“It looks like you’ll be playing the Rams. How do you feel about it?” she asked.

“I’ve had my eye on them since the beginning of the season.” It was before then, but I didn’t want to come across as a football geek even though I was.

“What’s next for you, Coach?”

“More late nights, a fast new year, and hopefully, another win.”

“Do you think you can beat the Rams? They’re in the number one spot in your division.”

I shrugged and nodded. “They’re tough and have a great offense. We’re hoping to give them a run for their money.”

Nikki picked up the cue that we were done. “Good luck, Coach, and congratulations.”

I shook her hand and followed Grayson to the middle of the field where I shook hands with the losing team’s coaches. I understood their crestfallen looks and the numbness that came from losing a game you had to win. We ended the season with 11 wins and 6 losses and still had to fight for a wildcard spot in the playoffs.

Bill and I walked down the hallway to the locker room. “I’m so proud of this team,” Bill said.

We walked into the locker room and everyone was waiting to spray us with champagne. I was drenched by the time I got out of there. Bill, Marcus, and I had a press conference in twenty minutes. It was enough time to take a quick shower and get the alcohol off me. I grabbed a change of clothes and raced to the women’s locker room. Two trainers were there changing into their street clothes.

“Congratulations, Coach!” they both said.

“Thanks!” I grabbed a fresh towel and got cleaned up in record time. I almost slipped and fell when I jumped out and saw Parker leaning against the counter. I clutched the towel closer. “What are you doing here?” I forgot to lock the door in my haste, but noticed it was locked now. “There are people down here.”

“You mean Emily and Tess?” Parker thumbed behind her. “They were leaving when I walked in. You should be more careful about locking the door down here. Anybody could wander in. You’re not being very safe.”

Parker and I had agreed to cool it until the season was over. It was hard, but fair since I advised Grayson and Matt to do the same. I kept telling myself that I’d waited over fifteen years for her. I could wait another few more weeks. We talked on the phone daily, FaceTimed late at night, and texted every chance we got.

“Is everything okay? Where are the kids?”

“With my parents.” She walked slowly toward me and stopped when I took a step back. “I came here to congratulate you and to let you know we filed the paperwork this morning.”

I groaned. “Why didn’t you wait until we were done with the season?”