Page 150 of The Pact
“A few?” I laugh. “Presley, I’ve seen your spreadsheets.”
“You mean my organized ideas?”
“They look like battle plans that would make Rhyan proud.”
Her head falls back, and she laughs.
I turn toward her. “Seriously, tell me.”
She almost looks shy for a half second, which is rare, and makes me want to wrap her in my arms.
“Well, let’s see where to start,” she says. “Football and flag football will be the first program. I’d like to use it as our baseline, if you will, to see what works and what doesn’t. But I also wantto include athletic training, injury prevention, nutrition, and mentorship. I’d like to add programs as we grow and as I find the specialists, staff, and volunteers. The football program is very easy for me to navigate, but I’ll probably have to pull out some favors to people I know in hockey, baseball, soccer, tennis …”
I nod.
“I’d also like to have some leadership programs. Honestly, my dreams for this are big, and I have to keep reminding myself to take it one thing at a time.”
“Well, I think it’s incredible. I’m so excited for you.”
She looks at me, smiling. “I know you are.”
“I would really like to be part of it in some way.”
Her brows lift.
“Not because we’re married,” I add.
Her fingers tighten around mine.
“I want to help you build the football and flag football programs when I can. Maybe help raise money, bring in volunteers. Whatever you need.”
It’s hard to see in the dark, but in the moon’s reflection, it looks like her eyes are glossy.
“Saint,” she whispers.
“You’ve helped me carry the heaviest times of my life,” I say. “Let me help you build something good. Let me be part of it.”
She turns and steps in front of me.
I naturally wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her close.
For a few minutes, we just stand there under the moonlight, the ocean rolling over our feet, taking in this moment.
“Saint, I just want you to know how grateful I am to have you not only in my life, but by my side through a lot of life-changing moments. No, I haven’t had the losses that you’ve had, but you’ve been a support for me through med school, bad boyfriends, and too many good memories to count,” she says.“So, of course, I would be honored if you were part of this journey with me.”
Her words settle in my chest so hard, and I almost don’t know how to react. So, I pull back enough to look at her. Emotions are swimming in her eyes.
“Presley, you are one of the most important people in my life. I can’t imagine not having you by my side through all of it,” I say. “And I only hope I’ve given you the same care and support you’ve given me. I don’t know if I can ever repay you for what you’ve done to help me with the kids. You’ve been my rock.”
Instead of replying, she kisses me. It’s soft, warm, and a little salty from the air.
I feel like I’m holding my entire future in my hands right now, and the feeling almost knocks me off my feet. Because, yes, I love her. I have for a long time. But I am one hundred percent head over heels in love with her. And I’m not sure what I would do if I ever lost her.
When we pull apart, I rest my forehead against hers.
“Should we start heading back to the house?”
“Yeah, we need to check on my parents and make sure the kids haven’t taken over the Grant kingdom.”
