November

Football games have a special significance, when you’re in love with the coach. Plus, Clare considered Homecoming to be a kind of anniversary, even though it didn’t fall on the same day as the year before when her love affair with Pete had come into full bloom. And what a year—so full and lush.

Many things had fallen neatly into place. Roger proved himself to be a dedicated parent, something he was better at now than during their marriage. Sam and Sarah brought into the family a son, Casey. Jason traded Stan for a young lady, Beth, who seemed to have a more positive impact on his manners, his grades, his appearance.

But for Clare, the highlight of the past year was learning about Pete all over again. He gave so much of himself, worked so hard, was so completely dedicated. He was greatly loved in the town, in the school, and not just during football season. The students and other teachers depended on him, the community took pride in him. Rather than being boastful, he was humble. But he wasn’t modest about his team, his boys—he brought them to victory after crashing victory and celebrated every win as if it were their first.

The entire McCarthy family, even Roger, sat in a tight, proud knot in the bleachers, right down front, for every game. George lived for them and even baby Casey was there, packed tightly against his father’s chest, warm and snug in an infant sling. If Clare didn’t know better she’d think they were all as proud of Pete as she. But that was impossible. She loved watching him in action; she loved it when he turned from the field, found her in her usual spot and smiled at her. And as she became known as his steady, his woman, his love, she glowed. It seemed as though their families, their friends, were as pleased as they were.

Watching the town light up at Homecoming held new excitement for her, for her man was at center stage. The electricity in the air, the exuberance of the teenagers, the fun and happiness that seemed to radiate through the whole town—it filled her up. Something about this brought her full circle—her life with him had begun in high school and although it had been derailed for a decade or two, when they rediscovered each other, the pure intensity of their new love made up for lost time.

Another Homecoming, another new year, another gathering of family, and she stood and cheered her lungs out at every good play, every touchdown. She shivered through her whole body when he turned her way and briefly, so briefly, met her eyes. She beamed with nostalgia when the floats came out at halftime, when the Homecoming King and Queen strutted their adolescent stuff in front of the bleachers, when the marching band claimed the field and blasted out their game music.

Then suddenly, she saw Pete standing in front of the bleachers, looking up at her. He was out of the locker room a little early; he usually didn’t come back on the field with the team until after halftime. He stood, hands in his pockets, head tilted up, watching her, while behind him, the marching band played.

“Clare,” Maggie said from behind her. “Clare, look.” Maggie pointed over Clare’s shoulder toward the scoreboard.

CLARE—MARRY ME!

It brought her slowly to her feet, her mouth open in surprise. She looked down at him and dipped her chin in a little nod.

Pete jogged toward the bleachers, grabbed the rail and hefted himself up and over. He reached for her hand, pulled her into his arms and covered her mouth in a powerful kiss. The fans erupted in a loud and wild cheer. He didn’t let go quickly; for all the heat in his kiss, they might have been alone. When he did release her lips, he hung on to her still and whispered, “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Yes,” she whispered. “Of course, yes.”

“Good. See you after the game.”

He kissed her again, more quickly. He jumped over the bleacher rail and ran back toward the field, his arms stretched up over his head just as his team came running out.

On the scoreboard it flashed, SHE SAID YES!!