Full Court Devotion

by Cami Checketts

  “But, that’s life sometimes,” Luke said. “Things get easier. I enjoy being with Mom and Porter. I’ve been able to really help with the finances on the ranch and the hard work is rewarding. It’s just not where I want to be. Sometimes you have to change your dreams.”

  Ty studied him. “Change them, maybe. But not give them up completely. Have you looked into using your degree through the internet or hiring some help for the ranch and finding a job in your field here in Billings? You could still help on weekends or even commute.”

  Luke laughed. “I thought this conversation was about helping you, not me.”

  Ty shrugged and picked up his panini sandwich. “Your situation seems a lot easier to me right now.”

  Kazlyn found she was holding her breath as she waited for Luke’s answer. She’d asked him a few times to look at other options. Even if he wasn’t working for Boeing, he could find something he loved to do. Anything would be better than being miserable.

  Luke looked at Kazlyn. “I knew I didn’t like this guy when I saw him kissing you in the booth at Tina’s.” He shook his head. “Trying to push me out of my comfort zone.”

  Ty laughed and took a long swig of his water. “And I thought you didn’t like me because I thumped you on the court.”

  Kazlyn took it as a very good sign that Ty could joke about basketball.

  Luke chuckled. “So many reasons I don’t like you.”

  “As long as Kazlyn likes me.”

  She winked. “Oh, I do.”

  Ty gave her a heated look and a hug that had Luke grunting with disapproval and her flushing. Ty turned back to face her brother. “So, you’re committing to do something?”

  “I’m committing to think about it, search through some job openings, and talk to Porter and my mom.”

  Ty nodded. “Sounds good.”

  “Are you committing to not let yourself get too depressed and realizing that things will work out?” Luke asked.

  Ty chewed another bite before saying, “I’ll try my best.”

  Kazlyn smiled at him. “I’ll be praying for you.”

  Ty returned the smile. “That’s exactly what I need…and a few kisses of encouragement.”

  He leaned closer, but they broke apart as Luke threw some of his water at them. “Not where I can watch!”

  Kazlyn wiped the water off Ty’s cheek. “That means I’ll give him double the kisses later.”

  Luke groaned and Ty pumped his eyebrows. “That’s the kind of therapy that can save a man.”

  ***

  When they got back to Kazlyn’s house, Ty excused himself to make some phone calls. Everyone watched him like they wished they could take the burden from him. Kazlyn walked with him while he hobbled into Luke and Porter’s office near the entryway.

  “Good luck,” she said.

  Ty sank into the office chair, propped his crutches against the desk, and grabbed her around the waist. He pulled her onto his lap, careful to keep her on his right side. She squealed in surprise.

  “I could use a kiss for good luck.”

  Kazlyn laughed and leaned into him, giving him a lingering kiss on the lips before standing.

  Ty sighed. “You think that’s enough to get me through?”

  She leaned over and kissed him again. “I’ll give you more later.” She winked and walked out of the office, closing the door behind her.

  Ty jammed his hand through his hair. He hoped he’d acted brave enough in front of Kazlyn. Inside he was still sobbing. But he had to trust that the Lord had a plan for him and he had to deal with this somehow.

  He sighed again and pulled up his coach’s number on his cell phone. His finger trembled as he pressed call.

  “Hey, Ty,” Coach Anderson greeted him. “How’s vacation?”

  “Um, well, not so good, Coach.”

  All levity left Coach’s voice. “What’s wrong?”

  Ty fought to keep his voice level. It had to be the painkillers that were making him so emotional. “I got hurt, Coach, playing in a three-on-three tournament up here.”

  Coach Anderson cursed, but didn’t reprimand.

  “Ripped the ligaments and broke a bone in my midfoot. They called it a Lisfranc fracture.”

  Coach sucked in a breath and muttered, “No.”

  When he didn’t say anything more, Ty continued, “I’ll have surgery when I come back home, but I’m definitely out for the season.”

  There was silence on the line for so long Ty didn’t know if Coach had hung up on him.

  “You don’t know how sorry I am to hear that, Ty. How are you holding up?”

  It was so like his coach to be concerned about him. Ty actually sniffled. How humiliating. “It’s been…I’m a mess. I might be done playing forever.”

  “Europe?”

  “They p-probably won’t want me.” He cleared his throat, determined to at least sound like he wasn’t a sniveling disaster. “By the time I get through rehabilitation, they’ll already have their teams formed.”

  Coach exhaled slowly. “Don’t count yourself out. I’ll call in some favors after Christmas. We’ll get you with the best ortho and therapists in the state. I hate to lose you your senior year, but sometimes junk like this happens.”

  Wasn’t that the truth? Junk happening was about the best explanation he’d had so far. “Thank you for being so understanding, Coach.”

  “I’m crapping my diggers, Ty.”

  Ty laughed.

  “But, it’ll get better.”

  Ty actually believed him. He swallowed and said a prayer of gratitude. This was what he’d been praying for last night, some sense of comfort and hope.

  “You know, Ty, I’ve talked with a lot of your professors and I’ve watched the way you instruct the younger players. I know your knowledge and love of the game...”

  He paused and Ty wondered where his coach was going with this.

  “I’ve been scheming. I thought it would be five years down the road that I’d be making this offer, after you’d enjoyed traveling Europe.”

  Ty had no clue what Coach was talking about, so he just waited.

  “If it doesn’t work out to play in Europe, I want you as one of my assistants next year.”

  “What?”

  “Stephenson was offered the head coach position at University of Idaho this weekend. I’m going to need to replace him. Maybe all of this is meant to be.”

  Ty was stunned. He leaned forward in the chair and had to press the heel of his hand to his eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Thank you for taking a chance on an unseasoned rookie?”

  “I said that when you recruited me.”

  “Well, say it again.”

  “Thank you for taking a chance on an unseasoned rookie,” Ty managed, hoping his coach couldn’t hear how close he was to crying again. Wow. Was the Lord already showing him the miracles he had in store for him?

  “I didn’t regret it the first time. I won’t regret it this time.”

  “I’ll make sure you don’t.”

  “I know that. Now go have a nice Christmas. I’ll let you know where and when to be for those appointments. It might be the first of next week with the holiday.”

  “Okay. Thank you, Coach.” Ty meant the expression of gratitude on so many levels.

  “Anytime.”

  The phone disconnected and he held it to his chest for a minute before quickly dialing his mom. They’d already talked last night about his injury. This conversation was much more positive and he could feel her relief almost as strongly as his own. Maybe he did have something to offer that beautiful angel and his mom’s words helped him to smile about it. “If that little girl doesn’t realize what a catch you are, I’ll just call her up and tell her all about your many talents.”

  “Thanks, Mom, I think I can handle it.”

  “You love her?” she guessed.

  “I think so.”

  “What a Christmas. You having this horrible injury, but Coach maki
ng you this incredible offer, and you finding a woman of faith who you think is worthy of you. I might disagree because nobody’s worthy of my boy, but if she’s the one, I’ll love her like she’s my own.”

  “I know you will. I love you.”

  “Not as much as I love you.”

  ***

  After dinner that night, the rest of the family made various excuses and disappeared. Kazlyn didn’t complain about the chance to be alone with Ty. It was the best pre-Christmas present she could ask for.

  She burrowed into his right side to avoid bumping his foot that was propped up on the stool.

  “How are you doing?” she asked.

  The only lights were from the beautifully decorated Christmas tree and the gas fireplace. His dark eyes glowed in the firelight.

  “Good as long as I’m next to you.”

  “You schmoozer.”

  “You know it.”

  “What did your mom and your coach have to say?” They hadn’t had a moment alone to talk and she didn’t want to ask with everyone around.

  “Mom wanted to make sure you know how wonderful I am.” He smirked as if it was a joke.

  “Oh, I do.” Kazlyn wasn’t even teasing. She appreciated every inch of this man.

  “And Coach was upset about the news, but he…” Ty paused, his eyes shining with excitement, “He said if I don’t go play in Europe, he’ll give me a job as one of his assistant coaches.”

  Kazlyn jumped and squealed. “Oh, Ty, really?”

  “Really.”

  “Can he do that? You have no experience.”

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” He laughed at her mortified expression.

  “I didn’t mean—“

  “I know you didn’t. He can choose anyone he wants for his coaching staff. It’s in his contract.”

  “Wow. That is wonderful.”

  “It is.” He studied her. “Kazlyn, yesterday I felt like my world had collapsed.”

  She nodded her understanding.

  “I can’t tell you what it meant that you were there for me. I kept praying that I’d have a Christmas miracle and be healed somehow.” He grimaced as he looked at his foot. “That probably isn’t going to happen, but I realized all of this is for a reason. I thought I wouldn’t have anything to offer you, but with Coach’s offer and the possibility that I could play in Europe—”

  “Wait a minute,” Kazlyn interjected, sitting taller. “What do you mean that you didn’t have anything to offer me?”

  Ty studied the firelight. “Sorry, you still need to give me those humility lessons.” He tried to smile but failed. “Maybe you don’t want me to have anything to offer. Maybe you don’t want me.”

  “Tyrese Hamilton!” Kazlyn slapped her hand against his chest. “Of course I want you, and I’d want you if all you had was that piece of crap truck and the grin on your face! Do you understand me?”

  Ty stared at her for a second and then he chuckled. “Oh, Kazzy.” Suddenly, his eyes grew serious and his voice dropped to a husky whisper, “I love you.”

  She bit her lip and smiled at him. “I love you, too.”

  Ty cradled her head with his hand, slowly bringing her lips to his. “Merry Christmas, love.”

  The kiss started tenderly, but the passion and love Kazlyn felt for him were stronger and brighter than any fire. It was the best Christmas she’d ever had.

  Epilogue

  Almost one year later

  Every time Kazlyn watched the Aggies play, she felt a little pang that she’d never see Ty play again, but watching him coach was almost as much fun. He was so into the game, but also so great with the players. Even though he was only a year older than a few of them, they all showed him a lot of respect.

  The team ran up the tunnel for halftime and Ty reached up to grab Kazlyn’s hand and give her a grin before he went into the locker room. This seat next to the tunnel was now her permanent spot and Ty made sure she had four seats there so she could bring friends or family. Amazingly, school was actually easier now that she was accepted into the master’s program and focusing on what she wanted to be doing the rest of her life. She never missed a game and she even found time to dance with a local group.

  Tonight her mom, Luke, and Porter were there to support Ty. It was so much fun to be with everyone.

  The Aggiettes danced and then the announcer requested, “Would Kazlyn Wilson please come down to the Aggie’s bench?”

  Kazlyn turned to her family. “What?”

  Luke helped her stand and gently pushed her. “Go. You must’ve won something.”

  Kazlyn ran down the steps and onto the floor. The entire crowd stared at her, but the announcer didn’t say anything else. She stood there feeling incredibly stupid for half a minute before a deep voice she’d recognize anywhere came over the loud speaker. “Kazzy, will you marry me?”

  Kazlyn whirled and stared at Ty sauntering out of the tunnel with a mic in one hand and an open ring box in the other. She didn’t even look at the ring. She launched herself into his arms and screamed, “Yes!”

  Unfortunately the mic was right by her mouth and the entire stadium was blasted with her answer. Everyone laughed and applauded and somebody grabbed the mic. Ty lifted her off her feet for a kiss. He set her down and slipped a gorgeous round diamond set in a thick gold band on her finger.

  “Luke thought I’d won something,” she told him breathlessly.

  Ty grinned. “What do you think?”

  “I think I’ve won the best thing I can imagine.”

  Ty pulled her in for another kiss. The crowd bellowed their approval and as one shouted, “Tyyyy-reeese!”

  This book is also available, along with 5 other Christmas romances, in the Christmas in Snow Valley anthology.

  Christmas in Snow Valley

  Check out the first chapter of the next book in the anthology on the next page.

  By Taylor Hart

  Chapter 1

  Denver, Colorado

  If I hadn’t been a cynic, I might have found the mistletoe hanging above the apartment door romantic or hopeful or happy. But, I’d quit believing in Christmas miracles and love and fairytales a long time ago. Too bad my roommate, Christina, was still naïve enough to hope a plant, and a poisonous one at that, would lead to a handsome prince.

  The tape anchoring the mistletoe ripped easily as I pulled it down. I put my key into the lock and shoved the door back. “I’m not amused, Christina,” I said waving the offending plant in front of me as I entered the apartment.

  Laughter sounded from the kitchen and light Christmas music lingered in the background. I followed the sound down the hall. Gold and red lights lit up a Christmas tree and quirky homemade decorations set off strands of popcorn. I told Christina not to take the time to decorate, but she hadn’t listened to me. She never did.

  Christina held a piece of tomatillo out to me. “Try this, Molly, and tell me if it’s too salty.” Her green cat-looking eyes sparkled with mischief as she flipped her long, black hair off her shoulder. “And what do you have against mistletoe?”

  Her homemade tomatillos were enough to ease my irritation. The tomato flavor exploded into my mouth, both sweet and salty. I remembered why I put up with Christina’s eccentric ways—good cooking.

  “Yum.” I breathed out and closed my eyes for a second.

  Christina laughed. “You look tired, why do you choose to work insane hours during the best time of year? You need to relax, kiss more men. Kiss any man. Quit selling rings and get a ring on your finger.”

  I did work insane hours, but that was the jewelry business at Christmas time. “Can I just tell you how glad I’ll be when the most wonderful time of the year is over? Six days.”

  Christina batted her eyes at me. She made a kissing motion. “It’s because of that heart breaker, Kevin, isn’t it? The one from Snow Valley? That’s why you don’t like mistletoe?”

  I vaguely remembered letting his name slip one too late night over too much hot c
hocolate. “Please don’t say that name.”

  She shrugged, lifting a speculative eyebrow. “Well, it doesn’t matter; Luis and Sean are coming in ten minutes.”

  Luis was Christina’s three-month serious boyfriend. Which was really serious for Christina. Sean was his roommate that Christina perpetually tried to fix me up with. It wouldn’t happen. Not that he was a bad guy. Not really, discounting the fact that he sold bonds and constantly wanted to tell me how much money he made and what I should buy in the market that day. Plus, it didn’t help that he wanted to count my protein intake for me, either.

  “Christina.” I leaned down to take off my shoes, already tired from just thinking about an evening with Sean.

  The gas stove clicked on and then simmered as Christina put a pan of mild sauce on top. “I think you need to simmer it.”

  “What?”

  “The key to a good sauce is to simmer it. Mama always let the sauce simmer all day, but if you just give it all a good fifteen minutes, it works. Okay, chica?”

  I paused. This was another one of her things—always giving me tips on cooking this or that. But the cooking tips were really a cover for ‘the love tips.’

  I fluttered my eyes back. “Right, simmer it.”

  She let out a trigger of giggles. “Come on, chica, you need to loosen up, you and Sean could use some simmering. It would rev you up.”

  Christina was a beautician and took her calling to mean that she gave out lots of advice on hair, love, and cooking—in that order.

  “Luis seems nice for you.” I motioned to the spatula. “But I’m not simmering anything with Sean.” I snatched up a torn piece of tomatillo from the counter.

  She scrutinized my reaction. “More salt?”

  “No, it’s perfect.”

  Christina grinned. “You can’t keep eating the main dish.” She moved the plate of tomatillos. “We have company coming over.”

  I leveled her with a super glare. The fact I was anti-Christmas was a known fact. “I told you I didn’t want any parties this year. I have to get up at five-thirty tomorrow to get the store in shape.”