Page 122 of Forever Cursed

“How does it feel to win the playoff game and to make it into the championships?” she asks while holding the mic out for me.

“It’s beyond exhilarating. I’ve been working toward this moment for three years. I’m really proud of this team.”

“Was it a shock when Coach Bradson made you captain?”

I chuckle at the question. “Yes and no. It feels great he trusts me to carry this team. It’s more than an honor. I can’t wait to bring us further and see where the rest of the season takes us.”

Wild blonde curls appear in the corner of my eye. The reporter tries to ask another question, but I politely cut her off. “Please excuse me. I’m going to go celebrate with my girl.”

With a kind smile, she nods, and I turn away to face the girl who outshines the lights in the stadium.

We start toward one another. She gains momentum and crashes into my arms. I swing her around, and her feet lift in the air, causing her to giggle.

“You did it!” she cheers.

Placing her back on the ground, I kiss her. The flurries melt against my cheeks, and a few pieces of confetti land in her hair.

“There he is!” My dad’s voice cuts through the crowd.

Chrissy steps back and lets my dad give me a firm hug. He slaps my back, his black and gray stubble grazing against my cheek.

“I’m so proud of you,” he whispers, emotion cracking his voice.

I fight my own tears when he pulls back. Nothing but pride settles on his face, shining in his eyes.

Behind him, Gwen, Ash, Max, Zack, Faye, and Ethan Willows smile at me. A rush of belonging surges through me. Chrissy wraps her hand around mine and places a kiss on my cheek.

I don’t need my mom here. Even if she came back, I’m not sure I would want her in my life. These are the people I want to surround myself with. Even though we’re chaotic and messy, we’re a family.

And this is my home.

Epilogue Part Two

Chrissy

Standing on the field, watching the red and black confetti rain down on us along with the snow, I don’t feel cold. All the warmth I need is radiating from Rome’s smile. I watch as he observes our little family, his eyes sparkling when they land back on me.

Rome met my parents back in August, and it was perfect. Dad puts me in for the running as Rome’s biggest fan. Rome’s dad is exactly as I pictured he would be, maybe more loving than Rome described. The way he looks at his son makes my heart sing. Rome doesn’t have his mom, but he has a dad who loves and adores him with every fiber of his being. All Rome wants to do is provide for his dad, and ease his aching bones. I’m glad he was able to afford to take time off work to come here.

“So, can I say ‘I told you so’ yet?” Gwen asks while nudging my arm.

“What do you mean?” I ask without looking away from a beaming Rome.

“I told you time and time again that Rome was more than you wanted him to be. It’s written all over your face.” She squeezes my cheeks like Mom would, and I laugh.

“Yeah, yeah, you were right, okay?”

“Thank you very much. Remember me when you become a rich football player’s wife. Don’t go replacing me,” she teases.

“Please, I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Ash steps up and props his elbow on Gwen’s head, making her chuckle.

“Cough it up, girly.” He holds out his hand.

“What do you want?” I ask with a playful eye roll.

“You owe me five bucks,” he tells me.

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