Page 187 of Made Better Together

Landon dips his head at him, and then continues. “May we all have an incredible new year, even better than the last.” He lifts his cup, and we all follow.

“I’ll toast to that,” Connor adds.

“And may the Waves win the Super Bowl,” Rawley calls out.

Everyone repeats, “Here, here.”

“Speaking of that,” Johnson says. “We should probably get going soon.”

“It’s fine,” Rori replies. “I know you guys need your nine hours of sleep to be at your peak.”

“Yeah, I’m going to follow QB1’s lead and miss the ball drop tonight myself,” Rawley says. “So I don’t drop any balls on Sunday, haha.” Avery bats his arm at his joke, rolling her eyes.

“Winning is the most important thing,” Landon agrees. “Being able to skip the first round game.”

“What time is the Waves flight tomorrow?” I ask him.

“Eleven in the morning.” Okay, yes, it makes sense they want to shut down the party early. That means they probably need to get to the Waves facility by nine thirty for the team bus to the airport.

Connor comes over to me. “We’ll go too. Let you crash, Landon.”

“Cool.”

The group exchanges hugs as we make our way to the door. Grace is one of the last to pull me into an embrace.

“We’re so happy for you and Connor. I’m glad you don’t have to keep it a secret anymore.”

“Thanks, Grace. Thanks for...being so understanding, considering everything.”

She steps back, smiling. “Trust me, we’ve each had our speed bumps the last couple of years.”

We start to part, but then she brushes my arm. “I almost forgot, I’m having Connor, Avery, and Rori over for the game. Do you want to come?”

“Yes, join us,” Avery adds.

I look at Connor, and he nods eagerly. Done.

“I’m in. Thank you.”

After our final goodbyes, Connor’s hand slips onto my back, and we head to the car.

‘That went well, I think?” I whisper to him.

He leans over and kisses my temple.

“Like you were always meant to be there.”

54

EDEN

“Home sweet home,” Connor says as we enter his condo. “Look the same?”

It’s been three weeks since I was last here, not that long. Still, a feeling of rightness rushes in to be here again, with him.

“Why, did you wildly redecorate?” I tease.

“Nah, same gray and blue shit as before.” Connor’s definitely not much of a decorator.