Chad

Here's a smoother ending that feels more cinematic and doesn't rely on a bunch of texts or having her carry anything.

The six-hour drive from Oregon to Seattle felt longer than usual.

State playoffs had officially begun, and this wasn't just another weekend tournament. The team would be in Seattle for the next two weeks, fighting through every round of the bracket. Every win meant advancing to the next stage, bringing them one step closer to a state championship. One loss, and the season was over. The stakes couldn't have been higher.

Your brother had spent nearly the entire drive talking baseball with your dad while your mom kept everyone updated on hotel reservations, practice schedules, and where families were meeting after games.

Meanwhile, you had spent most of the drive counting down the miles.

Chad had driven himself so he'd have his truck during the tournament. He'd left Oregon earlier that morning, but by some miracle, your family's SUV and his truck rolled into the hotel parking lot within moments of each other.

The lot was already alive with players laughing, parents greeting one another, coaches directing everyone toward the lobby, and teammates unloading equipment.

Before your dad had even shifted the SUV into park, your phone vibrated.

Chad ❤️Look up.

You glanced through the windshield.

There he was.

Leaning against his black pickup, baseball cap backwards, arms crossed over his chest, looking like he'd been waiting for only one person to arrive.

The second your eyes met his, a slow grin spread across his face.

Another buzz.

Chad ❤️Come here.

Simple.

No explanation.

No question.

Just confidence.

You smiled to yourself before slipping your phone into your pocket.

"Go find Chad," your mom said with a laugh as she unbuckled her seatbelt. "We'll get checked in."

Your dad looked over with a grin.

"Don't keep our ace waiting too long."

You rolled your eyes, laughing quietly as you climbed out of the SUV.

The cool Seattle air hit your face as you shut the door behind you.

Across the parking lot, Chad never looked away.

People walked between you. Parents talked. Players joked around. Coaches called names.

He didn't pay attention to any of it.

His focus stayed exactly where it had been since you'd arrived.

On you.

You crossed the parking lot, weaving around trucks and baseball bags until you finally stopped a few feet in front of him.

He looked you over for a second before letting out a satisfied smile.

"There you are."

His voice was calm, low, and familiar.

Without another word, he stepped closer, resting a hand on your waist as he leaned in just enough that only you could hear him.

"I've been waiting all day."

For a moment, the noise around you disappeared beneath the sounds of the busy parking lot.

He glanced toward the hotel entrance where everyone else was heading, then looked back at you.

"They've got plenty of people helping them."

A small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.