The Game Changer The Final Score - By L.M. Trio Page 0,108

a part of you, is a part of me. It wouldn’t make a difference to me. God, De, you should know that. Your family is my family, it doesn’t matter how we got that way. It’s just the way it is. Who has always been there for me? Who do I go to whenever something important is happening in my life? Maria and Lucca have been there for every important thing in my life. Even when Luke was away, they came and watched me play. They call me constantly to check up on me, just like they do you and Luke. Who is the first person I call when I need to talk? C’mon, you don’t think I called Maria when I found out about Lora Rae? The very next day I called her. I told her everything. She listens to me as if I’m her son. She knew about us, yet she didn’t try to persuade me one way or another based on that knowledge. She gave me the same advice she would give Luke or you.” She nods her head knowingly. “There is no blood between us, but it doesn’t matter. I love them, they love me. I know that, I feel that from them,” I add.

***

(Deanna)

I try to hold back the tears forming in my eyes. My family has always loved him and treated him as if he was part of our family. This is the first time Mikey has ever discussed it in this way, though. I know how important we are to him, but to hear him say it like this, makes me fall even more in love with him, if that’s even possible.

“You’re right. It doesn’t matter if it’s by blood or not. We’ve always thought of you as part of our family. We all love you very much. My mom couldn’t have gotten through the last couple of years if she didn’t have you in her life. You made sure to keep Luke on track, even when it seemed impossible at times. You never gave up on him. You looked out for JJ, knowing that is what Luke would have wanted. You made sure she was okay. I love you because of all of that. I love you because you have always been there for me, you never judged me. You’ve kept my secrets. I cherish all of the times we’ve spent together, whether we were arguing about something or even when you tease me; especially when we laugh about stupid stuff and those nights when it was just you and me alone. Nights when I didn’t have to share you with Luke and when we’d hang out, watch TV in the rec room together and fall asleep on the couch. I loved those times most of all,” I say, brushing away the tear that escapes my eye.

“Me, too,” he answers, squeezing me tight, getting emotional himself. “C’mon, it’s late, let’s go to bed.” He takes me by the hand and leads me to the bedroom. We climb into bed and he wraps his arms tightly around my body, resting his head against my chest. “I’m sorry I put you through that.”

“Stop, you had no idea that was going to happen. Everything is good,” I say, kissing the top of his head while I run my fingers through his hair. We affectionately make love before finally giving in to sleep.

***

It’s his last day to rest up before reporting to spring training; I let him sleep in. I know he must be exhausted from the last couple of days, or weeks for that matter. I make a pot of coffee and shower while contemplating whether or not to play hooky from school. I’d only be missing two classes, not a big deal, I decide. Since confessing our feelings the night he got back from Boston, our lives have been a whirlwind. We can finally relax and be a normal couple now.

I pour two cups of coffee and carry them into the bedroom. He sleeps soundly and I take a moment to admire him as he lays sprawled across the bed. My insides get tingly when I look at him. I think of how blessed I feel to have the guy I trust most in the world beside me, knowing that he’ll always love and protect me forever. I’d do anything for him. He is my heart and soul. The feelings were always here, but now, sharing the intimacy of each other completes me in