“Mark Conner will be singing with ...” Coach W.’s voice cuts through the crowd, and then he looks over at Mark who gives him a head nod. Mark hasn’t told anyone his decision, so you can feel the crowd holding their breath. “… the Florida State Seminoles.”

The crowd erupts as Mark signs the intent to play form and then pulls out an FSU hat, placing it on his head with a giant smile. The boys at the table know they aren’t allowed to get up, but they are all shouting and cheering as Mark hugs the guy next to him.

There are a few more guys who get the same type of accolades, and then it’s Todd’s turn.

“Todd Hamilton. As most of you know, Todd broke his leg on the senior ski trip, which is difficult for any player, but especially when you’re the kicker.”

The crowd chuckles, and there are a few hoots.

“But what speaks volumes of Todd’s character and drive is the fact that his college believes enough in both his ability and talent to stick with him, even with a broken leg. This is definitely a first for Easthaven, and you can just add it to the list of many school records Todd has broken throughout his career. I know he has a lot of work and healing ahead of him, but I also know nothing is going stand in the way of his bright future.”

I swore I was going to hold it together, but I can’t help the tears in my eyes. I’m so proud of him, because I know he’s not only an incredible player, but he’s also an incredible person, and that’s what really matters.

I glance over at Sid to see her wiping tears away, too, and then my eyes land on Todd. I want to always remember the smile on his face in this moment.

“Todd Hamilton is signing with Penn State!”

Every player at the table and everyone in the audience goes crazy as Todd puts on his Penn State hat.

They continue to go down the line, and for each player, the crowd erupts. Ryan is the last one, and the instant he places the Penn State hat on his head, all the guys get up from the table and form a group huddle. The excitement is palpable as the entire room jumps to their feet. It’s official; all three of the boys are going to Penn State!

There is a whirlwind of pictures, interviews, hugs, and tears. Todd is getting a lot of attention from the local media because of his “story.” There is even someone here from ESPN, because we have so many kids signing.

“So what’s next for you, Todd?” the ESPN reporter asks.

Todd’s eyes somehow find mine in the group standing off to the side.

“Just taking it one step at a time.” He gives me a small smile and then goes right back to the interview. No one else knows what that means to us.

After an hour or two, most people have cleared out. I see Todd sitting on one of the auditorium chairs with his leg propped up. He’s talking to someone I don’t recognize. He starts to get up, but the person gestures for him to stay put, and they shake hands. Then the mystery man heads over to Coach W.

“So it’s official,” I say as I slide into a chair in the row behind him.

I can sense his smile even though he isn’t facing me. “It’s official.” He turns his body so he can see me.

“Congratulations. That was a pretty amazing speech Coach W. gave.” I give him a warm smile.

He looks down and shakes his head with a subtle grin. “Yeah, it was nice of him.”

“Who was that you were talking to?”

“That was the Penn State team doc. He’s a great guy. It was nice of him to make the trip.”

“Does he usually come to stuff like this?”

“No. He said this was his first one, but since he was so involved in everything, he wanted to be here. Cool, huh?”

I give him a smile. “Yeah, pretty cool.” I lean in closer. “Hey, I like your hat.”

“Oh, really?” He raises his eyebrows as he leans in closer to me. I know that look. I love that look. Then he turns the hat around so it’s backward and leans in to kiss me. The entire world melts away. It’s a world-melting kiss that takes all of the stress and questions about the future with it.

Chapter 20: New Routines

ASHLEY

My phone buzzes with a text from Todd.

No more cast. Lunch at St. Francis?

I can’t help laughing, which is bad because I’m in homeroom, and we aren’t technically allowed to use our phones. Luckily, my teacher is usually oblivious, or at least pretends to be.

Yes! But can you drive yet? I try to discreetly type back, preferring to avoid detention.

Not yet, but you can.

I have two weeks, I type from under my desk.

Just meet me.

I smile and shake my head. He’s crazy. It’s true; I take my learners permit test on my birthday in two weeks. Two weeks!

TODD

When I see Ash walking up to the truck, the smile on her face is incredible. She’s already shaking her head, making it clear she’s uncomfortable with this, but too bad.

I start to reach for my crutches so I can meet her halfway, but then realize I don’t have them anymore. It feels strange to walk without them.

As soon as I’m close enough, I dangle the keys in front of her. “Let’s go.”

She presses her lips together and gives me a look like she’s actually contemplating it. “Fine.” She grabs the keys. “Let’s go.” She gives me a wicked smile. I love this rule-breaking Ashley.

She turns back before she jumps up into the driver’s seat. “The no cast look is good on you.”

I wore shorts today because it’s warm, and I figured it would be easier to remove the cast. Plus, this was going to be my lunch plan all along. I have wanted to do this for weeks, but jumping up into Mark’s truck with my cast and crutches would have been tough.

“It looks smaller,” she says as I slide into the passenger seat next to her.

“What does?” I follow her gaze to my right leg. It is definitely smaller and whiter than my other leg. It looks pretty pathetic, actually. “Well, I’m not at all self-conscious about it, so thanks for bringing that up.” I nudge closer to her. “Don’t make fun of my tiny leg,” I say with a smile.

“You’re the one wearing shorts. You asked for it.” She gives me an evil grin then leans over to kiss me. “I’m just kidding. It’s good to see your leg again.” She places her hand on my newly exposed leg and slides it up, getting very close to a place where a) she shouldn’t get anywhere near in the school parking lot, and b) if she gets any higher, we won’t be going anywhere.

I remove her hand from my leg and place it on the steering wheel. “Just drive, woman.”

“Okay, but I need help. I’ve never driven a truck before.”

ASHLEY

Todd slides over so his left leg is touching my right. He’s so close that he can press the pedal if he needs to. Then he places his hands over mine on the steering wheel.

“Okay, put it in reverse.” With each motion, he guides my hands with his over mine.

“I’m doing it!” I shout as we pull onto the main road.

“You’re doing great.” He leans his chin so it rests in the crook of my neck as he guides my every move gently, slowly, sensually.

Who knew a driving lesson could be so intimate? Touching him is amazing; having him this close is incredible; and actually driving with him guiding me is exhilarating.

“This is nice.”

“Yeah?” he says as he grabs my hand and moves it to turn on the blinker. “You’re doing great.” He kisses my neck, his breath tickling my skin and sending shivers through my entire body.

“Don’t distract the driver.” I giggle. I can barely concentrate with him this close. I’m going to lose all sense of reason if he kisses my neck again.

“I’m sorry. I can’t help it.” He slides even closer, wrapping his arms around me so both of his hands are once again covering mine on the steering wheel, his chin finding the nook.