Stacey applied the pink lipstick, leaving a matte finish. She surveyed the result, her head tipped to one side. What should she wear? She’d already tried on and discarded five different outfits, and there wasn’t much left in her wardrobe that wasn’t a business suit. She sighed and took another look at the black dress with the silver pashmina. Was it too tight? Well, she could just suck in her gut. She put it on, her heart fluttered in her chest and her throat tightened. Why was she so nervous? It was just Jax …

No. Jax was why she was nervous. It was their first real date. What if he decided he didn’t really love her after all? She shook her head – that was just foolishness. Every sign pointed to his love being sincere – she was just working herself into a frenzy over nothing.

A car pulled up to the curb outside and she raced from the bathroom to look out the front window of Brad’s apartment. Jax’s SUV sat beside the curb.

She put the lid back onto the lipstick, hunted for her purse, tossed the lipstick in and snapped it shut. The knock on the door set her heart pounding and she hurried to answer it.

Brad had already gone out for the evening with some friends. She’d begged him to stay behind to help break the ice, but he’d laughed, telling her to be herself and relax. Easy for him to say – he was easygoing and fun and everyone liked him. She never knew what to say or when. That was fine when she thought Jax would never look at her twice, but now he’d find out what she was really like and …

She swallowed hard, took a deep breath and opened the door.

Jax smiled at her and the ball of anxiety in her chest dissolved. “Hey.”

She grinned. “Hey yourself.”

“You ready?”

She nodded and pulled the door shut behind her, slipping on her coat and looping her purse strap over her shoulder. “Let’s go.” Jax offered his hand and she took it, winding her fingers through his. His hand was warm and it felt right. He let go to use his crutches, and she slipped her arm through his and nestled against his side as they walked. Her heart was full. “So where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

She climbed into his truck and crossed her legs demurely. If she could get through the evening without snagging her stockings on anything, she’d deem the entire date a success. She laughed inwardly at herself and set her purse in her lap.

“Had a nice day?” asked Jax.

She nodded. “Relaxing. I actually slept in this morning. Exactly what I needed – work has been crazy lately.”

“Good for you. I tried to sleep in, but ended up exercising instead.”

“To each his own.” She smiled and stared out the window as evergreens flashed by. Traffic was light, and as evening fell lights came on in the houses they drove by. Inside the truck it was cozy and warm, while outside a frigid wind whipped branches and hurried leaves across the dry grass.

When they pulled up to Jax’s security gate, she arched an eyebrow. “Did you forget something?”

He shook his head. “Nope.”

“We’re going to your house?” She frowned. “I could’ve stayed in my sweats.”

Jax laughed, his smile beaming. “I’ll lend you some if you like.”

“I might take you up on that.”

Jax parked in the garage, took her hand and led her inside. The house was lit by candles, every surface gleaming and flickering. Rose petals decorated the floor in a trail to the dining room, and the table was set with fine china, crystal stemware, silverware and a magnificent centerpiece of greenery, candles and gold ribbons. A delicious aroma floated out to greet them, and soft music filled the silence.

Stacey gasped, taking it in. “You did all this?”

“I had some help.” A man in a black shirt and pants entered through the kitchen door and waved. “This is my friend Wallace.”

“Hello.”

“I’m your chef and server tonight,” said Wallace with a wink. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me. The first course will be out soon.” He disappeared again.

Stacey smiled at Jax. “This is amazing.”

He cupped her cheek. “I’m glad you like it.” He pulled out her chair

She sat. There was so much to take in – so much love, thoughtfulness and care had gone into preparing this meal for her. It was nothing like she’d thought a date with Jax Green would be. She’d been prepared for paparazzi, curious onlookers, anxiety, an expensive check. This was none of those things – and everything she would’ve asked for if she’d stopped for a moment to dream.

Jax sat beside her and they linked hands, leaning close to talk. He poured her a glass of sparkling water and she sipped it as he told a story of a time he and Brad went fishing and ended up with three eels, two sunburns and no fish. She laughed along with him, and it felt natural to be there.

Soon Wallace re-entered with two plates of bruschetta with goat cheese, pancetta, olive oil and fresh herbs. He deposited one in front of Stacey with a smile, then one in front of Jax. It was delicious – and only the beginning. There was homemade tomato soup, kale Caesar salad, whole wheat pasta in Alfredo sauce, and for the entrée, pork loin stuffed with apples in a white wine reduction. Each course came out fresh and hot and each was as mouth-watering as the one before it.

Finally, after dessert – pumpkin swirl cheesecake – she and Jax moved to the couch, where she snuggled against him and he wrapped his arms around her. They talked and laughed for hours, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. It was the only place she could imagine staying for the rest of her life.

She couldn’t have imagined a more perfect first date.

Jax shifted away from her and stood unsteadily to his feet, then took her hand and pulled her up to meet him. As he caught her, his lips found hers, and his now-familiar taste sent her head spinning and her pulse racing. He smiled and tucked a curl behind her ear. “I’m so glad you pretended to be my wife.”

She laughed. “Who would’ve thought a fake marriage would turn out to be something so real?”

“I know you think I didn’t see you, the real you, for many years,” he told her. “But I see you now. And I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Her mouth dropped open. “What …?”

He smiled, then lowered himself carefully onto his right knee, his boot resting on the ground. He took her hand as her eyes blurred with tears. “Stacey, I know we haven’t been together long, and maybe you think this is too soon. But I’ve known and loved you most of my life, even when I didn’t realize it. I know how I feel about you and I also know that will never change. I want to spend our lives together, build a family together. Will you marry me?”

Stacey sobbed, tears pouring down her cheeks. She sniffled, wiped her face with the sleeve of her pashmina, then finally cried, “Yes!”

The following June …

Jax adjusted his tie and stared at his own reflection. This was it, the big day. He’d been dreaming about this for months and now it was here. The butterflies in his stomach felt huge.

“You ready, bud?” asked Brad, slapping Jax on the shoulder.

“As I’ll ever be.” He followed Brad through the narrow wooden door into Bethel’s sanctuary. Brad went out the back of the church, through which shone a beam of brilliant sunshine, while Jax stayed up by the altar.

People crowded the pews and even stood in the empty space at the back of the church. Flowers lined the center aisle. Soft piano music played under the hum of conversation. There were so many people, but he just wanted to see Stacey, hold her, spend his life with her. All those eyes on him made him sweat.

When the music changed, Jax looked up and saw June walking up the aisle first, her blonde hair in soft curls around her face as she smiled. She wore a blue dress with a silver shrug. She winked at him and he felt the tension in his shoulders loosen.

Then came Stacey in white, beneath a soft lacy veil, her hand resting on Brad’s arm. He couldn’t see her face, but his heart still shifted into overdrive. She was beautiful. He linked his hands in front of him as his heart leaped and the tension left his body with one slow exhale. He smiled as Brad gave him Stacey’s hand and he took the opportunity to slip her veil back from her face. “You’re stunning,” he whispered.

She blushed and her smile widened.

Kevin Murdoch had been promoted to senior pastor at Bethel. He’d only been in the role for three months, but was young and vibrant and preached passionate messages. Jax enjoyed his teaching and the two were building a friendship. It only made sense he’d be the one to marry them. He said the vows first, they repeated them, and soon they were married.

Jax faced Stacey, his heart full of love and his eyes on hers. He kissed her and the building full of people erupted in applause and cheers. The kiss burned with passion and he longed for more even as he pulled away. “I’m looking forward to many kisses like that,” he whispered against her cheek.

She chuckled. “Oh, just you wait. There are plenty where that came from.”

That September …

Stacey took a bite of hot dog and scanned the field. Jax was on the sideline, the defense was playing and the clock was counting down. The Rams were leading the Falcons 27-24 in the season opener, but with five minutes on the clock anything was possible.

“So how do you like Georgia Tech?” asked Brad as he took another bite of his hot dog.

She swallowed. “Intimidating, but fun. I got a little rusty from all those years out of school. Still, it’s good to be back.”

“You’re finally going to become an engineer.” He grinned.

She nodded. “I can’t wait.”

“Momma says she wants to visit Atlanta for Thanksgiving this year, so I thought I might come down too.”

Stacey’s eyes widened. “Really? That would be great. She still doing better?”

“She’s doing so much better – sober for almost six months now. She’s even started dating an accountant from church.” Brad’s eyebrows arched for emphasis.

Stacey laughed. “Wow. That’s amazing.”

“She’s looking better too – healthy, filled out some.”

Her heart filled with joy. It had been hard to watch Momma go through withdrawal, fall off the wagon, then climb right back on again. When she and Jax married and moved to Atlanta, she’d had to say goodbye and leave it all in God’s hands. It was good to finally see progress. It warmed her heart to think that Momma might one day be as happy as she was.

Her attention returned to the field. The Falcons were running out of time, but Jax had yet to play. It was his first game back since his injury. Stacey bit her lip and stole another glance at the clock, her heart racing. 2:25 to go

After the Rams punted and a short Falcons return, the offense came on the field, including Jax. She stood in her seat and pumped her fist. “Woo-hoo!” He couldn’t hear her, of course – not with 70,000 other fans shouting – but she was so excited. Her husband was a running back for the Atlanta Falcons and she couldn’t be more proud. Proud of him for being there, for fighting his way back from a debilitating injury, for never giving up. He amazed her.

The team huddled, then took their places. Matt Ryan received the hike, took a five-step drop and scanned the field. Jax was boxed in by a linebacker, but cut around him toward the right sideline and sprinted downfield. Ryan spotted him and let fly.

When Jax caught the ball, the entire crowd erupted, a sound like a thunderstorm. Stacey jumped up and down, chanting Jax’s name along with the crowd. He crossed the goal line untouched for a 68-yard touchdown reception, and she squealed in delight, kissing Brad on the cheek and handing him the remainder of her hot dog. “I’ve got to go see Jax!” she shouted over her shoulder as she ran.

By the time she reached the entrance to the home locker room, the game was done – a 31-27 Falcons win. Jax found her and wrapped her in his arms, then twirled her in a circle. “That was amazing – you did it!” she cried, burying her face into his neck. “I’m so proud of you.”

He laughed and kissed her hard on the lips. “Thank you,” he whispered. “I can’t believe it. It’s still so unreal.”

“They’ll be talking about that touchdown for years,” she said.

He grinned. “I’m just glad you’re here to share it with me. I couldn’t have done it without you. You kept me going – when I thought it was too hard, you helped me stay strong. Thank you, my beautiful wife.”

Stacey Green’s heart leaped with joy. She smiled and squeezed him tight, resting her cheek against his thick chest. “Where else in the world would I be but right here with you?”

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