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October 5 - October 10, 2022
It was impossible to force someone to make you a priority. It was impossible to make someone feel the same way you did. And it was impossible to force the stars to align when the timing wasn’t right.
He spoke against my ear, a delicious rumble that had my eyes fluttering shut. “Go inside, Adaline, unless you want them to see this.”
Adaline wasn’t fireworks and lightning. She was something softer, sneaking up on me until I couldn’t look away. A sunrise, maybe. A beginning point that changed so gradually you hardly noticed until the brightest, most vivid colors you’ve ever seen dominated the entire horizon.
If I thought my family was bad about NFL games, I was wrong. There was a whole new level of Ward family competitiveness that emerged from a very unlikely source—my niece’s soccer game. Molly’s daughter Luna (currently at striker) and Isabel’s daughter Willa (playing defense) were on the same rec soccer team—seven- and eight-year-old girls—and I almost moved to the other team’s sidelines so that I wasn’t associated with the people I was related to.
“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.”
One of the things I couldn’t change—especially after that night—was that I was in love with Emmett Ward. And I didn’t know what to do about it.
“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.”
“He knows what he wants. He sees what he wants. No matter what is stacked against him, Emmett has never let that stop him. It’s what makes him a great quarterback.” Coach paused. “But it’s what makes him an even better man. So this game ball goes to Emmett Ward, and no matter what his future looks like, we will always have his back.”
“Most of you know that this will be my last regular season game with Ft. Lauderdale, and I appreciate every single bit of support as to why I’m leaving. This has been an incredible place to play, and you’ve been the best team a guy could ask for.” I exhaled hard, tightened my grip on the ball, and tried to soak in every moment, every feeling. “A leader is only as good as the people around them. And if I’ve been a good leader, it’s because of you.” I waited until their cheers quieted. “But I’m not sure I can keep this ball,” I said quietly. I looked up. “Malcolm, I think you’ve gotta come get
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“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?”
