Page 148 of Bluffed By the Offense

“We’re going to have the best year ever!” Trey says.

And I allow myself to believe him for just that moment. Even if I know deep down it’s going to be one of the hardest.

Thunder Wedding Party

Treyvon: Wedding Day!!! Another Thunder player bites the dust. How are you holding up, O’Connell?

Declan: I’m more antsy than I’ve ever been before a game.

Me: I’m happy for you, man. Even if you do have the wrong best man.

Jaxon: Sorry I can’t be there.

Treyvon: Family first. Always.

Declan: I understand, Jaxon. Take care of your family.

Linc: Life’s about to get good, O’Connell. The best is yet to come.

Declan: I’m the luckiest man on earth.

Jaxon: Must feel amazing.

Declan: Better than a Super Bowl win.

Treyvon: Hypothetically.

Me: One day. We’ll all have rings one day.

Linc: Nothing beats wearing Shanay’s ring.

Treyvon: You guys make settling down look almost appealing.

Me: When the right woman comes along, settling down is a no-brainer.

Declan: Are you next, QB?

Linc: No pressure, cutie pie. But … are you?

Me: A lot of things have yet to be seen. I’d be lucky to have her.

Chapter 31

Marcus

To be a guest at a wedding

is to be a witness to a mystery.

~Anonymous

We lost our final game of the season, so instead of spending this weekend on a football field fighting for the championship, we’re all in tuxes at the front of a chapel. Declan’s eyes haven’t left the two doors at the back of the room—the doors where Winona will be walking through shortly. Declan’s brother, Patrick, is next to him, smiling proudly. I’m next and then Linc and Trey.

Jaxon had a family emergency, so he flew out two nights ago. Just in time too, considering it snowed last night after the rehearsal dinner. We woke to a blanket of white over everything.

The chapel is filled with Thunder players, family and friends. But my mind is on the maid of honor. The processional music starts and Declan takes a deep breath. All eyes turn toward the back of the sanctuary. Winona’s friends enter one-by-one, walking in measured steps toward the altar: Carli, Emberleigh, who looks like she could give birth before Winona and Declan say I do, Sydney, Daisy, and finally, Cass.

A navy dress flows down over her figure, all the way to the ground. Her hair is up with curls softly lining her face. I can’t take my eyes off her. She glances at me and smiles. I return her smile. A soft choking noise draws my eyes away. Declan. He’s staring at Winona, who is now standing at the entrance to the sanctuary, a veil over her face, her long white gown trailing behind her.