Page 200 of Made Better Together

I wait for a couple of seconds and switch to scrolling on social media when he doesn’t reply.

He’s probably sleeping in like Connor. He was on the team flight too, after all.

Maybe I’ll sneak into the kitchen⁠—

“Eden,” comes Connor’s groggy voice. “What time is it?”

I roll over and wrap an arm around him. “Hi, sleepyhead. A little after eight.”

He rubs his eyes and yawns. “Oh, man. I’m tired as fuck.”

I kiss his forehead. “But also the team hero.”

“I don’t know about that. At least I proved I’m a competent NFL kicker.”

“They didn’t say anything last night about what’s next?”

He shakes his head no. We both fall silent for a beat, and then he eyes my phone, Instagram app open.

“It’s going to take me a minute to get moving. You can keep playing on your phone.”

“Well…I’ve actually been killing time waiting for you or Dad to wake up.”

His eyes open wider. “Why? What’s up?”

I smile broadly. “Got my grades.” I switch over to the screenshot I took earlier.

His eyes go wide as he scans the picture. “Eden, these are…you’re the smartest future doctor I’ll ever love.”

Wait…Now it’s my turn to be stunned. “L-love?”

He takes in my shock, and then his lips turn up. “Yes, Eden…my Rosy—I love you.” He reaches over to play with the ends of my hair. “I love you like no one ever before.” His voice soft.

Oh my heart.

I lie down, face only a few inches from his. Locking our eyes. “I love you too, Connor.”

His grin stretches wider, and he joins our lips in a firm kiss. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard five better words. We need to celebrate⁠—”

Buzz. My phone. What timing…

I look at who it is. “My dad.”

“Go ahead and take it while I freshen up.”

I answer the phone as he pads off to the bathroom.

“Hi, Dad.”

“Hi, sweetheart. I got your text. Amazing news!”

“Thanks! I’m so excited. I need to keep it up for one more semester now.” There’s the rustle of keys in the background. “Where are you? I was worried I woke you.”

“No,” he says, in an amused tone. “Coaches don’t get to sleep in with the playoffs coming soon. We had an eight o’clock meeting.”

“Oh, wow.” I look at the time on my phone. It’s only fifteen after. “It must have been a short meeting.”

“Well, there was only one topic.” He breathes out a sigh. “Speaking of which, is Connor with you by any chance?”