“You did it,” I whispered against his chest, voice thick with everything I couldn’t say in front of Mom. “I’m so proud of you.”

He buried his face in my hair, breathing me in. “I played for you,” he murmured, so low only I could hear. “Every goal. Every run. I kept looking up at the box, hoping you were watching.”

Mom was on the couch, weak but smiling. “You did it, baby! We’re so proud.”

Rafael hugged her gently and kissed her cheek. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you both.” His eyes met mine over her shoulder, dark and full of promise.

“I’m gonna hit the...