The look on his face is determined. He's pulling himself together so he can face his team with confidence and the strength they need to win the game today.

"I love you." I blow him a kiss. He closes the door behind him.

I wish it wasn't so early so I could go to Kelly and Tim's room. I'm a ball of nerves right now. Even though it's barely morning, I'm too wound up to go back to sleep. I put some clothes on, take a book, and go downstairs for some coffee and breakfast.

Chapter 40.

SYDNEY.

There was always a buzz of excitement at the Rattlers games back in Phoenix. It was nothing compared to the buzz here in Denver today. Tim can barely contain himself. The three of us are in our seats, pumped up and ready for the most historical game in Jax's career. I'm a nervous wreck.

After a whole lot of hoo hah and announcements, the players finally take the field. I spot Jax and he looks right back at me. I give him a thumbs up and he nods. God, I hope he wins.

We watch anxiously as the two teams battle for the title of a lifetime. Tim walks us through some of the plays. We jump and cheer when the Rattlers score their first points. We're feeling good - optimistic that they're going to take the win even though it's only the first quarter.

The second quarter isn't going as well. The whistle blows and Jax has the ball. He scrambles, but there's no one to throw to. He runs out of the pocket and onto the field. I'm on the edge of my seat, but only for a second. He runs eight yards before he gets crushed by the opposing linebacker.

I anxiously stand up. Watching with the rest of the onlookers, I wait to see if he's okay. He stands up and shakes it off. Cheers are heard throughout the stadium. He looks in my direction. I take it as a sign that he's telling me he's fine. The next few plays are made with a vengeance and regained strength. We go into halftime up by six points.

The half time show is incredible. It's also a nice diversion from all the nail biting I've been doing for the first half of the game. The music and lights help us all to relax a little bit. The feeling is short lived though. The minute the players are back on the field, we're all on edge. It's still anyone's game.

After a lot of yelling and screaming, and a couple more points scored, we are down to two minutes left in the game. The three of us are actually holding hands. It feels like there's a call every few seconds, bringing the game to a halt. The Rattlers are down by four points. It's not looking good.

My mind wanders as I think of how I'm going to console Jax for his loss. He's not going to be happy. I already know the whole 'at least you made it to the Superbowl' line isn't going to cut it.

I'm startled from my thoughts when Tim grabs my arm. There are only a few seconds left. It's do or die now, but we basically lost. I'm distraught. My heart is breaking for Jax. The game is back in play. Out of nowhere, at least for me, Jax throws the ball - far. He makes a sixty yard pass to the end zone. It lands right in the arms of their wide receiver - the soon to be very famous, Jake Pallor.

I never jumped as high in the air as I do when that touchdown was scored. My heart leapt into my throat for a minute. I didn't think they were going to pull it off, but they did. The Rattlers won. Jax won.

Tim's screaming, "Hail Mary! Hail Mary!"

"Are you praying?" I yell excitedly.

"No! That was a Hail Mary play! Jax just pulled off the most amazing play of all time!" Tim pulls me and Kelly in for a group hug. I don't know if it's really 'the most amazing play of all time', but I'm going with it anyway.

The three of us are hugging and jumping and high-fiving along with everyone else around us. The players rush the field. Tons of paper confetti are suddenly falling from above. I watch as Jax is coated with champagne. Through the craziness and mayhem, I see him look my way. He gives me the thumbs up this time. He must feel like he's on top of the world. My baby. He did it.

We make our way down to the field. My stomach is in knots. I can't believe my boyfriend just won one of the biggest sports games of the year. He didn't do it alone of course, but the Rattlers couldn't have done it without him.

We try to get to Jax, but he is surrounded by teammates, photographers, cameras, and microphones. Somehow he finds my face in the crowd and pushes through the throng of people to meet me.

Jax picks me up in his arms and spins me around.

"We did it, baby. We fucking did it!"

"You were amazing out there! I'm so happy for you," I shout over the din.

"I couldn't have done it without you." Jax kisses me hard on the lips. His face is covered in sweat, but I don't care.

"I don't know about that, but I'm glad I was here," I say with a smile, pulling my mouth from his."

"You have no idea," Jax replies before kissing me again.

Kelly and Tim congratulate Jax. People are everywhere and it's hard to see with all of the confetti floating around. Little by little the crowd starts to thin as the players make their way back to the locker room. Coach Taylor will have some words for them I'm sure. They also have the post game press conferences. Jax had already let me know yesterday that he would be held up in the locker room with interviews and shenanigans for a while.

"Are you sure you don't want to come?" Jax asks. We are walking off the field with him.

"No, thanks. You do your thing. We'll go shower and get ready."

"According to Twitter, this VIP party is going to be insane," Kelly informs us.

"Okay," Jax says, giving me one last kiss, "but hurry up. I can't wait to see you."

I laugh, "I'm still here and you miss me already?"

"Tonight is going to be a special night. I just want to get it started."

"Okay, babe. You got it."

We congratulate Jax again. One more kiss and we part ways. Some of the other players jog by and we shout our congratulations at them also.

I see some serious partying in my near future. Not my thing at all, but tonight is Jax's night. I'm going to be with him - to celebrate him and his victory.

The three of us head back to the hotel feeling pumped from the Rattlers win. Many of the hotel guests are there for the game also, so a celebration has already started at the lobby bar.

"We'll go get dressed and meet you back at your room," Kelly instructs.

"Sure, okay."

I wish we could just be there already, but a shower is definitely in order. I'm also going to be standing by the star quarterback's side, so I have to look good. I smile at the thought.

A few minutes after I'm finished dressing, there's a knock on my door. I open it to see Kelly and Tim dressed to the nines.

"Wow. You guys look amazing!"

"You too," Tim says, walking in.

"Meh. You could do a little better," Kelly says, "luckily I came prepared." Kelly is holding a long plastic bag, presumably with a dress in it.

"You're kidding, right?" I ask.

"No. This was actually Jax's idea. He wanted it to be a surprise."

"Well, I'm definitely surprised," I roll my eyes, "did he not trust my judgement?"

"Apparently not. He left a note too."

I take the dress and remove the attached piece of paper. "I hope there aren't any more surprises," I remark before I unfold the paper.

Kelly laughs, "I don't know. Let's just get you dressed so we can go."

I read the note to myself: Hey babe, You know I love everything about you, but tonight is going to be special. I've fantasized about this night for as long as I can remember. I've dreamed about sharing it with you since the day we met (the second time). I know you'll be the most beautiful girl in the room, but I want you to feel like it too. As much as I love porn teacher, I know I will love this more - and you will too. Even if you don't, just wear it. It will totally give me a boner and depending how the game goes, I may need something to cheer me up.

XO.

Jax I laugh while I'm reading it. Kelly and Tim just watch me, waiting to hear what it says. I don't tell them though.

"Looks like I'm going to change," I say out loud. I fold up the note and take it and the dress with me into the bathroom.

When I open the door and step out a few minutes later, I know I must look incredible because both Kelly and Tim's jaws drop.

"Wow," Tim says.

"Oh my God," Kelly says, "you look...stunning."

My cheeks flush. I look in the mirror. They're right though. I look fabulous - if I do say so myself. Other than a couple of weddings I've attended, I've never worn anything as fancy as this. I've surely never worn anything as beautiful.

The lining of the dress is a nude color silk like material that's strapless and cut about mid thigh. The overlay is sheer, long sleeved, and decorated with crystals and sequins. It's shows enough to look sexy, but covers me in all the right places. It's classy and beautiful, and like nothing I would ever pick for myself. If I didn't look so dam good in it, I wouldn't even feel comfortable wearing it.

"Stop staring, Tim, and wipe the drool off your chin," Kelly kids, "and let's get out of here. I don't want to miss a minute of this party."

We file out of the room and take the elevator down to the lobby. We walk toward the exit where there is a town car waiting for us. I try not to pay attention to the looks I'm getting from much of the crowd in the lobby, but it's hard. I never knew I could look this good. I guess I never tried.

We arrive at the venue and give our names at the door. This is a VIP event for players, their guests, and I'm sure some of the media as well. Once we enter, I'm blown away at just how big and lavish this party is.

The place is huge and there is a big stage at the opposite end. Kelly let us know there will be celebrities performing there tonight. Everything is decorated in the Rattler colors of red and tan. Players names and numbers are printed on huge plaques adorning the entrance wall. Every object I see is football themed with a Superbowl or Rattler reference.

Maybe it's because I've never watched football before, but I didn't really know what to expect. I'm in awe. We each grab a glass of champagne from one of the servers passing with a tray and look for a good place to stand. I search the crowd for Jax, but there are so many people here already, I can't find him. He knows what I'm wearing, so I'm confident he'll find us when he gets here.

We mingle a bit - laughing and enjoying ourselves. The atmosphere excitement all around us reminds me of a New Year's Eve party. Not one I've ever been to of course, but one I would see on TV. As someone who usually likes to stay in the background, I have to admit, I'm kind of enjoying the looks I'm getting tonight.

We've been here for a while already and still no sign of Jax. I'm sure he's busy, but I'm dying to see him - and for him to see me. The music is pumping and according to the DJ, the first music performance will be on shortly. I hope Jax gets here soon.

Kelly is moving to the beat. I can see she's ready to hit the dance floor. I don't want to hold her back.

"Hey, if you guys want to dance, go ahead," I yell over the noise.

"We're good," Kelly shouts back. A huge smile appears on her face. I turn to see what she's looking at.

It's Jax. He's wearing a dark fitted suit and looks...delicious. That's the best word I can use to describe him because seeing him like that makes me want to lick him from head to toe. He stares back at me with wide eyes, obviously loving the dress he picked out for me. I can't help but blush.

Jax steps closer to me. I spin around so he can get the full view.

"Just when I thought this day couldn't get any better," he says.

"Thanks, babe. You look pretty hot yourself."

"Thank you."

"Really, Syd, you look fucking incredible."

"Thanks."

"I think you're missing something, though."

I look at him, confused.

"Jaxson. Can you give us a moment of your time. We'd like a few words," a man with a microphone asks. There's another man with a camera following close behind.

"Sure. You're timing is impeccable." Jax smiles at them and winks at me.

The man holds the microphone to his face, "So, Jaxson, first and foremost, how do you feel tonight?" He puts the mic up to Jax's face.

"As I'm sure you can imagination, I feel amazing. There is only one thing that could make tonight any better."

The interviewer looks puzzled as Jax turns to face me. He moves the mic in place, unsure of what's going on. Whatever it is, he suspects he should get it on film.

"Sydney," Jax starts.

I glance at the camera. It's recording us right now. That, and the seriousness in his voice cause my face to turn bright red. What the hell is he doing?

"Before I met you, being in the Superbowl was my dream. Winning it is an incredible feeling, but having you here to share it with me is more than incredible. It's - everything."

In an unexpected gesture, Jax bends down onto one knee. Before I have time to react - or more likely - completely freak out, he begins to speak again. The man with the mic lowers himself too so he doesn't miss a word.

"You are by far, the best thing that has ever happened to me, Syd. I am a better man for knowing you. Each day we spend together is even more unbelievable than the last. I want to share my life with you. Every win, every loss, every day, because I know having you by my side - on my team - will always make me a winner. I can't imagine my life without you in it - and I don't want to. You complete me."

Tears are streaming down my face. I quickly look over at Kelly who is also tearing as she watches and listens.

Jax takes hold of my hand. He looks up into my eyes and sees me crying.

Then, sounding more like himself, Jax makes that crooked smile and adds, "and, your body is banging, babe, you know?"

I laugh through the tears, but stop when I see the ring Jax pulls from his pocket.

"I told you something was missing from your outfit," he winks. He slips the sparkling diamond onto my finger. "Sydney Hayes, will you marry me?"

I'm stunned. I mean, once he got down onto one knee I knew it was coming, but - wow. The interviewer looks to me for an answer, pointing the mic towards my face.

"Yes," I say quietly. Then louder, "I love you, Jax. Of course I will marry you."