“It has.” I side-hugged Holden while smiling at JJ. “How’s the IT band?”
“It still bothers him sometimes, but I take good care of him.” Holden beamed at JJ.
“He certainly does, in more ways than one.” He wagged his brows.
“You look like you need a beer.” With a smirk, Casey pulled Ryker along toward me and handed me a cold can of beer. “Dude, the Broncos? Really? Vegas will slaughter you this year. Your quarterback only knows how to throw ducks.”
“Maybe with Tex on the team, they’ll be able to run more. You know, with Tex making all those holes.” Ryker gave me a sly grin and sipped from a beer can.
“Listen to your better half, Casey. He knows shit.” With a chuckle, I wrapped both my arms around their shoulders and hugged them. “It’s good to see you both.” As I released them, I asked, “How’s the Audi running?”
“Like a charm. Best car Casey has ever owned.” Ryker sniggered.
“That’s great.” Opening my beer can, I stepped toward Eli and Wren, who were chatting with the parents. Eli had enjoyed a breakout year with San Francisco. “Hey, man.” I tapped my beer on Eli’s.
“Tex, nice of you to show up to the party.” Eli side-hugged me and then Wren did the same. My gaze swung to Dad. “What’s Eli telling you?”
“Oh, we were just talking shop,” Dad said.
Mom rolled her eyes. “I can’t get away from it, can I?”
“No, you can’t. It’s constant with these guys.” Wren grinned at Mom.
Dad scoffed and touched Andy’s arm. “Andy here is learning a few things.”
Andy’s eyes lit. “Am I ever. I’ve never been in a room with somany NFL players. Hell, I’ve never been in a room with any NFL players.” Shaking his head, he said, “You boys make me proud. Every single one of you.”
“Thanks, Andy.” My heart swelled with warmth. He’d be my father-in-law soon enough if today went well. Thankfully, all the PFLAG meetings and therapy were working their magic.
As I drank more of my beer, I stepped through the guys to Cooper, Myles and Evan, standing in the kitchen. It figured that the hockey players were banding together. “Coop, it’s great to see you. I’m so glad you could be here.” I gave him a brief hug and then greeted Myles and Evan.
“Me too. It’s been a long time.” He pointed his thumb at Myles. “Can you believe these guys? Myles is giving Evan shit about the playoffs.”
“We’ll win our game, you just watch.” With a smirk, Myles lifted his chin.
“Not if I can help it, Canuck.” Laughing a scoff and ticking his brows, Evan drank his beer.
“No fighting at the party. Save it for the ice.” With my heart lifting, I strode toward Malik and Grey, chatting with Colton at the patio doors to the backyard. It was almost time. “Hey, babe.” I hooked an arm around his waist.
“Hi. This is sort of bittersweet for you, isn’t it?” Colton leaned against my side. “We were talking about planning some sort of reunion every year when the season is done. What do you think?”
“Sure, but let’s not do it in Phoenix in May when it’s hot as hell already.” I glanced toward the backyard. The intense sun had already drained the plants of color. I wouldn’t be too upset to leave the heat behind. But I wasn’t looking forward to blizzards either.
“Hell no. We can pick different locations. I’d love to show you all around New York City.” A smile swept across Grey’s face.
Malik gave me a pointed look. He’d be the one to gather everyone.
It was time. I nodded at him. “Hey, Colton.” I faced him as my pulse skyrocketed, spreading adrenaline through my body as if I were taking the field for the first time in the NFL.
“Yeah?” His gaze found mine, his stunning green eyes warming my soul.
I might get to gaze into those eyes for the rest of my life. “Um…” I stuffed my hand into my pocket.
“Everyone, I need your attention over here.” Malik waved his hands, and everyone’s gazes drew to us.
Striding into the kitchen, Grey pulled bottles of champagne from the refrigerator.
Eli spied Grey and, with a smirk, jogged to him to help him. He knew what was about to happen without me even telling him.