Page 228 of Behind the Jersey
"We did. We grew up. We learned that commitment isn't scary—it's just choosing the same person over and over until that choice becomes who you are."
"Very philosophical for a Wednesday morning."
"I'm a philosophical guy."
They reached their house—the house that had been Uncle Walter's, then theirs, now full of their life together. Photos on the walls, both their names on the mailbox, a home they'd built from nothing.
"Lucy?" Jake said at the door.
"Yeah?"
"I love you. Today, tomorrow, every Wednesday morning for the rest of our lives. I love you."
"I love you too. Today, tomorrow, all of it."
They went inside, and Lucy started prepping for her afternoon at the restaurant. Jake reviewed notes for tomorrow's coaching clinic. Separate but together, ambitious but balanced, building their dreams while building their life.
This was it. This was everything they'd fought for. Everything they'd risked for. Everything they'd chosen.
Love and ambition. Career and commitment. Dreams and partnership.
Not perfect. Not easy. But real.
And real was what mattered.
Real was what lasted.
Real was what they'd built, what they'd keep building, for all the Wednesday mornings to come.
THE END
