Chapter Thirty-Four

Reed

The bed beside me is cold when I wake up the following morning. The clock on my desk shows it's already past eight.

As soon as I step out of my room to use the bathroom, the mouthwatering scent of bacon and maple syrup wafts through the air.

After I quickly wash up, I head downstairs to the kitchen. Tate is standing at the stove, her brown hair piled on top of her head and her face makeup-free.

She's been getting up earlier lately to cover the bruises on her face, but now that they've fully healed, I've noticed a change in her. She's smiling more, and there's an ease to her that comes from knowing when Wells left Braysen, he took the past along with him.

I've asked her a few times how she's doing and if she's happy. At first, she seemed caught off guard by my questions, but now it's evident without needing to ask. She's more relaxed and carefree, and it's all I've ever wanted for her.

"Mmm," I hum as I enter the kitchen and wrap my arms around her waist. "This smells amazing. Can I help with anything?"

"I think I've got it from here," she replies, glancing over her shoulder with a smile. "It's almost done. Could you grab everyone and get the plates and silverware out?"

Before I can head down the hall, Beckham and Colter walk in, followed by Hallyn and Ava. Hayes and Everly join us a bit later; I'm guessing they were up late watching Christmas movies.

"Damn, Lucy, this looks delicious." Beckham holds his hand over his stomach when she sets down the stack of waffles and the plate of bacon.

Everly follows her with a bowl of scrambled eggs and another with fruit.

"How are you guys feeling about your game today?" Hallyn asks after she finishes dishing up her plate.

Tate takes the seat next to me, and I lean in to kiss her. "Thank you, baby. It's incredible."

She giggles. "You haven't even taken a bite."

"I don't need to taste it to know it's good," I say, grinning. "The smell already has my stomach growling." I wink.

We all dig in, and Hallyn's question lingers until Colter starts to answer.

"It's a big game today," Colter says, breaking the silence. "We played the Raiders in the semifinals last season, and they were tough. We need to get through them if we hope to make it to the playoffs this year."

We quickly shift the conversation away from the game, using breakfast as a welcome distraction. After the meal, the girls offer to clear the table and do the dishes so Tate can head upstairs to shower and get ready for the game. The absence of leftovers makes things easier, too.

I follow Tate upstairs, but as soon as I reach the top stair, my phone starts ringing. I know without checking that it's Darren calling to check in before the game.

"Hey, what's up?" I say, unplugging it from the charger and sitting on the edge of my bed.

"Look who's up," Darren replies. "How are you feeling about today's game?"

I shrug like he can see me. "Same as always. Ready as I'll ever be."

"I think you've got this. The Raiders have a strong defensive line, but you've been unstoppable in the run game this year. Your quick cuts and ball security will be crucial, but if you keep playing like you have been, I think you've got this one in the bag."

I appreciate how Darren easily switches between being my cousin and my coach.

The door clicks, and I glance up to see Tate walking into our room. She's wearing one of my Braysen hoodies and jeans. Her hair is wrapped in a towel on top of her head.

She mutters a low apology. "I didn't realize you were on the phone."

"It's all right. It's just Darren," I reply. "You want to say hi?"

"Is that Tate?" Darren asks. Tate smiles as she hears his voice through the speaker.

"Hi Darren, how are you doing?" she asks.

"Doing well. I was just with Gram when I called. I thought you might want to say hi to her too."

Her eyes flash, her hand going to her towel-covered hair.

Tate's eyes light up, and she quickly unwraps the towel from her hair, running her fingers through the damp strands. She sits on the bed next to me, leaning in close.

"Damn, Reed, you weren't kidding," Darren says with a grin. My face falls, and I shoot him a warning look. He laughs and holds up his hands. "I'm just messin' with you. It's great to finally put a face to the name."

A few pictures of us had circulated online after we left the stadium together last weekend, but Tate was still wearing sunglasses and covering up the bruises, so it was hard to recognize her.

"It's great to finally meet you, too," Tate says.

"Hang on, let me get Gram on the phone for you."

There's a rustling sound, and the camera moves to a brightly lit hallway leading into Gram's room at the nursing home.

"How is she doing today?" I ask, and Darren's face reappears.

"She's okay. Today is one of her better days. I'm sure she'll be happy to see you."

Each day is different with Gram. Sometimes she recognizes me; sometimes she doesn't. I try to appreciate the good days and hold onto the memories of growing up with her. Without her, I might have ended up in the system until I turned eighteen, and then on the streets. Darren would have taken me in eventually, but it would have been a lot for him at his age.

"Gram, I got Reed on the phone. He's with his girlfriend, Tatum. I told you about her. You want to say hi?"

The camera focuses on Gram, who is seated in a chair. It takes a moment for her eyes to adjust.

"Hello," she sings.

"Hi, Gram, it's good to see you," I say.

"Reed, sweetheart, it's good to see you too."

Tate's hand wraps around my forearm, squeezing it at the mention of her calling me "sweetheart." Gram's silver hair is neatly pinned back, and her green eyes are bright with life and kindness.

My voice wavers as I speak. "I wanted to introduce you to my girlfriend, Tatum."

Tate leans into the camera and waves. "It's good to see you, Mrs. Murray."

"Oh, honey, you can call me Carolyn. Or Gram, if you prefer. It's lovely to see you both. She's beautiful, son. How did you manage that one?"

I catch Darren barking out a laugh in the background, and Gram's eyes, light with laughter, flick over to him.

"I told him the same damn thing." He cackles.

"Well, I don't know what you're giving him hell for. You still haven't introduced me to anyone, so you're three steps behind him. Pick up the pace."

Darren steps in, taking over the phone as Gram fumbles. Her eyes flicker for a moment, as if she had a thought and with a snap of the fingers, it's gone.

"Jack was telling me you have a basketball game later today. He'll turn it on the TV for us to watch."

My heart sinks. As much as I cherish these moments with her, they can be fleeting. Sometimes she mixes up sports or confuses the two of us.

"I appreciate that, Gram. It'll help give me a boost to win."

Darren takes back the phone and wishes me good luck, telling Tate it was nice to see her. We end the call after I promise to text him when I get home later tonight.

"I bet that's tough to be away from her and have those brief moments when she remembers you. How are you handling everything?"

I shrug. "I try not to think about it too much, honestly. I want to help her like she's helped me, but I can't, so I avoid dwelling on it. Sometimes I feel guilty for being so far away, but I know she'd want me here, doing what I love."

I stand and busy myself with packing my bag for the stadium. Tate comes up behind me, wrapping her arm around my waist.

"Selfishly, I'm glad you're here. I don't know how I would have gotten through the past couple of months without you."

I turn in her arms and kiss her, holding her face in my hands.

When we break apart, Tate heads into the bathroom to finish getting ready, and I continue packing. I want to get to the stadium early to run through some plays with the team.

A lot is riding on this win for us. We knew it would be a hard-fought game. The Raiders had a strong postseason last year and are fighting to get back.

***

During the game, we exchange touchdowns, tying the score as we head into the final minutes of the fourth quarter. The crowd is electric, a sea of teal and blue with fans cheering us on.

We line up in the red zone. My heart pounds, adrenaline surging through me. My eyes scan the defense, searching for an opening while waiting for Beckham to snap the ball. He fakes a pass and hands the ball off to me.

One of our linemen blocks, creating a gap. I charge forward, keeping a firm grip on the ball. A Raider safety is on my heels, but I fake left and cut right, racing toward the end zone.

When I score, I lock eyes with the cameraman behind the goalpost, grinning as I jog over. I avoid celebrating too much, mindful not to get a penalty for excessive celebration. Darren and Gram are watching back at home, though, and I want them to know this is for them.

Hayes and Zane catch up with me, smacking my pads and helmet.

"Hell fuckin' yes, Hendrix. That's what I like to see," Zane shouts.

"I'm proud of you, man," Hayes adds.

We run off the field as special teams take over for the extra point.

Tate and Everly cheer from the sidelines, leaning over the railing. Tate is wearing my jersey over a sweatshirt and a beanie to match Everly's. Their hands are in the air, cheering loudly.

As the clock runs out and fans storm the field, I search for Tate through the crowd. She and Everly finally break through and race toward me.

Without slowing down, Tate leaps into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist and holding my face as she kisses me.

I slowly lowered her to the ground. "You did it! I mean, I knew you would, but I'm so damn proud of you."

"Thank you, sweetheart."

My face is sweaty, but she doesn't mind. I press my forehead against hers, smiling.

"Who would have thought a few months ago you'd be down here on the sidelines, kissing me after scoring a game-winning touchdown?"

"Well, certainly not me." She grins, giving me a playful smack on the pads. "And I wouldn't want it any other way."

"I guess some rules are meant to be broken after all."