Hailey’s stomach was tumbling every which direction. She loved the anticipation of the first few plays of any football game with her Titans, but they were playing Pittsburgh on a Monday night. Whenever they played Pittsburgh, Gage would get close enough to the Titan’s sideline to grin at her or salute her or something. She shook her head. Gage couldn’t touch her in any way now. Her husband would protect her physically, but more importantly, Brady also helped her to be strong emotionally.

The Titans kicked off to start the game, resulting in the second play having Pittsburgh on offense. It was a short pass to Gage, and though Brady wasn’t covering him, he was on the same side of the field. Gage sprinted down the field, breaking a tackle Hailey had thought would stop him for sure. Brady came out of nowhere, ramming into the man and wrapping him up. They slammed to the ground together, but the ball popped loose before they hit the turf, and Tyrelle recovered it.

The Titans’ crowd went wild.

Brady jumped to his feet easily. Gage slowly stood, and Hailey could see him glaring at Brady. Brady pointed a finger at Gage and said something then turned and strode away. Gage flew at her husband, slamming his fist into Brady’s back. Hailey screamed out, and players from both teams rushed toward the two of them.

Brady whirled, grabbed Gage by the shoulder pads and had Gage flat on his back before anyone else could interfere. The ref blew his whistle and tossed a flag in the air. Hailey’s stomach dropped. If they gave Brady a penalty for that, she would come uncorked. Did the ref even see Gage’s cheap shot?

Brady released Gage and stood. Gage snarled at him and yelled some foul words. The ref announced the penalty, fifteen yards on Pittsburgh for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Titans’ fans went nuts cheering.

Brady jogged to the sidelines, headed straight for Hailey. He picked her off the ground and swung her around.

“Are you okay?” she asked when he set her back on her feet.

He chuckled. “That loser doesn’t know how to hit.”

“Your hit for the fumble was awesome, and slamming him to the ground was even better.” She laughed in relief. She’d been afraid Gage’s cheap shot had hurt her husband.

Brady pulled off his helmet and gave her a quick kiss. “I hate that guy.”

Hailey laughed again. “I think you showed that pretty nicely. What did you say to him?”

“I just told him he would regret ever touching my wife, and he could expect hits like that all game long.”

Hailey hugged him, though it was hard to get as close as she wanted with all his pads on. “I love you.”

“I love you more.” He kissed her again. This time it was lingering and full of possessiveness. He was her husband, and they belonged to each other. Hailey couldn’t have been happier or felt more safe and loved. Before the season started, they’d done a private recommitment ceremony at the church with only their families in attendance. They’d spent their first night as husband and wife in their own home, the spot where they’d fallen in love.

The next morning, they left on a honeymoon to an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica. Hailey loved hiking the waterfalls and lounging on the beach, but they’d been so immersed in each other they barely had time to fit any other activities in. Hailey never knew love could be so tender, fun, and all-consuming. Brady made her feel like he treasured her and treasured every minute they spent together.

He picked her up off her feet and gave her a kiss for the storybooks. Her head was far away from football games, and she couldn’t have cared less who was watching or what media were snapping pictures.

“Okay, break it up,” Ty, the defensive coach, said. “I need your head in this game, Giles.”

Brady set her down and winked at her. He leaned close and whispered in her ear, “To be continued.”

“Plan on it.” She bit at her lip, her mind filled with all things Brady.

He let her go, strapping his helmet back on. “Don’t worry Coach. You can plan on fumbles and interceptions all night long.”

Ty slapped him on the shoulder pad. “Good to hear.”

Brady’s voice lowered. “And you can plan on much more kissing all night long when we get home.”

“Good to hear.” Hailey winked, slapped him on the butt, and walked away to check on their quarterback, Kade Kincaid, who was coming off the field from a successful string of downs that got them into field goal position. The special teams ran on.

Hailey turned her head as she sensed someone watching her. Her husband was completely focused on her, watching her go. Brady put his hand to his heart, and his grin lit up her world. She returned the gesture, knowing she’d never been more loved or in love. Marriage to a burly football player would’ve terrified her a year ago, but Brady was so much more than the man who could put Gage is in his place. He was the man who could protect her, love her. The perfect compliment to her feisty personality, he was solid inside and out.

She was all business on the outside as she reached their quarterback, but her mind was already on fast-forward, thinking how fun the celebration would be after the game. A private celebration with the man who held her heart and protected it like his most prized possession. The football player who’d changed her mind about football players and had given her true happiness.