3

And maybe that mattered more in this moment.

POPPY

“What are you doing all the way over here?” I asked my sister as she sat on the edge of the celebrations, nursing her drink.

“Just taking a breather.”

“Lily, what’s wrong?” I slid into the booth opposite her and pinned her with a knowing look.

I knew my sister. I knew all her little tells, and right now, she was all up in her thoughts.

“I can’t believe it’s here.”

“What… Oh, Lily.” I reached over and took her hand in mine. “This is a good thing, Lil. You did it. You survived college. You got your degree. You and Kaiden are stronger than ever”—she winced at that and I frowned—“You and Kaiden are stronger than ever, right?”

“Yes. I mean, I think so.” She blanched. “Oh God, Poppy. Listen to me. My boyfriend, the love of my life, is heading to the NFL. Instead of celebrating and counting down the days until he gets to live out his childhood dream, all I can think is how it’s going to affect me and our relationship.”

“Lily, you have nothing to worry about. You know that, right? Kaiden loves you. He loves you so damn much.”

“I know that but is it enough? It’s the NFL, Poppy.” And all that came with it. The fans, traveling away for games, the parties, the glitz and glamour. “I think we both know I don’t fit into that world.”

“No,” I said. “We are not doing this. You, Lily May Ford, are beautiful inside and out, and Kaiden is lucky that he gets to call you his. Don’t ever forget that.”

“Thanks.” She managed a small, uncertain smile.

My sister had come so far from the girl she once was, but I knew she still found it hard sometimes. But her and Kaiden were solid. They would adjust to the changes ahead of them like they always had.

Still, part of me was relieved Aaron had no plans to enter the draft. He loved playing football for the West Chester Golden Rams but our future didn’t include pro football. We wanted to take a year out after graduation, travel, see the world, then we wanted to return to Rixon and settle down.

I couldn’t wait. A life with my best friend.

As if he heard my thoughts, Aaron found me across the room and smiled, sending my heart into flutters. He came over, pausing at the booth. “What are you two doing all the way over here?”

“Just talking,” I said.

“Actually, I’m going to the restroom.” Lily slipped out, leaving us alone.

“She okay?”

“I think she’s freaking out.”

“Understandable.” He sat down beside me and slid his arm around my waist, dropping a kiss on my head. “You’re worried?”

“I just don’t want this to be the thing that undoes all her progress. Kaiden loves her, Aaron. He loves her so damn much.”

“I’m sure they’ll figure it out. Kaiden is grounded, he won’t let the fame and fortune go to his head.”

“Honestly”—my eyes flicked over to Lily’s receding form—“it’s not Kaiden I’m worried about.”

Change was hard for everyone, but I knew for Lily it could be so much more. The uncertainty, the unknown. College had become her safety net, her sanctuary, and to have that suddenly taken away…

“Want me to talk to him?” Aaron asked, his expression softening.

“No, I don’t think we should meddle. Not yet.”

“What?” he asked as I continued staring up at him.

“Does it scare you, the future?”

“Babe, I can’t wait for the future.” He nuzzled my neck, sucking on the soft skin there as I slid my arms around his.

“Aaron,” I murmured.

He pulled away, mischief and lust shining in his eyes. “God, I wish we were alone right about now.”

“Behave.”

“With you?” He grinned. “Never.”

“I love you, Aaron.”

“Say it…” His smile got even wider.

“No, I’m not saying it. We’re not kids anymore.”

“Go on, Poppystar.” He leaned in, brushing his mouth over mine. “Say it. You know you want to.”

“Fine. Fine. I love you, Aaron the Greatest.”

“Damn right, you do.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “I love you too, babe. So fucking much.”

LILY

I watched them, my sister and Aaron, and couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips.

I hadn’t returned to them after using the restroom. Instead, I lingered in the shadows watching as my friends and family celebrated.

I didn’t feel much like celebrating, and I hated it. Hated that I was allowing old insecurities to raise their ugly heads.

“Are you ever going to come and join the party?”

I startled at the sound of my father’s voice.

“Hi, Dad,” I said.

“Hi, sweetheart.” He cast a wary gaze over me. “Wanna talk to your old man for a little bit?”

I really didn’t but I knew he wouldn’t let me walk away, not now.

He ushered me toward a booth right in the back and waited for me to sit down. “You’re not enjoying the party?”

“No, I am. It’s just…” I glanced over to where Kaiden was still talking with his friends.

“Talk to me, sweetheart. What’s going on in that head of yours?”

“How did you and Mom get through it?”

“Through me playing for the Eagles?” I nodded and he went on. “It wasn’t always easy. Pro football is… intense. But I loved your mom, and she loved me, the rest we figured out as we went.”

“I’m scared, Dad,” I admitted, the words balling in my throat and making it hard to breathe.

“Sweetheart, listen to me, and listen good.” He took my hand in his. “Do you think I’d ever let Kaiden hurt you?”

“Dad, come on.” I rolled my eyes. “It doesn’t work like that.”

“Kaiden is a good man, Lily. One of the best. I trust him with your heart, sweetheart. You should too.”