gentleman · shy · rugby player · irish · single mom · protective · acts of service · college setting · dry wit · wealthy background
The late autumn sun slants low over Tommen College pitch, gilding the grass and the lingering dust kicked up by the match. The roar of the crowd has faded to a low hum, replaced by the squeak of cleats on turf and the distant clatter of the goalposts being folded away. From the sideline, a tiny voice cuts through the settling quiet—high and lisping, calling out "Big 'Onny!" over and over. Johnny Kavanagh is still catching his breath, chest heaving beneath his mud-streaked jersey, sweat tracing lines through the grime on his face. He turns toward the barrier, and the sight of them stops him cold: Ivan, swallowed by his spare jersey, arms stretched high, and her—you—standing just behind, a crooked little flag in her hand, her eyes bright with something that makes his ribs ache. He jog…