Two Minute Warning

The Perfect Play

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Joe had never been the type to overthink things. On the field, he trusted his instincts—read the defense, call the play, execute. It was second nature. But when it came to Alessandra, it was different. He wanted this moment to be perfect. He wanted to get it right.

And that's why he found himself sitting across from Harlow at a quiet café, the weight of a small velvet box in his pocket anchoring him to the reality of what he was about to do.

Harlow, sipping her iced coffee, smirked as she studied him. "You look like you're about to propose to me, not Alé"

Joe chuckled, shaking his head. "I need your help."

Harlow leaned forward, intrigued. "I'm listening."

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I want to propose to Alé."

Harlow's eyes widened in excitement, her hands slamming onto the table. "Oh my God! Finally!"

"Shh!" Joe hissed, looking around to make sure no one had overheard her outburst.

Harlow grinned but lowered her voice. "Joe, this is huge. When? Where? How? Do you have a plan?"

"That's the thing," he admitted. "I want it to be special, but I also want it to feel like... us. I don't need some elaborate grand gesture. I just want it to be something meaningful."

Harlow nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, let's break this down. First, where do you want to do it? Somewhere public, or something more intimate?"

Joe thought for a moment. "Intimate. Something that means something to her."

Harlow tapped her chin. "What about the stadium? The field where she cheers for you, where you've had so many moments together?"

Joe considered it but then shook his head. "Too obvious. I want it to be somewhere she wouldn't expect."

Harlow's eyes sparkled as an idea hit her. "What about the first place you really reconnected? That little bar where we all went after the first game she cheered at this season?"

Joe's lips curled into a smirk. "That's actually a damn good idea."

Harlow flipped her hair. "I know. I'm a genius."

Joe chuckled before growing more serious. "Now, how do I get her there without making her suspicious?"

Harlow grinned. "Leave that part to me."

Harlow was nothing if not resourceful. Over the next few days, she set the plan in motion. First, she convinced Alessandra that they needed a girls' night out, something casual to unwind from the craziness of their schedules.

"I just feel like we haven't had a night to just be us," Harlow said as they got ready in Alessandra's apartment. "No boys, no work, no stress. Just drinks and fun."

Alessandra, oblivious to what was really going on, smiled warmly. "That actually sounds perfect."

Meanwhile, Joe was coordinating the other half of the plan. He had already spoken to the owner of the bar, ensuring they'd have a private space when the moment came. He also reached out to Ja'Marr and a few of his teammates, letting them in on the plan so they could celebrate afterward.

Everything was in place. Now, all he had to do was ask the love of his life to be his forever.

Alessandra and Harlow arrived at the bar a little after nine, the place buzzing with life. Alessandra was in high spirits, laughing at something Harlow said as they walked inside.

She didn't notice Joe at first. He was tucked away in the private corner Harlow had arranged, nerves building in his chest.

Harlow guided Alessandra toward the back, and it wasn't until they reached the dimly lit area that Alessandra saw him standing there, looking devastatingly handsome in a crisp button-down and jeans.

Her brows furrowed in confusion. "Joe? What are you doing here?"

Harlow smirked. "My job here is done," she said before slipping away.

Alessandra turned to Joe, suspicion growing in her expression. "What's going on?"

Joe took a deep breath, reaching for her hands. "Alé, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

Her heart started pounding. "Okay..."

He exhaled, his grip on her tightening slightly. "From the moment we reconnected, I knew you were it for me. Through the ups and downs, the distance, the chaos—there was never a doubt in my mind that I wanted this, that I wanted you. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I don't want to spend another day without making it official."

Alessandra's breath caught in her throat as Joe pulled the small velvet box from his pocket and sank down on one knee.

Tears immediately welled in her eyes.

"Alé, will you marry me?"

Her hands flew to her mouth, a choked sob escaping her lips.

"Yes," she whispered. Then, louder: "Yes!"

Joe grinned, sliding the ring onto her finger before standing up and pulling her into his arms. She kissed him fiercely, pouring every ounce of love she had into it as cheers erupted from the bar.

Harlow, Ja'Marr, and half of Joe's teammates rushed forward, congratulating them as Alessandra laughed through her happy tears.

It was perfect.

It was them.

And it was just the beginning.