The Crush (The Wolves: A Football Dynasty, #3)

by Karla Sorensen

“But if I never stepped foot on a field again, it wouldn’t touch my legacy.” His hand tightened on my shoulder. “You, the girls, their kids, your mom”—his voice got rough—“that is my legacy. I might be good at football, but the only reason I am on this earth is to take care of the family that I love more than anything.”

“I hope I live for another forty years, so I can see your kids—your sisters’ kids—grow up. But if I died tomorrow, Emmett, I hope no one talks about a fucking game when they bury me. I hope they talk about the kind of husband and father and grandfather I am.” His voice cracked on the last word. “That is the only legacy I care about leaving behind.”

“Someday,” he said, sucking at the skin by my jaw, “someday we’ll start where we can finish.”

“I am in love with you, Adaline Wilder. And if it is within my power to give you what you want, I’ll do it.”

“Someday,” he said quietly, “we’ll start this in a place we can finish it.”

“The best part of any day is you,” I told her. “No matter what happens, no matter where I am, or what else is going on.” I slid the metal ring over her knuckle, grinning when it fit. “And I want to spend the rest of my life doing what I do best—loving you. Adaline Wilder, will you marry me?”