Page 122 of Scored

Our defense was fired up.

The Eagles had one Hail Mary opportunity.

The ball was snapped.

Eric Rhodes, our defensive end, broke free, sacking the QB.

The buzzer sounded and amber and white confetti fell from the rafters.

Everyone was celebrating. Troy and I hugged. I looked around. Finding my objective, I ran to Vee. Hugging her waist, I lifted her from the ground.

Dropping her clipboard, she reached for my shoulder pads. “We won. We won the Super Bowl.” Tears fell from her emerald eyes.

I leaned forward and kissed her and lifted her in my arms. On national fucking television.

My Vee didn’t back away. She kissed me back.

“I love you, Vee Hubbard.”

“I love you.”

People were screaming and running onto the field. Behind us, Coach Tilson was drenched in orange Gatorade.

“I know you have a trophy to accept,” I said as I set Vee back on her feet. I reached for her hand and dropped to one knee. “I love you. When you’re done on that stage, would you consider marrying me?”

Vee’s eyes opened wide as her family ran onto the field.

“Oh my God,” Leigh said, bringing her fingers to her lips.

Vee leaned down and kissed me. “I will definitely consider it.” Her eyes sparkled. “Let’s go get the trophy.”

CHAPTER 51

Vee

Iheld Fin’s hand as we walked up the ramp to the presentation stage. We weren’t alone. My entire family was with us, Coach Tilson, Coach Pratt, Coach Brown, and the entire roster of players. Jubilation was in the air.

Fin released my hand with a wink. He and all our players wore Super Bowl Championship t-shirts over their jerseys and Coopers Championship hats. I grabbed Aunt Rachel’s hand, and she and I made our way to the front of the stage.

On the podium was the beautiful, coveted trophy—the Vince Lombardi Trophy, complete with the NFL shield and Super Bowl LXI. After the presentation, The Lexington Coopers would be added.

The ESPN football analyst and former Super Bowl player held the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” came from the loudspeakers. “Direct your attention to the field for the presentation of the Vince Lombardi Trophy.”

A second wave of confetti rained down on us. The pieces were both amber and white and shaped like the trophy.

“What an amazing game and season for the Lexington Coopers,” Bradshaw said. “To present the Vince Lombardi Trophy this evening is our NFL Commissioner.”

Cheers

Bradshaw held the microphone as the commissioner lifted the trophy and spoke.

“Maeve Hubbard.” He pressed his lips together. “What a season.”

I nodded.

“You must be incredibly proud of your team.”