120 days... (23 page)

“Seriously?” He yanked on a lock of her hair. “I can’t believe you’re asking me about this. Of course.”

“Really?” She sat up and turned to look at him. “You’ve never said anything about it before.”

“Well, it’s not something I need to bring up in any conversation, but yes, I like, and know a lot about, football. Just because we’ve been too busy working with the guests during the games this season doesn’t mean I still haven’t kept up on the scores.”

She squinted her eyes at him, hoping it wasn’t a team she didn’t like. “Be careful how you answer, but who is your favorite team?”

Leaning back, he laced his fingers together and put them behind his head. “Wouldn’t you like to know, Ms. Truman?”

“I would, which is why I asked. Now spill.”

“What’s it worth to you?”

“How about this.” She leaned in close. “I won’t hurt you, too much, even if you happen to pick a team I loathe.”

“Well, well, well, a little blood-thirsty, are we?”

“When it comes to football, hell yeah. Now spill. Who’s your favorite team?”

“Same as Evan, the Seahawks.”

“Oh, whew.” She relaxed and settled back into him. “I was seriously worried you were going to say the Cowboys or something like that.” She shuddered. “I’m not sure if I could get past that.”

He laughed softly. “Well, I guess that’s lucky for both of us then. But seriously, this is a great idea and it’ll be fun for anyone who likes football. Maybe we can have some tailgate-style parties here on Sundays.”

“Oh, yes! I love that idea. I don’t know why we haven’t done something like this before. This is going to be great. And the Packers are coming to town soon. We’ll make sure we get Kris down on the field. I’ve already started putting out feelers, and it shouldn’t be an issue.”

“Let me know if you run into roadblocks. I may not like the 49ers, but I do have contacts and can get us access.”

“Excellent. Now, let’s figure out exactly how this is going to work every week for the rest of the season and playoffs.”

Thursday night football was in full swing and everyone was enjoying themselves; in fact, they were all getting pretty loud. Ethan had made a trip down into town to make sure everyone had their favorite team’s jersey to wear during the season. Everyone had made their picks and were alternating between the laptops stationed around the rec center and the big screen, which had the game on. The Chargers were playing the Saints and it was a close game.

He came up to Sam and wrapped his arm around her waist. When she leaned back into him, he took a moment to enjoy having her and this place in his life. His life was so different from a year earlier, and he could finally say, with complete conviction, he was happy with the direction his life was taking. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but with Sam by his side, he felt like he could handle anything life could throw at him.

Half the room cheered when the Saints scored again, while the other half booed. Laughing, he had to hand it to her, she’d whipped this up quickly and everyone was enjoying themselves. As always, he wondered where her boundless energy and ideas came from. If you asked her, she’d only smile and tell you it was a gift.

“Did you see that?” Sam shook her ass in a dance. “That was my quarterback throwing to my tight end. You know I was worried when they traded the best tight end in the league, but I’ve got to admit, this new kid is pretty good. But isn’t this great? Everyone is having so much fun! Seriously, I’m kicking myself for not thinking of this sooner. Oh, I know, it’s going to change. There are going to be times when the majority of the guests won’t like football, but still, it’s something we can all do together. Who doesn’t need an excuse to have a party? Now if da Bears could just kick some Packer ass this Sunday night, it’ll be an awesome start to our little fantasy season.” She turned to look at him when he didn’t say anything. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, yeah, I’m great, just waiting to make sure you were done talking before I started. You’re a little scary when you start talking about football.”

“Oh, stop it. I am not.” She bumped her hip into his.

“Next time you start talking about the eighty-five Bears as being one of the greatest teams ever, I’ll be sure to record you. And when someone insulted Ditka, well, I feared for their life.”

“Oh, now you’re only trying to be funny. I’m not that bad. I know it’s only a game.”

“Keep telling yourself that.”

“Anyway.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “We should do a half-time show. I think we’d be able to come up with something fun. We have the Thursday, Sunday and Monday night games where we wouldn’t have to worry about interfering with the other games which are going on at the same time. Maybe doing three a week would be a lot. We should pick one night and do that game. Whichever one is going to be most anticipated. That way, as the season goes on and teams are fighting for playoff spots, it will be more intense.”

“See, just a little scary there.”

“Shut it. And we can come up with something for the people who want to play, but don’t know much about the sport. We can give them lessons, you know, make it fun for them. Or maybe give them some other role in the festivities. Yeah, let me think on that. I don’t want anyone to feel left out.”

“Are you always like this? Or is it just because it’s football?”

“Like what?”

“So excited, and your mind’s weaving around, finding other ways to make the whole experience better.”

“Oh, that. Well, I
am
excited about football, but basically, I’d be like this with any new idea. That’s why we have so many different activities here because I can’t only do the basics.” She shrugged and looked sheepish. “I tend to go overboard. But look, everyone is having a great time.”

“Yes, they are. Now, it’s almost half time. We should make sure the hot dogs and hamburgers will be ready on time for the next round of eating.”

“Now you’re talking! Plus, I’m pretty sure I’m already beating Kris. I need to go talk some smack.”

Ethan shook his head. “You’re never going to change my mind. You
are
out for blood when it comes to this game.”

She threw back her head and laughed. “Oh, honey, just wait until playoffs.” She pointed to the screen. “You remember the last time the Bears went to the Superbowl, they played against the Saints, and we know who won that game. I should hate that team, but I want my fantasy team to win so badly, I picked their quarterback as mine. I tend to be a little competitive.”

“I wouldn’t say ‘little.’” Ethan shook his head at her.

Sam laughed. “Me either. Let’s get cooking, I’ve got more points to score in the second half.”

Letting her pull him along, they walked outside to where the grills were set up. The smell of dogs and burgers filling the night air reminded him he hadn’t had a chance to eat yet. There had been too much to do to make sure everything was ready for tonight.

“Look.” She pointed up to the sky and the stars shining brightly. “Isn’t it beautiful? Some people feel small when they look up at them all blinking up there. Me, it makes me feel special. There’s never going to be another moment like this, ever. And that light we’re seeing from those other stars? Their moment has already gone, but this.” She looked into his eyes. “This moment here, with you, is right now. This moment is special. They all are.”

He pulled her into his arms and his whole being felt complete when he held her. She was right. The moment was special. All of them with her were. He felt all of the pieces of his life click into place, and for the first time in a very long time, he was happy. They were spending more and more time together. Both of them not wanting to be away from the other. He’d never spent this much time with a woman before, and knew even if he had, none of them were Sam, so it wouldn’t have been the same. In that moment, he belonged with her.

Day 45

Ethan–

You know what I miss? Football. Well, there’s a lot of things, but today I was remembering when Sam took us up to Seattle. And it brought back the sound of the helmets and pads crashing together, the air turning chilly the further we got into the season, the food, the beer, good friends getting together to cheer on their teams, yeah, I miss that. Promise me the next time the Seahawks make it to the Superbowl, you’ll go. I always wanted to go, but missed out on the last two times they went. I should have gone, I should have made you come with me.

Evan

The next couple of weeks were spent getting the cabins ready for the winter months, and Ethan and Sam were getting into a rhythm, living together in her home. They weren’t going to waste a minute apart, both of them knowing how quickly things could change. They worked alongside each other by day, and by night, they spent time sharing their past, and tentatively talking about their future together.

Football season was really heating up, along with their fantasy football league, and that day was football Sunday. But not any Sunday. This was the Sunday the Packers played the 49ers. Ethan did his normal check of the van before they left. There were five of them going to the game. Kris of course, and Sam wouldn’t miss it for anything. There were two other football fans who didn’t care who was playing; they only wanted to go see a professional game played in person.

Ethan had pulled some strings and they were going to be able to go down onto the field before kickoff and would be in the owner’s box for the game. He thought it would be best to keep the guests out of the elements since they never knew what the weather would be like that time of year. Hot, cold, rain, or any combination of the three. What Sam didn’t realize was they were also going to be able to meet some of the players. He figured both Sam and Kris would be ecstatic. Kris more so since one of the teams was his favorite.

When Sam came out of the main building, Ethan had to do a double-take. She was wearing a Packers shirt.

“Not one word,” she threatened as she walked by him and put a bag in the van.

“But–”

“I said, not one word.” She narrowed her eyes at him and crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m serious.”

Bruce and Dolores walked over and took their seats in the van without saying a word to Sam. Either they had already seen her and met with the same threats as Ethan, or they knew better. Kris came around the corner of the building slowly. It didn’t take an expert to know he was fading. The tumor in his brain was growing too fast and he was starting to lose some motor skills.

Ethan came over and helped Kris into the van and waited for Sam to climb in next to him in the front seat before he headed down the hill. They were silent as they all listened to the pregame show on the radio and the updates from the other games going on around the league.

“I see you’ve finally got your head on straight there, Sam,” Kris said from the second row of seats.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She didn’t turn around.

His laugh was loud. “Of course you do. I knew I could make a Cheesehead out of you.”

Sam raised an eyebrow and looked at him over her shoulder. “I’m pretty sure I could make a judge see it is only temporary insanity.”