely one of the better behaved on the team. I’ll put you as a healthy scratch for a private personal matter, and I’ll have the PR team reach out to you to work on a strategy for a statement if needed.”

I let out a relieved exhale, smiling at Becca. She’s been attentively watching me, waiting on a reaction. I see the moment she relaxes, and she lays her head on my shoulder.

“Thanks, Coach. Should I still come to Cleveland?” I ask.

“Yes. You can still fly home with the team tomorrow morning. I’ll have your wife added to the manifest so she can fly with us.”

“Wow,” I breathe, slightly stunned at how my heart jumps in my chest.

“What?” Coach and Becca ask simultaneously.

I look over at Becca. “He called you my wife.”

“Do I really need to explain the concept of marriage to you?” Coach asks dryly.

“I just didn’t realize how much I’d like the sound of it,” I confess.

A sweet smile breaks on Becca’s face. “And you’re my husband.”

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