The Win: Rebels of Ridgecrest High (Book 4)
The Win: Chapter 26

I’m in red and cheering from the stands and screaming out, “Go Rebels.” With Sadie and Cadence in front of me waving a big Rebels flag.

My boys did it.

This is it. They made it. They just have to win this game and the Rebels will be champions. They’re already champions in my eyes. All four of them have worked so hard this year training, practicing in the yard every day, but you can tell it’s paid off when you watch them play. Its like they all fell into sync and it’s a powerhouse… and I’m the girl behind them. Loving them and supporting them in their dreams.

Jace got his scholarship, so no matter the outcome of this game he has a place. He actually has a few offers, but we’ve been trying to work out which one would be best for us all. Hunter was offered a scholarship, but he’s not gonna take it as it’s in Florida. Jace doesn’t have an offer down there and he’s the one who wants to go all the way with football if he can.

I’m wearing my T-shirt, that has all the guys names on it. I don’t care if anyone’s judging me right now. They’re the loves of my life and I’m proud of them for getting here today.

“Go Roman.” I scream as he waves up at me. His mom is sitting beside me. Angela officially adopted Roman, he hasn’t started to call her mom yet, but she’s working on him. I love this woman so much. I know it might just be a piece of paper. But I know that adopting meant so much more to Roman.

“Go Hunter.” He blows me and kiss and Emerson does the same beside him. I reach out and catch the kiss and blow one back. Hunter see’s Emerson mimicking him and he shoves him. I laugh. And wave to Em.

“Go Asher and Jace.” I call out but they’re not looking. Focus on the game and discussing something… probably the plays. Dad has been helping them out with their plays, even though he’s still the assistant coach for the rival team. He helps them out after school and stuff. But Lakeview didn’t do well this year. With Asher gone and Walker off at college

The whistle is blown and the game starts. I’m so nervous I think I’m going to throw up. I want this for them so bad.

The game starts and Asher’s tackled really hard. Shit. But he gets up and nod. He’s okay. He’s tough. The play commences and then Jace throws the ball, it barrels down and I hold my breath. He overshot it, there’s no way, but Roman catches it and runs like I’ve never seen before.

Touchdown Rebels.

I swear I watch the rest of the game between my fingers as I keep hiding, so scared for them all I don’t want to see them disappointed after working so hard, especially these last few weeks. I’ve barley seen them.

Roman has two touch downs and Asher has one. Come on Hunter, its your turn babe. I cross my fingers and pray to the football gods that they win.

REBELS WIN!

Four years later.

“Jace, are you picking Lillian up from the airport?” I call out to him from upstairs in our master room. It has two king sized beds pushed together, and we all sleep in here most nights. Roman sleeps on the edge, he can’t be in the middle, but he loves to fall asleep beside me. I’m so happy my chest wants to explode.

“No, Hunter already left to get her. Said something about bribing her with candy.” I roll my eyes. That man. I swear to god, he always does this when she comes to stay. He wants to be her favorite brother-in-law. I said that’s not how that works. But she’s five.

We only just moved back after college. Angela bought a place of her own and has met someone. We like him very much. If we didn’t… he would have four sons to deal with rather than just two.

Jace unfortunately blew his knee out freshman year. He changed his major and went into business with Hunter. I studied art, and now paint watercolor’s. It’s my passion. That and sketching tattoos for the shop.

Roman did buy the shop from Ronnie. Without any of our help. He worked hard and saved up then bought Ronnie out.

Jace and Hunter have started an online sneaker store. Selling rare shoes. Hunter’s collection started the whole thing off, and they have been doing amazing. The sales have more than doubled every month.

Asher went into robotics at Evansville… was hard to pick the right college to suit everyone. But thankfully they had a great robotics program and he’s picked up a job in the city. It’s a commute but he says it’s worth it. He loves the house and doesn’t want us to leave here.

We’re so happy here. People said there was no way we would last. That it can’t work. But we have proved them wrong. I pace the bathroom tiles and glance down at the test again.

I’m late. We have talked about kids but we were going to wait a few more years. Built the treehouse first, then start trying.

Oh my gosh… why’s this thing thinking for so long. Am I pregnant or not? As soon as the result appears I stand there and stare at it.

I take a photo of the test and send it in our group chat.

“We need to build the treehouse sooner.”