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

by Karla Sorensen

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.

“Did they bring the marshmallows out already?” She laughed at my evasion. “Yes. And I got an extra bag in case your brothers ate them all before you got down here.” “You are the best mom in the world,” I proclaimed. “It’s a heavy crown, but I wear it well.”

Certain moments changed the rest of your life—what you wanted from it and what you were willing to accept. This was one of them.

Willa cupped the sides of my face, and I held very still. She touched her nose to mine. “You wear a helmet, right?” “I do,” I answered gravely. Her face was so close to mine she went a little blurry. “Why are we putting our heads together?” “Because when Mommy has something serious to tell me, she gets down and puts her face close to mine and makes sure my eyes are on her, and I’m listening good.” Her eyes widened. “Are you listening good, Uncle Emmett?” “Yes, ma’am.” “Don’t get a concussion because your brain is important,” she whispered. Then she kissed my cheek and wiggled to get down. When she ran off, I rubbed a hand over my chest. “How do you not give them whatever they want?”

“Emmett,” he said incredulously, “football is not my legacy.” My brow furrowed. He settled his hand on my shoulder, his face hard and serious. “I love this game, just like you. I loved it when I played, and shit, I lucked out after retirement when I turned out to be a good coach.” I blew out a breath because he was doing the scary intense eye thing that he only did when he was about to set me straight. “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.” My throat was locked tight, my eyes full of hot, pressing emotion, and I nodded slowly. His eyes went red-rimmed as he tried to speak. “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.”

Oh Logan. Still so swoony.

I held my breath while he dipped his head and locked his gaze with mine. “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.”

“That’s what makes our love story my favorite, Adaline. Our life together is the legacy I want to build, and I want to start now.” “I do too,” she whispered. “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?”