Page 161 of Running

“That was really the architect in disguise, figuring out how to get it all done intwo weeks.”

Landon steps forward, looking at Johnson. “It’s amazing, J. It turned out even better than you described.”

“So you knew?” I look at my brothers.

“Yeah, Johnson wanted us to be here to watch you experience it.”

I’m so glad he did. It makes it even more special.

“I’m not quite done with the surprises though, Goldie. Come with me.” He grabs my hand and starts walking with me towards the track.

“No blindfold this time?” I joke.

“No, only because I’m in a hurry to show you this.”

We walk onto the part of the track nearest to where we were standing and…he keeps us going past it.

Now we’re on the field itself, and he keeps going and going and going…

Until we’re almost at the center, and then he drops my hand.

“Look,” he says, pointing to the middle of the field, where an empty circle has always marked the center.

Only the empty circle, it’s not empty anymore.

Instead, there are two words in large white letters:

FOREVER FIELD

Oh my god?

“Goldie….”

“Yes.” I can hardly breathe.

I turn around.

And Johnson’s down on one knee.

With a small box in his hand.

Fifteen minutes later, we’re celebrating with our families, though Johnson won’t stop kissing me like we’re alone.

“Give them a break.” Pam laughs as Rawley grumbles about it. “They just got engaged.”

Johnson arranged for a chef to make us all dinner, so no onehas to work during our celebration. All of us are able to enjoy the night together, and the new bond we’ll share with the engagement.

But the moment that I treasure the most happens as the night comes to a close, when Landon’s saying his goodbyes and gets to Johnson.

“You’re an honorary Battle now, J,” Landon says, patting him on the back. “Whether you like it or not.”

Johnson smiles big in return.

“I can’t imagine it any other way.”

THE END