Chapter 19 Jack

I let out a deep breath as we exit the law offices, the conversation with Dervin still on my mind. Elyse walks beside me, her hand brushing against mine in a subtle gesture of reassurance.

"You okay?" she asks with concern.

I nod, managing a small smile. "Yeah, just processing everything." I glance around the bustling Seattle streets of people rushing by, oblivious to the turmoil swirling within me. "I can't shake this feeling of guilt for going against the team like this."

She squeezes my hand, her touch grounding me. "You know this is the right thing to do. Reginald has been abusing his power for far too long. We have to stop him before more players get hurt."

Her words ring true, but the conflict still gnaws at me. The Firebirds have been my life for so long, and the thought of betraying them leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Then I remember the pain, the constant ache in my shoulder, and the way Reginald dismissed my concerns, pushing me to play through the agony. A flicker of anger ignites within me, fueling my resolve.

"You're right," I say, meeting her gaze. "Reginald has to be stopped, no matter the cost."

She nods, a proud smile tugging at her lips as she leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. "I'm proud of you, Jack. This can't have been easy."

Warmth spreads through me at her words. I pull her close, snaking my arm around her waist as we continue down the sidewalk.

"So, what now?" she asks, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

I consider her question, my mind drifting to the upcoming games and the inevitable confrontation with Reginald. I want to savor these quiet moments with Elyse before the storm hits.

"How about we grab some lunch?" I suggest, steering us toward a nearby cafe. "We can spend some time together before I have to head back for practice."

Elyse's face lights up, and she nods eagerly. "I'd love that, but…" She bites her lip, hesitation flickering across her features.

"What is it?"

"I was hoping we could talk about…well, about me staying in Seattle." Her words tumble out in a rush, her cheeks flushing slightly.

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "You want to stay? I thought your internship was just for a few months?"

Elyse shrugs, her gaze holding mine. "It was, but things have changed. I don't want to leave you, Jack. Not when we're just starting to figure this out." She gestures between us, her eyes shining with determination.

A warmth blooms in my chest at her words, and I pull her closer, my lips finding hers in a tender kiss. When we break apart, I rest my forehead against hers. "I'd like nothing more than for you to stay."

She beams at me, her radiant smile chasing away the lingering shadows of doubt. With new lightness in my step, I lead her toward the cafe, our hands intertwined.

The cafe is a cozy little spot, tucked away on a quiet side street. We snag a corner table by the window. She looks breathtaking, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, her eyes sparkling with contentment.

A server approaches, and we place our orders, settling into a comfortable silence as we wait for our food. Elyse takes my hand across the table, tracing idle patterns on my skin that sends tingles up my arm.

"So," she says, her voice soft yet laced with determination. "About me staying…"

I nod, giving her my full attention. "I meant what I said. I want you here, with me, but I also don't want to stand in the way of your dreams."

She shakes her head vehemently. "You're not standing in the way. You're a part of my dreams now." Her words have a hint of vulnerability that tugs at my heart.

I squeeze her hand, offering her a reassuring smile. "Then we'll make it work. I'm sure Dervin can find a place for you at the firm, especially after the help you've provided."

Elyse's eyes widen slightly at the mention of Dervin. "You think he'd really offer me a job when I haven't even finished my bachelor's degree yet?"

"After the way he was praising you today? I'd be surprised if he didn't."

Our food arrives, and we tuck in, the conversation flowing easily between bites.

As the server walks away, Elyse leans back in her chair, regarding me with a pensive expression. "Jack, can I ask you something?"

I nod, bracing myself for whatever question she might have.

"What made you change your mind about us? About letting me in?" she asks softly.

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "Honestly? It was you, Elyse. Your determination to stand by me, even when I tried to push you away." I reach across the table, taking her hand in mine. "You saw something in me that I couldn't see in myself, and you refused to give up on me."

She squeezes my hand. "I'm glad I didn't give up," she whispers. "You're worth fighting for, Jack Ford."

A lump forms in my throat at her words, and I can only nod, overwhelmed by the depth of emotion swirling within me. As we linger over the remnants of our meal, the weight of the world seems to lift from my shoulders, if only for a brief moment.

All too soon, it's about time for me to head to practice, and I reluctantly suggest we head out. We make our way back to the bustling streets, our hands intertwined, savoring these final moments before the demands of the world intrude once more. As we approach the arena, I slow to a stop, turning to face Elyse.

I reach out and smooth a strand of her hair away from her face. She blinks up at me, eyes wide and vulnerable. "I meant what I said, you know," I murmur, my voice low. "I love you."

Elyse's eyes search mine, and she gives a small nod. "I love you too, and I'll be right here, every step of the way."

Her words make my heart swell. This amazing woman, standing with me through the chaos and uncertainty. I don't know what I've done to deserve her loyalty and love, but I've never been more grateful.

Slowly, she rises on her tiptoes, her hands curling around my neck. I meet her halfway, capturing her lips in a searing kiss.