Page 192 of Tangled with the Tight End

“She didn’t ask for this.”

“Did you?” he asks.

“Not exactly. But I get the perks. I do what I love for a living. I’m playing for the NFL.”

“Living the dream!” Brady shouts.

A bunch of guys whoop and echo his words.

She’s my dream.

A few moments later, my phone pings with a text.

Winona: I’m here. Out in the parking lot. Want me to come in?

Declan: No need. I’m on my way out.

I say goodbye to the guys and walk out of the facility into the chill December air.

My face lights up when I see her, sitting behind the steering wheel of her car. I pick up my pace and settle into the passenger seat, leaning over to give her a kiss.

“What I wouldn’t give to whisk you away to St. Thomas right now.”

“And miss the tree lighting?” she asks.

I smile, shaking my head. It still blows my mind how grounded she is. Most women would jump on me saying I want to take them on a tropical vacation in the middle of winter. Not Winona. She wants to be a part of our town traditions.

“No,” I say. “I don’t want to miss the tree lighting.”

“It’s our first Christmas together.” She smiles and pushes the ignition. “I already got your present too!”

“Are we exchanging presents?” I ask, just to tease her.

“Declan, you’re joking, right?”

“Yeah. I am. I’ve got plans. They’re coming together.”

At least I’ve ruled out a new car or an invisibility cloak. That’s a start. I want what I give her to be perfect—meaningful.

Winona comes over for dinner and then she drives us to the town square. The parking spaces are full, so she drops me off and drives a block over to park the car.

I see Cass standing with their friend group, so I make my way over to her.

“Hey, Declan,” Cass says, smiling at me, but then looking over my shoulder and glancing around. “Where’s Winona?”

“She’s parking the car. Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure.” She turns to her friends and excuses herself.

We step aside and I say, “I need your help.”

“What can I do for you?”

“I want to get your sister the perfect Christmas gift.” I run my hand through my hair.

Cass just stands there, not saying anything.

“The guys suggested a new car … among other things.”