Page 110 of Make the Play

“We did date briefly while I was away at college. He then cheated on me multiple times, and I ended the relationship.” She tosses out Conner’s dirty laundry as if she’s discussing the weather.

I know what kind of courage that took for her. She felt his cheating was a result of something she did, and for her to put it out there so freely, I know it was hard for her, but I also know that means she knows what she’s worth. She understands that she wasn’t the problem and knows what it feels like to have a man love you with everything he has in him. She knows what it feels like to come first. Always.

I made sure of that.

I’ll always make sure of that.

“We’d appreciate privacy during this time, and no more wedding talk until we get through the season. Go Rampage!” I say, waving and turning with my girl in my arms and walking away.

We reach my truck, and I push her up against the door and kiss her with all the love I have in my heart. This woman is my forever.

“I’m so proud of you,” I tell her when I finally break free from our kiss.

Her green eyes are sparkling as she smiles up at me. “You’re not the only one who knows how to make the play, Mr. Beckett.”

I toss my head back in laughter. That’s what life is going to be like with her, so many moments to cherish, and I can’t wait to experience them all.

Epilogue Corie

Corie

It’s been two weeks since my ex, Conner, tried to blow up our world. Instead of two weeks of misery, it’s been two weeks of bliss. Knox and I spend all our free time together, just as before, but we don’t have to hide now.

He shows up at my office after practice just to say hello or to bring me a treat from the bakery down the street. He kisses me no matter who’s watching and always finds a way to touch me. My brother complains nonstop but also smiles when he sees us together.

Honestly, I spent months worrying about his reaction, about our careers, and I should have just pulled up my big-girl panties and ripped off the Band-Aid. Although I know that’s what should have happened, I’m glad we had that time just for us. Before any outside noise could interfere. The bond we’ve created is solid, the foundation is thick, and our love is bigger than the universe.

Conner is banned from the Rampage facility. He only has one client on the team, and the last I heard, he was appalled at what Conner had done and was dropping him. Is that all he deserves? No. Will he get what’s coming to him? Absolutely yes. The truth is out there, he’s been discredited, and he’s losing more than just Anderson as a client. He’s created the bed that he now has to lie in.

Knox comes up behind me and wraps his arms around me, kissing my neck. “You ready?”

“Does everything look okay?” I nod toward the spread of food on the island in his kitchen. It feels like mine, too, since I’ve been staying here every night since the news broke.

“Corie girl, they’re our friends. They don’t care about presentation. They’re here for us.”

“I know, but this is different, right? This is the first time we’ve all hung out together since we’ve been official.”

“Baby, we’ve been official for a long damn time. Yes, they just found out, but it will all be fine. I promise.”

I turn in his arms and hug him, resting my cheek against his chest. His strong arms wrap around me, and the familiar feeling of being home washes over me. I used to think that home was a place. When we lost our mom and sold the house, I was certain that I’d never feel at home again, but I was wrong. It’s not the place that made that house a home. It was her—my mother. I fought against the feeling and missed my brother. He also made a home for me. A safe one, where I felt loved and protected. However, it wasn’t until Knox came into my life that I truly understood that I didn’t let Landry’s house feel like home. I didn’t give it a chance. I was so lost in it not being mine, that I missed the forest for the trees.

My eyes are wide open now, and I’m seeing clearly. My home is this man. It’s my big brother and my best friend. It’s our friends and even Knox’s family. I had to open more than just my heart for them, but my mind. It’s not a material possession that makes a home. It’s the feeling deep inside your chest that consumes your entire being.

Knox is my home.

“I love you, Mrs. Beckett,” he murmurs.

“We’re not married yet,” I say, tilting my head back to smile at him.

“In here, we are.” He points to his chest.

“I’m here. We can start the party!” Landry calls out as he pushes through the door. He’s early because we told him an earlier time than everyone else. “Aw, man, PDA, Beckett. We’ve talked about this.” He covers his eyes with his hand as he places a box on the counter.

“And I’ve told you to get used to it, Reynolds,” Knox replies.

“What’s in the box?” I ask.

“Pastries,” Landry says as he opens the box, pulls one out, and takes a huge bite. “This is weird,” he says, shoving the second half of the pastry into his mouth. I swear we were taught manners growing up.

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