Epilogue

EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR LATER: MARISSA

" T rust me, Lola," I say into the phone as I walk around my San Antonio home office. "This is just the beginning."

"Thank you so much, Marissa," the tennis player gushes.

"We'll talk soon. Let me know if you have any questions."

We say goodbye and I hang up feeling like a million bucks. I've won the lottery by finding Lola, but that's only because I relentlessly play said lottery. I'm always out there, looking for my next client, shaking hands, and getting ahead of the other agents.

And man, has it paid off.

One year ago, I never would have imagined that my career would skyrocket like this. My own sports agency is flourishing, and it's all thanks to Charlie's unwavering support.

"Marissa, you're a natural at this," he told me when we moved to San Antonio and I was on my own work-wise. "You know the ins and outs of the industry, and you have a knack for finding talent. Go for it."

And so I did. Now, with an expanding roster of clients and more work than I can handle alone, I'm on the verge of searching for a second agent to join my team.

And the best part?

Abernathy Athletes has gone belly up. Turns out Isaac's penchant for not paying his taxes has led to him crashing and burning.

Karma is real, apparently. And you don't need to worry about making people pay. Everyone reaps what they sow.

"Hey, babe. How was your day?" Charlie's voice fills the room as he walks through the office door, smelling fresh from his post-practice shower.

I don't answer. I'm too busy throwing myself into his arms and kissing him hard on the lips.

He wraps his arms around me and moans into my mouth. It's a sound that sends a shiver of desire through me. It takes all my power to unlock my lips from his and step back.

"Sorry," I say. "Did you ask me something?"

He chuckles, his hands still on my waist. "I asked how your day was."

"Busy, but good," I reply, grinning at him.

Despite the exhaustion evident in his eyes, he's managed to maintain the same level of dedication and enthusiasm throughout the entire football season. It's been a year since he signed that new contract, and he's playing better than ever.

"Mine too," he says, dropping his gear by the door and planting a kiss on my forehead. "Do you know what today is?"

"Tuesday?" I venture, laughing softly at my own response.

He chuckles and shakes his head. "It's the one-year anniversary of me signing that contract."

His eyes dance with excitement, and I remember that night vividly. We had been so caught up in the moment that our carefully guarded feelings spilled out, and we confessed our love for each other. My heart swells at the memory.

"Wow," I breathe, trailing my finger down his firm chest. "A special night indeed."

Charlie nods, his eyes softening as he gazes down at me. "I want to take you somewhere."

"Where are we going?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

"Trust me," he responds, a mischievous glint in his eye.

He takes my hand, and I let him lead me towards the car, my mind racing with possibilities. Whatever it is he has planned, I know it'll be a night to remember.

"You sure you don't want to tell me what's going on?" I ask as we pull out of the neighborhood we moved into about eleven months ago.

"Nope." He laughs, his gaze still on the road. "And you should stop asking."

"What about a clue?" I rest my hand on his knee, appreciating the obvious way that his body responds to my touch.

"A clue." He clears his throat like he's trying to think straight but having trouble. "A clue would give it away."

I move my hand to the back of his neck. "Fair enough."

It seems he's taking a well-worn path, though. By the time we've only been driving for fifteen minutes, I start to suspect that I know exactly where he is going.

"Are we…" I trail off.

"You'll find out."

The car engine hums as we pull into the empty parking lot of the stadium. I squint at the imposing structure, my curiosity bubbling over.

"Charlie, why are we here?" I ask, trying to decipher his intentions.

He flashes me a warm grin and winks. "You'll see."

Excitement rushes through me, my heart skipping a beat as he parks and helps me out of the car. The cool evening air brushes against my skin, the scent of freshly cut grass filling my nostrils as we walk hand in hand towards the entrance.

"Everyone's gone home by now," he says, guiding me through the dimly lit corridors of the stadium.

I'm amazed by how different it feels without the usual roar of fans and adrenaline-fueled energy pulsating through the air. The last time I was at the stadium and it was this quiet was a whole year ago.

"Is this where you wanted to take me?" I ask, unable to hide the smile tugging at my lips. "To the spot where you are every day?"

"Almost there," he replies, his grip on my hand tightening as we step onto the field.

The sight before me takes my breath away. A blanket is spread out on the lush green grass, adorned with flameless candles and rose petals, creating an intimate oasis amidst the vast expanse of the stadium.

"Charlie, this is…" I trail off, turning around to face him. "This is so sweet."

"I thought you would like it." He goes to the picnic basket and champagne on ice that sit on the blanket.

"I more than like it. I love it." I take a seat on the blanket. "The perfect way to celebrate our one year here."

He pops the champagne and fills two flutes.

"Cheers," he says, handing me one.

The champagne sparkles under the stadium lights. A rich taste of honey and apples spreads across my tongue as I take a sip.

"I wanted this night to be special." He watches for my reaction.

"It is, Charlie." I look around the empty stadium, the secluded oasis he's created in the midst of our hectic lives.

We chat, laugh, and eat a delightful meal that he's packed. His stories about his rookie year on the football team are hilarious and entertaining. His laughter is infectious and soon enough, I'm clutching my sides in glee.

As the night deepens, our conversation slows down, replaced by comfortable silence. In the quiet, I can hear the low hum of city life in the distance, a reminder of reality lurking just beyond this magical bubble.

Charlie lays back on the blanket, arms folded behind his head as he stares at the starless city sky. "Marissa," he says after a moment.

I turn to face him, my heart pounding in anticipation of what he might say next. His gaze meets mine and there's something intense there. Something that makes my breath hitch.

"Yeah?" I reply softly.

"I've been thinking about something," he murmurs, his voice serious. The smile that usually graces his features has faded away, replaced by a somber expression.

"What is it?" I ask, my pulse quickening. He takes my hand, his rough fingers tracing circles on the back of my palm.

He takes a deep breath and sits up. "Will you marry me?"

The words hit me like a bolt of lightning. The city seems to freeze in place, the hum of life pausing as I try to contemplate what he's just said.

Charlie looks anxious, probably because I haven't said anything yet, but my brain is still processing. He's asking me to be his wife. Charlie Elwood… wants me to be his wife. The superstar quarterback who could have any woman he wants. He wants me.

Before I can respond, he continues, "I know we've only been together a year and it may seem soon, but Marissa… I love you." His voice trembles with emotion.

From his pocket, he pulls a small box. He flicks it open with a swift motion, revealing a ring. Not just any ring, but the most beautiful one I've ever seen. The diamond sparkles under the faint city lights, a beacon of his love for me.

I gasp at the sight of it. My heart pounds against my ribcage like a wild drum. His face is open, sincere, waiting for my answer with bated breath.

"Charlie…" I begin, swallowing hard and trying to collect my thoughts. "I… This…"

I stare at him, still finding it hard to form words. My heart pounds so loud, throbbing in my ears, threatening to drown out the world. But then, through the deafening silence and the wild beating of my heart, a word breaks free.

"Yes." Tears blur my vision as I nod vigorously, my voice a choked whisper. "Yes, Charlie. Yes!"

He grins, relief flooding his features as he slips the ring onto my trembling finger. It's a perfect fit, just like us.

His arms wrap around me, pulling me close. His chest is warm and solid against my cheek; his heart beats a rhythm that perfectly matches mine.

"Thank you," he whispers, voice thick with emotion.

His hand comes up to cradle my face, his thumb gently brushing away a tear that's rolled down my cheek. I lean into his touch, closing my eyes and letting out a shaky breath. This man is mine, and the thought sends a rush of warmth spreading through me.

"Charlie," I whisper, opening my eyes to look at him. "I love you."

His smile is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen — a beacon of pure, unabashed joy that lights up his entire face. His eyes glitter with the same emotion, a mirror of my own.

And then… he kisses me. This isn't a soft, hesitant kiss. It's assertive, passionate, a promise of forever sealed between our lips.

"I love you too," he breathes against my lips when we finally break apart for air.

As I gaze into his eyes, surrounded by the twinkling candles and soft caress of the night breeze, I know with certainty that my life will only continue to flourish with him by my side. This is just the beginning of our journey together, and I can't wait to see where it takes us.

The End