Page 186 of Tangled with the Tight End

From next to me, Treyvon says, “Marry me.”

The whole table erupts in laughter while Marcus sits staring at my sister with his mouth partly open.

I lean over to Declan and whisper in his ear. “It’s the whole talking about football thing, isn’t it?”

He nods, but then he turns and whispers in my ear. “It’s impressive when she does it. It’s sexy when you do.”

“More mashed potatoes, anyone?” Cass asks sweetly.

“Dang, Winona,” Brady says. “You didn’t tell us about your sister.”

I just smile across the table at Cass. Declan gives my knee a squeeze under the table and I look at him. He’s smiling this contented, amused smile. I lay my hand over his and sit back, taking in the whole scene. If my heart were more full, it would burst.

After everyone insists on chipping in with the dishes, Treyvon offers Declan a ride home.

I say, “Oh. I was going to give him a ride.”

We haven’t been alone all day and his schedule is getting increasingly demanding.

Cass tells me, “Go, I’ll help Mom put everything away.”

“Are you sure?”

Jaxon says, “I’ll stay and help.”

Dad says, “Did you see that, people? Jaxon Pierce is cleaning up my Thanksgiving dinner.”

He actually fans himself and then he starts laughing.

Then Dad looks at me and says,“We’ve got this. You guys head on home.” He scans the faces of all the players and adds, “Unless you want to stay to watch the game?”

They all excuse themselves and Declan follows me out to my car. He closes his eyes on the drive to his place. As much as he wants to be back in action, days like today demand a lot of a body that’s still trying to heal.

When we reach his driveway, he opens his eyes. “Can you come in?”

“I was planning on it. I can’t stay late, though. We’re all going Black Friday shopping in Nashville tomorrow. All the girls. They get up before dawn. It’s brutal.”

Once we’re inside, Declan makes me a cup of warm cider.

He lights the fireplace and we sit on the couch together.

He turns on the pregame analysis, but mutes the volume.

I lean into him and he wraps his arm around me. “Thanks for having the guys over to your parents’ home.”

“I’m glad they could come.”

“Want to know what I’m thankful for?” Declan asks, searching my eyes with a soft smile on his face.

“Mm hmm. Tell me.”

He smooths his hand down my cheek. “I’m thankful for you.”

I smile at him. “I’m thankful for … Darlene.”

He laughs.

“She keeps this place spotless,” I say, still staring into his eyes. The air between us grows heavy as our laughter dies down. “No. I’m thankful for you, Declan. More than you know.”