Epilogue

Chessly

F ollowing the second scrimmage of spring football, Finn cemented his spot in the starting lineup. His enthusiasm for his senior year was more contagious than a virus, and I couldn't wait for fall to sit in the stands and cheer my lungs out for him. On the Friday before finals, he found me in Hillman and dragged me upstairs to an out-of-the-way study carrell on the third floor.

"Aren't you supposed to be in class?" I asked.

He answered by pulling me down onto his lap. "Had some news you needed to hear."

My brows came together. "It couldn't wait till tonight?"

His eyes sparkled. "I wanted to be the first to tell you." He tucked a wayward strand of hair behind my ear. The pad of his thumb ghosting over the shell of it drew a shiver, and he grinned. "I just came from Coach's office. Besides the fact I'll be a team captain in the fall—"

I squealed in delight. "That's awesome! You deserve that so much." I planted a congratulatory kiss on his mouth that drew a groan from him.

"Mmm, hold that thought." He stared at my lips in a way that made me question who he was talking to—me or himself. "That's not the biggest news."

"What could be bigger news than that?"

"Coach met with the college president. Tory Miller has caused enough trouble at Mountain State. She's going to be strongly encouraged to transfer."

His wickedly delighted smirk threw me. I had no idea Finn had a vindictive streak.

"But what about her dad's money? Doesn't the team need it?"

He shrugged. "Someone else stepped in to take up the slack. But that doesn't matter." Tugging me closer, he said, "After this semester, none of us will have to look over our shoulder for whatever trouble that woman is in the mood to cause."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"I can't think of anyone who will miss her, which is sad."

He pulled a face.

"But she brought that on herself." Smiling, I said, "I can't wait to watch Jamaica's happy dance when I tell her."

Finn chuckled. "You probably already missed it."

I hiked a brow.

"Callahan was with me when Coach gave us the good news."

I slumped against his chest then I rallied. "Maybe we'll do a happy dance together."

"Make sure I'm around to watch." He laughed. Settling deeper into the chair, he tightened his arms around me. "There's something else." He cleared his throat. For a beat he stared at my lips before finding my eyes again. "Your job requires you to be in the dorms, but your bed isn't going to hold up to the two of us much longer." A naughty gleam came into his eyes. "Plus, when I have away games, I'll want to have sleepovers in my bed during the week, which doesn't work well for you." Blowing out a breath, he cut to the chase. "I want you to move in with me."

I opened my mouth, but before I could get a word out, he added more.

"I know it's soon, but I'm all in with you, Chess."

"You asked me to hold a thought, and I've been holding it for way too long." Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kissed him with all the love I had in my heart.

When at last we came up for air, I answered his unspoken question.

"Yes."