Page 144 of The Replay

"Maybe this year we can have the same resolution, then," he says.

"What's that?"

"We'll figure out what happiness looks like together. It's the first time we're coming into our relationship expecting it to last. We have some challenges coming our way…"

I know what he's talking about. My parents and I need to find our footing, and I would love to see if I can get to know my brothers a little more. I want to figure out work and fully take over my position with the Strike. And, maybe when Dom retires, what it might look like to leave the team to start a new branch of the family charity here in the US. Then there's hoping Dom's injury heals in time for at least some of the playoffs…

I sigh.

"I love you, Dom." I bring him down for a kiss. "We'll figure it out. We'll fight for each other. You won't have to second guess my love for you. I'll never let go again."

"Love you, Mari." He drops his forehead on mine. "There's no future where I stop loving you. I know that now."

"Yes, okay. I'm good if you want to keep that nickname for moments like this."

"I'll pick wisely for any other times, mi reina." He grins.

I groan. "That wasn't permission to keep using those silly ones."

"Just wait until I start teasing you for being older than me."

"I'm only two years older!"

He laughs and pulls me in for another kiss, before we're interrupted.

"Come on, now." Logan frowns my way. "Time for all the rest of us to get our hugs, too. You belong with us now."

My heart flutters, each heartbeat taking in more pieces of this new life of mine. I can't stop smiling as we take turns hugging him and Evie, then move on to Nat and Damián and the rest of our friends. The feeling in my chest grows and glows, until a new certainty engraves itself in my marrow.

I'm solid. My body is grounded like the most beautiful marble, sculpted from life and the best decisions I've made.

I found my place. I have roots now. I'm nurturing this new life with hope. Knowing I belong with Dom and my siblings, but with these friends as well. Love is the bond that makes everything else worth it. And I'm never letting go.

Epilogue

Dom

The final whistle blows and I lift both arms up to the sky. I roar. My whole body feels like I'm channeling lightning and, with so much power running through my veins, it's the only way to keep myself from exploding.

Success. Accomplishment. The dream.

Another championship for the Strike. Two big wins in a row, and I made it just in time to be part of it. Due to my recent injury, I ended up only playing the Conference game and this last one, but I'm pleased. I helped our team get here. And my knee didn't complain once.

People flood the field from the margins, but the first person I go to is Saint. We skip our usual dancing and we hug. With each of us scoring touchdowns today, we have plenty of reasons to be proud.

We hug other players, then go toward the center field looking for our other friends. Rafa, then Bear, then Logan— we hug and scream through the noise of the thundering crowd around us, spilling down from the ocean of fans in the stands.

We did it. We're on top again. And our loved ones are on the way to the field.

We celebratewith everyone who was part of this win. I catch my friends looking around for their people and know exactly what they're doing because I'm doing it as well. They'll be here any second now. Saint is the only one who invited his whole family, but Rafa invited his daughter and Lori, and all of us have our partner here. My mom and abuela have never wanted to attend a game, and I know they're celebrating at home with their friends. But Mariana? She's here, and she promised she'd be wearing my jersey today.

I don't get to see it right away, because she hugs me from behind and holds too tight for me to see her much.

"Mariana. Wait a second." I pry her hands away from my torso. "Hey, come here."

I barely make it around before she's hugging me tight again.

"That was incredible, Dom. Incredible! The way you broke that first tackle— I thought they had you but then you dodged the safety and the way you leaped to the endzone like that? Incredible, Dom. You were incredible."