Page 55 of The Run Option

I shake hands with all the other guys, hoping that I don’t seem too nervous. Or maybe Ishouldseem nervous? If I were too rehearsed that would be bad, right? My stomach feels similar to how it did while riding the four-wheeler.

Jason sits down and pulls me into his lap. I let out a surprised squeal. Cheers and whistles erupt in the crowd while Jason chuckles near my ear. One of his arms wraps around my waist.

“Now, who’s winning today, Mrs. Kingsley?” Jason asks.

Someone in a black t-shirt with a headset rushes up to hand me a microphone before scurrying back out of view.

“I almost want to say North Carolina to mess with you,” I tease, and everyone laughs. I find myself grinning wide. This isn’t so bad. Inexplicably, I feel safe in Jason’s arms right now. I know he wouldn’t let anything bad happen to me.

“But,” I continue, “I know football. And anyone who’s seen Georgia play knows that they’ve got this in the bag. Go Thrashers!” I yell the last part, lifting a hand in the air.

The crowd goes wild. Jason stands up, tucking me beneath his arm and facing the crowd as he gets everyone to chantThrashers!over and over again. I yell it out with them, laughing as chaos ensues before me. People start jumping, waving signs, and one guy even crowd-surfs.

Jason pulls me against his side and kisses the crown of my head. “Thank you,” he says, just loud enough for me to hear.

I hug him in return, not saying a word. After getting everyone sufficiently riled up, Jason takes his seat again and I go back to the spot where I was watching them. My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. Maybe this NFL wife thing isn’t so bad.

“I can’t believe they let guys as old as you coach,” Jason yells out in greeting as we walk down the Thrashers’ field.

I laugh, grateful for his lighthearted demeanor. That, plus his hand in mine, has made this whole day easier. I’m used to hanging around multimillionaires, but those are all just guys on the team to me. This morning I met people who are household names. I was onnational television. And after that, I walked around with Jason to meet the fans, a few of whom asked for a photo withme. I’m certain it was just out of pity so I didn’t feel left out when Jason took so many, but still. It’s been a surreal experience, to say the least.

Throughout everything though, Jason has kept me steady. He’s made me laugh and kept me safe. Today has felt like what I imagined married life would be, but deep down there’s a little voice telling me this isn’t real. I shouldn’t get caught up in the magic of it all.

Jason squeezes my hand as we approach his old head coach. A swarm of happy butterflies in my stomach quickly drowns out the voice in my head.

“Who let you on the field?” Coach Bash–a.k.a. Sebastian Holt–asks with a smile.

Though Jason joked about him being old, he doesn’t look it. I’ve heard he’s one of, if not the youngest, college football coach with a record as perfect as his. The Thrashers have been undefeated for years now.

Jason lets go of my hand to exchange a back-slapping hug with Sebastian.

“I heard you were on campus today.” Sebastian’s piercing blue gaze lands on me. “And I also heard that you were married. Through an Instagram post my brother-in-law sent me.”

Jason rubs the back of his neck. “I’m sorry, Coach. Things happened pretty fast. I should have called to tell you the news.”

“If anyone understands falling fast, it’s me,” he says with a grin.

Something in his lovestruck gaze tells me he’s being honest. I’ve seen photos of his family online. His wife, MJ, is pregnant right now and looks like the most boho-chic mother I’ve ever seen. Her style is unique and often cited as thrifted or handmade, even though she has millions of dollars at her disposal and could afford the top designer brands. And his niece Maddie, who he adopted at birth, is quite famous in the competitive dance world. The three of them somehow have a huge internet presence without posting much themselves.

“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you,” I say. “Jason has nothing but good things to say about you, and I’ve admired your family for a while now.”

The man seems to never quit smiling. It’s like his default mode. He’s a ray of sunshine if I’ve ever met one.

“While Jason hasn’t shared much about you, I trust his judgment. Welcome to the Thrasher family, Willow.”

Tendrils of warmth unfurl in my chest. It’s special to have his blessing when I know how much he means to Jason. The happy,fuzzy feeling is stifled though when I realize that one day in the future, Jason will bring hisrealwife to meet Sebastian, and she’ll be a part of this family. My heart aches at the thought.

“Thank you,” I say, forcing myself to smile.

Jason wraps an arm around my shoulder and pulls me in. “We’ll let you get back to coaching. I know you’re busy. I just wanted to come say hi before kickoff in case we don’t get much time after.”

“Maybe we can see each other sometime tomorrow before your game. MJ, Maddie, and I will be at the game too, of course.”

Jason’s smile grows, and I can see the gratitude shining in his eyes when I look up at him.

“That means a lot, thanks, Coach.”

“You know we’ll always be there for you.” Sebastian lifts his hat and readjusts it on his head. He looks unsure of his next words. “Are your parents coming?”

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