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“Never. I just had to go through some pain before we get to embark on some pleasure.”

“Is that right?” he teases as I put the car into reverse and back out of my space.

“Yeah. We’ve got some celebrating to do.”

“That game was insane. Vancouver didn’t stand a chance.”

“It was a great game,” I agree. “Even better because of what you’re wearing.”

“Oh, you noticed, did you?”

“Yep. So did Kodie. He caught me staring like a schoolboy with a crush.”

“Shit, I’m sorry. I⁠—”

If I weren’t driving, I’d silence him with a kiss.

“I don’t want you to ever wear another player's jersey. You got that?”

“Uh…yeah. That’s…are you sure?”

“Very sure. I want to look up and see you wearing my name and number every time you watch a game.”

“Okay, I can do that.”

“Good. Now let’s go home.”

We spend the ride talking about the game. I love getting Garrett’s insights. He’s so much more perceptive than most fans, and despite the fact that he wasn’t actively tracking anything or writing anything down, he knows so much. It just solidifies what I said to Kodie earlier. And somehow, we’re gonna make it happen.

When we finally pull into my garage, I’m more than ready to put the game and the rest of the day behind us. I want to lock the door, forget about the world that exists on the other side, and just be us.

After dumping my stuff, I take Garrett’s hand and lead him toward the kitchen to grab us drinks.

“Today has been something, huh?” he asks.

“Yeah,” I laugh tightly.

“What is it?” Garrett asks, sensing that my head is spinning.

“Nothing. Everything. I dunno. Things are changing and…and it’s scary, but it’s exhilarating and…I’m starting to think that I might just be ready for it.”

“Yeah?” he asks, his eyes twinkling.

“I’m not saying that I’m going to walk out of the house tomorrow and scream it from the rooftops. But seeing Kodie and Calvin’s lack of reaction, it’s…I dunno,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “Maybe it won’t be as bad as I always assumed.”

“There will always be haters,” Garrett tells me honestly. “But as long as you’ve got people around you who support and love you, letting the world see who you are will always be worth it.”

“I’m starting to see that.”

“Whenever you’re ready, though. We do this on your terms. Tomorrow, next week, next year. I’m here, Cooper, and I’m not going anywhere.”

The smile that spreads across my mouth is so wide it makes my cheeks hurt.

“Come on,” I say, holding my hand out for him. “I’ve got something I want to show you.”

Nerves rattle through me. I’ve never shown anyone this part of me before. I wanted to share it with Garrett before now, but I never found the right time. After the last two days, though, I know I need to finally let him in.

I lead him down the hallway toward my favorite room in the house. The door is always closed, and as far as I know, he’s always been respectful and never looked inside.