Page 94 of Overtime
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Several hourslater and I’m two beers, one pretzel, a funnel cake and half an order of nachos that I shared with Waylon Jr. deep and the game is deep into overtime. The clock is running down and everyone in stadium is getting restless—including me.
The guys set up for the next play and I watch as Colt hands off the ball to the guy that normally runs with it, but he turns around and quickly tosses it back to Colt. I blink and raise a brow, confused as to what’s happening. Colt takes a step back and then launches the ball downfield. I must not be the only one confused because Ben is wide open, catches it steps away from the end zone, and walks it in without a defensive player anywhere remotely close enough to stop him.
The stadium erupts again—cheering, music, and lights—all going wild at the score on the board. Violet screams and grabs me, jumping up and down and turning us both around in a circle. I grin at her.
“Was that supposed to happen? I’m so confused.”
“Yes. It’s called a flea flicker,” she answers breathlessly before she moves on to hug Mac and Harper who are also screaming at the top of their lungs.
“A flea what?” I raise my brow.
“Flicker!” Harper answers instead, wrapping her arms around me. “We’re going to playoffs!”
“Yay!” I scream and hug her back.
“The guys are gonna be so fucking happy.” Mac grins down at the field where the guys are losing their minds on the sidelines.
“I can’t wait to see them in the playoffs,” I say, and I’m shocked when I realize I mean it. This game has never been my thing, but watching Colt doing something he’s so passionate about makes me love it too.
“Are you excited Way?” I look down at the little boy who’s pressed up against the glass staring out at all the excitement.
“Yeah!” He grins up at me and I pick him up so he can get a better view of the field while Violet and Mackenzie chat excitedly about who we’re playing next.
“Do you see him down there?” I point out the burly lineman who currently has his helmet off and is smacking Ben on the ass in congratulations.
“Yeah. Daddy is the best!”
“He is. And it looks like we get to share more funnel cake together. I got a big question for you though.”
Way turns to me, his eyes wide.
“Me and your daddy’s friend Colt are gonna get married. And someone special has to carry the rings up. I was thinking since we’ve become funnel cake buddies, that you might be the right guy for the job. Do you think you could do that for me?”
“Well… I’d have to ask my mommy.” There’s an intent look on his face.
“I asked your mommy earlier and she said it’s up to you.”
His lips twist to the side like he’s considering the offer.
“Will there be funnel cake?”
I laugh. “Maybe not funnel cake. But cake for sure. I can get you a big piece of cake as payment.”
He frowns for a minute like he’s thinking hard. “Yeah. Okay. I think I can do that.”
“Yay!” I give him a hug and he wraps his arms around me in return.
“All right. I gotta tell Mommy I’m getting cake for helping.”
I set him back down on his feet and he takes off in a hurry, launching himself at Mackenzie and spilling the news to her. She grins at him and picks him up, nodding at me and exchanging smiles.
Violet looks over her shoulder as Way tells Violet about his new job and she grins at me.
“A ring bearer!” Harper gives a mock gasp. “That’s a very special task. You are so lucky Way!”
I grin so hard my cheeks hurt, because I’m so thankful for this group of women that have adopted me so easily. Taking me in like I’ve always been here and made me feel at home just like Violet always has.
