~
The final whistle blows, and our team gathers in a big circle before we start jumping around, celebrating our win.
We fucking did it.
Dean grabs me in a hug, and I wrap my arms around him.
“We are the fucking champions!” he yells out loud.
Just as he says it, the anthem comes out over the speakers, and Dean looks like he thinks he has God-given abilities.
I shake my head at him, chuckling as our team belts out the lyrics together.
When the song ends, I make my way to the section of the stands where my family and friends are seated.
My mom, dad, and Joseph are the first ones I see. Lily, Luke, and Jessica are also here, together with Harriet and her husband.
I hug my mom first, tears running down her cheeks as she hugs me tightly and tells me how proud she is.
Next up is my father, who looks just as emotional, but he’s able to keep the tears at bay.
At least for now.
When Joseph comes next, I’m looking over his shoulder for Lily.
Don’t get me wrong—I love my family.
But I’d really like to greet my girl.
The one who’s been here for most of the season and experienced every high and low together with me.
Supporting me and cheering for us, wearing my name across her back.
Finally, I spot her as she makes her way to me, together with Luke and Jessica by her side.
She starts running towards me, and I step away from Joseph, who looks a little confused, until he spots Lily and understanding dawns.
“You did it! Congratulations, babe,” Lily exclaims as she jumps into my arms.
I swing her around before pressing my lips to hers.
“Thanks, babe,” I murmur, the noise around us fading to the background.
Part of me still can’t believe I actually got her.
After years of pining and wanting.
I may have won one of the biggest tournaments with my team, but having Lily in my arms feels like the icing on the biggest cake.
Her wearing my jersey? Another thing I’ll never tire of.
Luke clears his throat beside us, but when I look over, he’s looking at us fondly.
Together with his own girl.
“Got any love for your best friend as well, Bennet?”
“I got plenty for all the Hastings siblings.”
