Page 53 of The Air I Breathe

W: Hey, I'm already here.

There's a picture attached. She's with some guy, and he's got his arm around her. She’s wearing a black and white dress that sparkles brightly in the flash of the camera.

B: Who's that guy?

W: Just a fan who wanted a picture. I figured you might like to see my dress.

B: You're dress is beautiful, just like you.

W: Thank you. I can't wait to see you.

B: Can't wait to see you either.

Traffic is awful as I ride in the backseat of a SUV that she’s sent for me. I'm willing it to go faster, and when we're just a few blocks away and stuck in traffic, I reach forward and tap the driver's shoulder. "I got it from here. Thanks for the ride."

On Broadway, I'm just another person who's swept up in the craziness of the upcoming night. It takes me a few minutes to get down the street, where I have to show my ID, and then I'm allowed upstairs to the roof. Once I get there, I look around, and that's when I spot my fiancée. Her dress is purple and full of sparkles, the skirt shorter than normal, and high-heeled shoes are on her feet. Even though we're outside, the atmosphere is warm because there are heaters everywhere.

"Blake." Her face transforms into a smile as she runs for me.

I grasp her around the waist, twirling us in a circle. "Hey babe, did you enjoy the game?"

"Yes, your touchdown was amazing. I'm so proud of you! I love you."

"I love you, too." I bury my face in her neck, inhaling her clean scent. "Why'd you send me the picture of you with the other guy?" I whisper. I know her well enough to know there's always something behind what she does.

She rolls her eyes, licking her lips as she pulls back. "I have this question about what it's like when you get mad. You've never gotten mad at me before. Does that change the type of man you are?" She runs a finger down the side of my cheek to my chin. "Is that how you get out the aggression from on the field?"

Somehow I understand what she's asking, what she's hinting at. "I don't get mad very often," I whisper. "And it's not often that I have aggression when I come off the field, but if that's what you want? Next time I'm feeling it, I'll definitely give it to you."

She smiles, her eyes lowering. "So as far as tonight goes? Your place or mine? Mine's closer."

"Your place it is." I capture her lips with my own, tasting the drink she had earlier. My mind is racing, wondering what’s brought this on with her, but knowing I shouldn't question it. We head out into the middle of the party and when the clock strikes midnight, we ring in the New Year with a kiss.

"May this one be your best yet." She hugs me tightly.

"Our best one, Willa. We're in this together." I press a kiss to the ring on her engagement finger.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Willa

Divisional Championship Week and Game

"Do you want anything for breakfast?" I ask Blake as I stand at his stove, making my own eggs. He's staring at an iPad screen. I have no idea what he's watching, but his attention has been on it more often than not the past few days.

"Nah." He shakes his head. "I'm gonna be at the practice facility in a few, and I'll eat there. It's kind of a superstition thing."

I can't imagine the stress he's under, what's running through his head. It's like the three biggest shows I've ever done are what's coming up for him. "Whatever I can do to support you, Blake. Just let me know. I know this is my rookie season, but I'm going to learn."

He throws his head back, laughing, his eyes crinkling at the edges. "Can you imagine if you go to the championship in your first year, Wills? That hardly ever happens."

The fact that he's kidding and joking warms my heart. I was a bit worried he wouldn't be able to do that with so much riding on the next few weeks. I purse my lips together and head over to sit in his lap. "That just means you're gonna have to keep me around forever as a good luck charm, right?"

His voice deepens, and he dips his chin. "I already planned on that. As soon as I win this championship, we're announcing this." His fingers entwine with mine, and the light reflects off the ring I haven't removed since he put it on there. "As long as you're good with it."

"I am. I can't wait for everyone to know what's been happening between us."

"Me neither." He leans forward, kissing me softly. "I gotta head to practice. I'll see you later."