Page 99 of Rookie's Redemption
Through the pages I can see, I catch glimpses of corporate clauses, brand alignment requirements, relocation expectations.
This isn't just about expanding the shelter—it's about turning my life's work into part of a corporate machine.
"I need time to think," I manage.
"Of course. The full proposal is in that folder, including compensation packages if you choose to take the money and give us full control." Victoria hands me her business card. "We'll leave you to review everything. Call me by Friday with your decision."
They file out as efficiently as they arrived, leaving me standing in my renovated shelter holding a contract that could change everything.
The same shelter where Ryder and I fell in love all over again. Where we built the foundation for whatever he was about to ask me on that hilltop.
Friday.Three days to decide between the life I've built here with him, and the chance to impact animal welfare on a scale I never thought possible.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Ryder
Islam my truck door hard enough to rattle the windows, muttering under my breath as I storm toward my front door.
"Stupid fucking suits." I kick my shoes off. "Couldn't wait until Monday like normal goddamn people."
The Tiffany box burns a hole in my jacket pocket, a reminder of the perfect proposal that just got destroyed by corporate vultures. With their acquisition specialists and time-sensitive opportunities.
Time-sensitive my ass.
I shove my key in the lock, my hands still shaking with leftover adrenaline from the interrupted evening.
The liquor stores most expensive champagne at Lookout Point is probably still sitting there, getting warm and going flat. The lanterns I spent an hour arranging are probably dead by now.
All that planning. All that fucking planning, and for what?
I push through my front door and immediately freeze.
There are voices coming from my living room. Multiple voices. And is that... champagne being popped?
What the hell?
I drop my keys and follow the sound of laughter, my stomach already sinking as I round the corner into my living room.
The sight that greets me makes me want to disappear into the floor because my living room looks like a party store exploded.
There's a massive "CONGRATULATIONS!" banner stretched across the far wall, balloons tied to every piece of furniture, and what appears to be enough champagne to float a small boat.
Coach Brody, Blake, Connor, Logan, and at least half the team are scattered around my living room, all wearing big fucking grins and looking at me with expectant faces.
"FINALLY!" Connor shouts, raising a champagne flute that's already half-empty. "Where's the future Mrs. Scott? We want to see the rock!"
My stomach drops through the floor.
Oh, fuck. Oh, fuck no.
"Guys, what the hell are you doing here?"
"Celebrating!" Blake announces, gesturing around the decorated room with obvious pride. This has his paw prints all over it. "You think we didn't know what tonight was about? You've been carrying that ring around for days, Scott. About time you made it official."
The ring box feels like it weighs a thousand pounds in my pocket, like it's absorbing the weight of this massive fucking disaster.
"So?" Jackson calls out from where he's sprawled across my couch, grinning like an idiot. "Where is she? Where's Mia? Let's see that hand!"
