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Sabrina
Idon’t know if it’s the bed or the person I’m sharing it with, but I definitely sleep better when I spend the night in Murphy’s bed in his strong arms. I like to think it’s the person, not the insanely big, comfortable mattress. Warm lips press against my forehead, and the last vestiges of sleep vanish. I peel my eyes open to see Murphy, looking like he’s going off to battle. The lines of his face appear tight and strained.
“I’ve got to go, Princess. I’ll see you at the game.”
I sit up, plant my hands on his face, and kiss those lips I love. “Win, Aiden.”
He smiles a small smile, kisses me quickly, and then turns to leave.
No sooner has the door closed behind him than Rocky is off her bed and pawing at the sheets, wanting to snuggle in bed with me. Well, maybe just for a few minutes. Rocky settles in next to me, and we both drift back off. Okay, it might be the insanely big, comfy mattress—just a little bit.
* * *
Alittle later, I’m showered and dressed in my brand new #51 jersey layered over my Kroydon University hoodie and my tight blue jeans. I’ve got cute knee-high white socks with a ruffle at the top pulled up my legs and my riding boots sitting just under the ruffle. I look pretty cute for a football game. When Rocky and I meet up with Nattie and Chloe in the kitchen, both ladies are dressed similarly in jerseys and jeans, and Chloe is handing out black KU winter hats with pom-poms at the top. “It’s supposed to only be thirty-two degrees at kick-off, ladies. Cute hair doesn’t ward off frostbite.”
She throws me my hat. “You know you won’t get frostbite during the game, you goober.”
Chloe smiles. “Of course not. That’s why we’re wearing hats and buying hot chocolate when we get there.”
There’s a knock at the door, sending Rocky into a frenzy. It’s as if she knows who’s on the other side. Nat walks over and opens the door for Annabelle and Tommy.
Rocky jumps at Tommy, nearly knocking him over.
“Look, Rocky. We got you a cookie.” He produces a small box from his coat pocket and looks to Belle to see if it’s okay.
She nods her head and then crosses into the kitchen. Grabbing a half-empty cup of coffee, she sips. “He insisted we stop at the new bakery two buildings down from the studio. When we were in there the other day, he saw dog cookies and couldn’t wait to get one for Rocky.”
“Really, Belles, don’t worry about drinking my coffee. I’ll get myself another cup.” Nattie says, her voice dripping with sarcasm before grabbing another mug.
Chloe hands Belle a hat and then makes her way to Tommy. “Look what I’ve got for you, bud.” Excited dark green eyes look up at Chloe as she produces another matching hat for Tommy, and...Aww. She got a baby hat for Rex the dinosaur too. An excited smile is plastered across his face as they get the hats on Rex and him. He runs to Belle, arms bouncing as he goes.
“Look, Belle, look. We match!”
She high fives her brother. “You ready to cheer on the guys?”
“Yup. Let’s go watch them beat Kansas!”
I can’t help but think “From your lips to God’s ears, kiddo.”
* * *
There’s something electric about watching a game in person. It’s so different than watching it from home. It’s impossible to recreate the contagious excitement pulsing through the crowd. A hundred thousand people are in the stands today. As we make our way to our seats, we see some people don’t mind the cold weather. A few different groups of guys are topless with only body paint on from the waist up. Others have signs painted saying “RIP JD,” and “We’ll miss you, Jamie.” I think Murphy mentioned that the guys were wearing silver stickers on their black helmets today that say “#65 JD” in black print.
When we get to our seats, we see Mrs. Murphy and Carys already seated. Her face lights up with excitement when she sees us. “Girls, Tommy, I’m so glad to see you. Are you ready to watch our boys destroy Kansas?”
Carys rolls her eyes at her mom’s excitement, but the rest of us join in.
It’s a weird mix of heartbreak and exhilaration as they announce the team and follow it with the dedication to Jamie and the national anthem. Something about seeing Murphy on that field has my heart beating faster.
I’m excited.
I’m nervous.
I want him to do well.
I want the team to win.
But I think, most of all, I want him to feel good about himself when the clock runs out.
