Page 104 of Make the Play

“Yes. Yes. Yes,” I answer. My hand trembles as I hold it out for him, and he slides the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen onto my finger. He stands, pulling me into his arms and into a kiss.

“Aww,” Sloane says, her voice cracking.

“Rules. We have rules!” Landry shouts, pretending to cover his eyes, but he smiles at us when we pull out of our kiss.

“When did you buy this?”

“I picked it up last week. I wanted to have it so I'd be prepared when the moment felt right. I didn’t think it would be today, but I’m not mad about it,” he tells me, kissing me once more.

“PDA, Beckett,” Landry scolds, and we all laugh.

With a promise to call Sloane and tell her how everything went down today before the phone call, we end the call and sit and chat with my brother for an hour or so.

“When are you going to tell the team?” Landry asks.

“Tomorrow,” Knox says.

“At the end of the season,” I say at the same time.

“Corie girl, we need to tell them,” Knox says gently.

“I know, but it could interrupt the season, and you’re und—” I start to say, undefeated, but my brother interrupts me.

“Nope. Don’t say the word,” he says, holding up his hand. “And Knox is right. Tell them to get it over with, just like pulling off a Band-Aid. The longer you wait, the harder it will be on everyone. Including the punishment,” he adds.

“You’re right,” I tell them. “We should have been honest from the beginning.”

“Regardless of what happens, you’re still going to be Mrs. Beckett,” Knox says, smiling.

“But you could lose your position. I could lose my job.”

He shrugs. “I’ve invested well. Will I miss the game? Of course, I will, but I’m not losing you over this. If I get traded, you’ll come with me. If not, I’ll retire. It’s that simple. I know your job is also at risk. You don’t have to work, but I know that’s important to you, so we’ll go where we need to for you to have your dream job.”

“Knox! No, that’s not how this is supposed to go.”

“And I’m hopeful that it won’t. I have an excellent reputation with the league. I don’t cause trouble, and neither do you. We wanted some time to see what we were. Now, we know. We’re end game. If the Rampage can’t see past that, and I need to move on, then that’s how it’s going to have to be.”

I spin my ring on my finger. “Maybe—” I start, but Knox places his index finger to my lips.

“There is nothing in my life that is before you. Not now, not ever. Whatever happens, we’ll be together, and it will all work out.”

I chance a look at my brother, and he nods and smiles. “Listen to the man.” He stands and hugs me before shaking hands with Knox. “I’ll give the two of you some time to discuss. See ya at practice in the morning,” he tells Knox.

“Landry.” He turns to look at me. “Thank you for being so understanding.”

“You’re my family, Corie. You can tell me anything. Remember that.” It’s with those words, he turns and walks out the door.

“I say we sleep on it,” Knox says, pulling me onto his lap.

“There has to be a way, a way to keep you on the Rampage. If I resign, this is a non-issue.” I knew the rules we both did. Sure, I’m not in a supervisory position over Knox, but we didn’t report our relationship, and that’s grounds for punishment up to termination. If it comes down to that, it will be me.

“Baby, you love your job. If you leave, I leave. It’s that simple. I won’t let you sacrifice your happiness for us.”

“I can find a job anywhere.” I say the words, and I hope that they’re true. I struggled after graduation, but maybe I won’t be looked over now that I have some work experience that’s not an internship.

“No. Together.” He lifts my hand and kisses my ring. “We’re a team and do this all or nothing.”

“Knox.”

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