Epilogue

Sloane

The sun shines bright and warm over the campus lawn, the perfect weather for graduation. Rows of chairs stretch out across the green, filled with excited families and graduates adjusting their caps and gowns. The air buzzes with anticipation, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I let myself just breathe.

“Sloane!”

I turn toward the sound of my name and spot my grandmother waving from a few rows back, Jacklyn and Brian flanking her. Jacklyn is practically glowing, looking as stunning as ever in a flowy dress, while Brian awkwardly balances a massive bouquet of flowers.

“You did it, sweetheart!” Grandma calls out, her voice loud enough to make a few heads turn. I laugh, my cheeks flushing, and wave back.

“Go see them,” Asher says beside me, nudging me lightly with his elbow. “They’re clearly dying to celebrate with you.”

I glance up at him, my heart swelling at the sight of him in his gown, looking effortlessly handsome as usual. His cap sits at a slight angle, like he couldn’t be bothered to straighten it, and the grin on his face is pure Asher—confident, teasing, but so damn genuine.

“I’ll be back,” I say, squeezing his hand before weaving through the crowd to where my family and friends are waiting.

Jacklyn pulls me into a tight hug the second I reach them. “You’re officially a graduate!” she squeals, stepping back to hold me at arm’s length. “And you look amazing. That dress under your gown? Chef’s kiss.”

“Thanks, Jacklyn,” I say, laughing. “And thank you for all the late-night pep talks this year. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Brian clears his throat, thrusting the bouquet toward me. “Uh, these are from both of us. Jacklyn picked them out, obviously.”

“Obviously,” I tease, taking the flowers and giving him a quick hug. “Thanks, Brian.”

Grandma steps forward next, her eyes misty as she wraps me in her arms. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart,” she whispers. “You’re going to do amazing things.”

“Thanks, Grandma,” I say, my throat tightening.

She pulls back, her hands on my shoulders as she looks me over. “And I see that boy of yours is still hanging around.”

I glance over my shoulder, where Asher is talking to some teammates, his laugh ringing out above the noise of the crowd. He looks so at ease, like he belongs in every room he enters.

“He’s a good one,” Grandma says, her voice soft but firm. “You make sure he knows what a catch you are too, you hear me?”

“I hear you, Grandma,” I say, smiling.

And as wild as our story is, I know she’s right. And I’ve never felt like more of a catch than I do with Asher.

Later, after the ceremony, Asher finds me near the edge of the crowd. His hands are behind his back, his expression mischievous.

“What’s that look for?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“Nothing,” he says with a grin. “Just enjoying the moment.”

I laugh softly, but the worry that’s been gnawing at me bubbles to the surface. “Asher, have you figured out what you’re doing after this? I mean, with me going to Texas…”

He steps closer, his grin widening. “Funny you should ask.”

My heart skips a beat. “What do you mean?”

“Well,” he says, pulling me into his arms, “I just got an offer to be a coaching assistant at a certain university.”

I stare at him, my breath catching. “No way.”

“Way,” he says, his smile breaking into a laugh. “University of Texas. Looks like we’re heading there together, hot nerd.”

I let out an excited squeal, throwing my arms around him. “Are you serious? Oh my God, Asher! That’s amazing!”

He holds me tight, laughing as I practically bounce in his arms. “I’ve always wanted to coach. This just…made sense. And it’s Texas. You, me, big dreams—it’s all lining up.”

Pulling back, I cup his face, grinning so hard my cheeks ache. “I can’t believe it. We’re really doing this.”

“We are,” he says, leaning in to kiss me, soft and sure. “Together.”

I laugh and kiss him back, the warmth of his lips grounding me, steadying me. “I love you. You know that?”

“I do,” he murmurs against my mouth, his voice low and certain. “And I love you too. Hot Nerd.”

The words send a jolt through me, and I grin against his lips, pulling back just enough to see the mischievous glint in his eyes.

“What’s so funny?” he asks, his brow quirking.

“Oh, I don’t know,” I say, biting my lip to stifle a smile. “Just that this all started because I thought you were cute in the library that night.”

His laugh is warm and unrestrained, his hands sliding down to rest on my hips. “So you admit it—you made the first move.”

“I said no such thing,” I shoot back, but the way his grin grows makes my heart race.

“Keep denying it, Texas Tornado,” he says, leaning closer, his voice dropping to a teasing murmur. “But I know the truth. And I’m never letting you live it down.”

“What on earth am I going to do with you?” I say, rolling my eyes but unable to keep the smile off my face.

“You don’t know what to do with me?” His hands tighten slightly, pulling me closer. “You seemed to know exactly what to do last night when I was?—”

“Asher!” I hiss, glancing around to make sure no one’s close enough to hear, but he just laughs, his grip firm and steady.

“You’re cute when you’re embarrassed,” he says, his voice dropping to a low rumble. “But I mean it, Sloane. Texas better get ready, because we’re going to make one hell of a team.”

“Is that so?” I ask, arching an eyebrow as I lean closer, letting my lips brush against his ear. “You planning to boss me around on and off the field, Coach Knox?”

The groan that rumbles in his chest sends a thrill through me, and his hands grip my hips. “Keep that up, and we’re going to be late to celebrate with everyone else.”

“Who says I care?” I whisper, my fingers trailing up to his neck.

“Tempting,” he mutters, kissing me hard, leaving me breathless before pulling back with a grin. “But I’m saving the rest of that for tonight. Texas Tornado.”

I roll my eyes, laughing as he laces his fingers with mine. “Come on, Hot Nerd,” he says, tugging me toward the crowd.

And as we weave through the chaos of graduation, his hand warm and sure in mine, the future doesn’t just feel less scary—it feels damn near perfect.

THE END

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