The crisp autumn air bites at my cheeks as I settle into my seat, surrounded by the roar of the stadium. It’s the perfect fall day in Charlotte, and with the scent of buttery popcorn and hot dogs drifting on the cool breeze, mixing with the sharp scent of fresh-cut grass from the field below, it smells like football. My heart starts beating a little faster, the energy seeping into my pores. The crowd is electric––it’s hard to not get swept up in the excitement with a sea of fans all dressed in team colors stretching out around me, buzzing with anticipation.
From up here, the players look like warriors, moving in perfect formation as they take their place on the field. But my eyes are fixed on one warrior in particular—MY warrior. Austin. He’s out there in his jersey, helmet glinting under the bright stadium lights, and man does he look good. My heart races in time with the rising noise of the crowd. I can’t help but feel a surge of pride and excitement, watching him move with the grace and power that only someone with his talent has. It’s so good to see him back in his element.
The trees just beyond the stadium have turned to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, framing the field in autumn’s vibrant palette. The setting sun casts a golden glow across everything, making the moment feel like we’re in a film. I pull my jacket tighter around me as the temperature dips, the evening settling in.
“So much fun to come to these games now, right?” Georgie asks, nudging me with the pointy tip of her elbow. She turns around, no doubt looking for Levi who’d been pulled into a VIP suite as we made our way past.
“It really is,” I smile as I grip her knee. “It’s been so good to see him perk up again. Austin’s been on cloud nine since he made the decision to stay closer to home.”
“He made the decision to stay closer to Bex,” Georgie grunts as she giggles, forcing me to smack her arm.
“Even I can attest to that,” Emma pipes up from her seat on the other side of Georgie. “I’m glad you two are finally together, that way I don’t need to deal with him being a cornstalker.”
“Cornstalker?” I try not to choke on the sip of my soda I was in the middle of enjoying.
“You know, watching him stalk you through the corn fields,” she giggles. “I’m just glad he’s using those binoculars to look at birds. Way more soothing.”
Georgie and I both cackle, Emma’s teasing and humor always bringing levity to any situation. Emma has quickly become another one of my go-to confidants since we met––thank you, Austin. In fact, if I have my way, I know someone I want to set her up with, but we’ll see. Not everyone can get excited about an adult man who dresses up to deliver mail and surprise kids, but you never know. They say everyone has someone out there who is meant for them: I say we all have someone out there whose freak flag matches ours.
“And now he’s on a birdwatching kick, thanks to you pointing out the red cardinals in the yard.” I toast my cup in the air. “We all need hobbies, don’t we?”
“We do,” Emma agrees, pointing my way. “Don’t forget, right after the game I need you to drop me off for that appointment…is it still okay?”
“Of course,” I say. “Is it one of your usual clients?”
“He happens to be in town and asked if I could swing past to check his knee out,” she says as she nods, stuffing some popcorn in her mouth.
“Of course, I got you.” I put my hand out, managing to clutch Emma’s hand as Georgie slaps her on top, adding to our pile. “I’m so lucky I’ve got you two. I feel like I’m winning at life these days, and it feels nice.”
“We’re sisters from other misters, right?” Georgie laughs as the three of us toss our hands in the air and cheer.
The announcer’s voice booms over the speakers, bringing everyone’s attention, including ours, back to the field. My breath catches in my throat as I watch Austin line up, poised and ready. The tension builds, the crowd holds its breath—and then, in an explosion of movement, the play begins.
I can’t help but feel my pulse quicken every time he’s on the field. It’s thrilling, nerve-wracking, and awe-inspiring all at once, knowing that while the whole stadium is cheering, he’s out there giving it everything he’s got. And somehow, out of all of this, he’s mine.
The stadium erupts with noise as the ball snaps, and in an instant, everything moves in slow motion. My eyes are glued to Austin as he takes off down the field, weaving through defenders like they’re standing still. The roar of the crowd rises with every step he takes, but all I can hear is the thud of my own heartbeat in my ears.
And then, in one perfect moment, he catches the ball, arms outstretched, and charges toward the end zone. The tension in the stadium is palpable as the final defender closes in, but Austin pivots, breaking free in a burst of speed. The crowd holds a collective breath—then explodes as he crosses into the end zone.
Touchdown.
My heart leaps, and I’m on my feet before I even realize it, screaming his name alongside thousands of others. Austin stands there, arms raised in victory, grinning up at the stands. As his eyes lock with mine, I pat my heart as he blows me a kiss. He looks like he’s just conquered the world.
Georgie and Emma jump in the air beside me, their excitement contagious, but all I can think about is how proud I am of him. Not just for the touchdown, but for everything. For staying true to himself. For staying closer to home. For choosing us.
Austin
After the post game press conference and debrief, I’d hustled as fast as I could to get through a shower and head over to Sinclair Gardens. It’s a small venue on the edge of the Charlotte Botanical Gardens that I’ve rented out for something very special today.
“Hey,” Levi’s voice breaks me from my spell as he shoves a small jewelry box into the palm of my hand. “You’re going to need this.”
Grinning, I pull him in for a quick hug. He and mom have been here today getting this spot set up for me. All of this so I can ask Bex the most important question I’m ever going to ask anyone. He’d taken over the duty of setting the table for two in the atrium surrounded by foliage, flowers, and butterflies, and Mom had found the local caterer who is currently getting set up in a kitchen just off the atrium.
The vibration in my pocket pulls my attention to my phone. It’s Emma, and she’s outside with Bex. It’s showtime.
“Okay,” I say as I clap my hands together. I look at mom and Levi. “You don’t have to go, but you’re going to need to hide if you plan on staying.”
“Uh uh,” my mother says, shaking her head. “We’re going to leave you alone for this.” She leans in and kisses my cheek. “I’m not going to wish you luck, because she’s already a part of our family. I’m just going to say I can’t wait to celebrate when sheisa Porter, because that woman is perfect for you.”
