I come so hard I don’t just see stars, I see the entire solar system.

“So beautiful,” he groans. “You’re so goddamn beautiful, Sawyer.”

I kiss up his jaw as he spasms against me. “So are you.”

There’s a sheen of sweat on his face, his hair is a mess, and his suit is in disarray…but he’s never looked sexier.

And I’ve never felt luckier.

Because he loves me.

Even when I didn’t know how to love myself.

Chapter 100

Sawyer

I look down as my phone vibrates for what feels like the hundredth time in an hour.

Cole: Stop ignoring me, Bible Thumper.

Good Lord.

Making sure they’re still calling up the students in the B row, I answer him.

Sawyer: I’m ignoring you because we’re about to graduate and all you care about is whether or not I’m wearing panties.

Cole: Your point?

Before I can respond, another text comes through.

Cole: I asked you a question and I demand an answer, Church.

Sawyer: No.

Cole: No, you’re not wearing panties? Or no you won’t answer the question?

My lips twitch as I hit the reply button.

Sawyer: You’ll find out later, Covington.

Tilting my head, I look down the row of chairs.

I smile when I see Cole biting his knuckle.

A moment later I receive another text.

Cole: Here comes the sun.

Confused, I glance around.

Sawyer: It’s raining.

Cole: I was referring to The Beatles song.

I almost fall out of my chair.

Sawyer: When did you start listening to The Beatles?

Cole: I’ll tell you if you answer my question first.

Stubborn ass.

Sawyer: That’s not the way it works, champ. You’re gonna have to try a little harder.

Cole: How hard?

Sawyer: Jonas hard.

Cole: Fuck that. I’d rather cut off my ears.

I grin.

Sawyer: I guess I’m putting my panties back on.

Even though we’re seven chairs away from each other, I can feel the heat from his gaze.

Cole: Goddammit. You’re killing me.

Cole: It’s like you have me in chains.

Geez. That’s a little dramatic.

Cole: But the thought of anyone else having you makes me jealous.

Cole: Which is why I always want you close.

Wait a second…

The last word of those texts are titles of Nick songs.

My fingers start flying across the keyboard…until the kid next to me hisses, “Can you move?”

Oh shit. Of course, this is when they call up our row.

I watch as Miles Cabalo—our valedictorian—walks across the stage to accept his diploma.

I could waste my time being upset about the fact that I didn’t get it.

“Sawyer Church,” the announcer calls out.

But I’d rather focus on the things that actually matter.

Drawing a deep breath, I walk across the stage.

“Whoop. Whoop. Go, short stack,” Oakley yells from the back row as I accept my diploma.

“Woo! Sawyer!” Dylan, Jace, and Bianca cheer.

“That’s my baby girl!” Daddy roars, causing everyone to laugh.

Like the people who were always there for me.

My heart nearly pounds out of my chest when they call Cole’s name.

“Lucky Seven!” someone shouts when he accepts his diploma, but Colton’s attention is solely on me.

And the love of my life...who will always take my breath away.

I can’t help but smile as he wraps his arms around me, pulling me in for a kiss.

Earlier this year, I thought I knew exactly what my life would be like.

But I was wrong.

Because sometimes when you least expect it…

The most popular quarterback can fall in love with the Jesus-loving nerd.

Pride swells in my chest and I cheer my lungs out as I watch Oakley walk across the stage and accept his diploma.

The school pothead can end up becoming one of the smartest people you know.

Tears prickle my eyes when I notice the green and black-tipped wings fluttering above us.

You’ll see a butterfly in the middle of a rainstorm.

Epilogue

Three months later…

“Where are you taking me?” Cole grumbles, attempting to take off his blindfold.

I swat his hand away. “Stop that or I’ll tie your hands.”

His lips twitch. “Kinky.” His expression turns stern as I tug on his arm and we start walking again. “Okay seriously, where are we going?”

“You’ll find out soon, birthday boy.”

“In that case, it better be a bed. And you better be naked.”

That will happen after.

“Relax, Colton. We’ll be there in ten more seconds.”

“I don’t know why you went through all this trouble. I told you it wasn’t a big—”

“Your birthday will always be a big deal to me.”

I can tell he wants to argue, but we’re already here, so I undo his blindfold.

Those gorgeous green eyes are gleaming as he takes it in. “Duke’s Heart’s football field?”

“Yup. I wanted to take you to the place where all your dreams will come true.” I reach for the present I stashed away. “And give you this.”

His eyebrows furrow. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

I shove the gift bag into his hands. “Open it.”

It took me weeks of extra shifts to afford it, but the look on his face when he pulls out the signed Tom Brady jersey was so worth it.

“Holy shit…this is…fuck.” He grins. “I never pegged you as a Brady fan, Bible Thumper.”

“Oh, I’m not,” I quickly assure him. “But I know you are.” My heart expands in my chest as I look at him. His first game is next week, and I know he’s been stressing like crazy. “I also know you’re going to be better than him.”

He starts to speak, but I’m not finished yet.

I grab his cheeks because what I’m about to say is important and I need him to hear me. “But no matter what happens on this field during the next four years, you will always be my number one. Win or lose, I will always love you, Colton.”

The world can have Lucky Seven…my heart will always and forever belong to Colton Covington.

The stark emotion in his eyes robs me of breath as he reaches for something in his back pocket. “I got you something too.”

Needless to say, I’m mystified. “Why? It’s your birthday, silly. You’re not supposed to give me presents.”

“Fine.” He goes down on one knee. “Then how about a bet?”

My brain scrambles and I clutch my chest. “What kind of bet?”