A/N - I am loving writing this story. I have so many ideas and not sure where this road is going to lead. I am absolutely in love with these people! Hope you enjoy

Chapter 7 My Jersey Girl

It was Game Day, finally all the hype, the events, the practices, press conferences, interviews were all over. Zoe headed over to Wade's room so she could spend a little time with him before he had to start all of the pregame rituals. The game wasn't until 7pm but he only had until noon free. She surprised him by wearing an Alabama jersey with his number on it and some short, really short jean shorts.

"Well hello future doc, you seem to be slummin' today. Hangin with the likes of me, wearin' my jersey."

"Well I am your girlfriend, aren't I?"

" You bet your bottom dollar!".

"What does that even mean? I am going to have to take a 'southern' language class" Zoe shaking her head , both of them laughing.

Then they started what could only be described as an unforgettable celebration.

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Lavon had dreamt of this day since he was knee high to a grasshopper. Playing under the lights for the National Championship, in Miami of all places. Wade knew he wouldn't play today unless something happened to Jake and he would never want that. All he wanted to do was encourage his team, hope that Lavon had a Smash mouth type of game so the NFL would make sure to take notice.

The game started out with back to back touchdowns , one from each team on special teams. The players and coaches just needed to settle down. Bama, and Jake Schafer got into a rhythm and moved the ball down the field for a touchdown and a field goal! Score 17-7.

The fighting Irish could never quite get their footing on offense. Lavon had a sack and several tackles for a loss. His biggest play though was stopping the Notre Dame running back on a 3rd and 2. Lavon just came up and stuffed him.

In the 4th quarter the game was well in hand 34-14. Jake asked the coaches if Wade could come in for a few snaps. First they said no but He convinced them by saying , " Coach, Wade is the future, let him have a taste of what it feels like to be playing in a game on the biggest stage. I promise ya, he will want to do whatever it takes to be back here next year."

The coaches agreed and called over #12.

There was 11:12 left in the game when Wade made his national championship debut. All of the Bama fans were going crazy , they loved what Wade had done for them earlier in the year.

Jesse, Zoe, Lemon and Haley were jumping up and down, waving their maroon and white pom poms. Wade looked up into the stands in the direction of where his friends were sitting and then looked around the field taking a deep breath. The men in the huddle said" we got ya Kinsella."

Wade called the play. He played the whole series which resulted in another field goal. He hugged Jake for the opportunity. Jake would be playing in the NFL somewhere for sure. He was what every general mgr would want, 6'5' 220lbs, with a rock solid arm and had the mental toughness that was required in the big leagues.

After the championship ceremony, all Wade and Lavon wanted to do was get to their girls! They spent a couple of hours of the night celebrating in Haleys suite at the hotel.

Everyone was on cloud nine.

Wade woke up the next morning and went straight to Zoe's room. When he got there, she was all packed, a checklist on the desk of things to do. His smile turned.

"Hey Wade, I have to get to the airport."

I thought your plane left at 3, this afternoon?"

"My mom called and said my dad wanted to see me before he leaves New York tomorrow so I have to go."

"Come 'ere, I know I should be happy for you. I know it isn't easy having a dad that lives all over the world basically. But I gotta admit, this sucks. I was gettin' used to being with ya all of the time."

" I know Wade but it is back to real life."

"Wow, that stings a little. In my real life, we are together. I didn't ask ya to be my girlfriend for the week Zoe."

" I know Wade, I'm sorry, that came out wrong. You know I am going to miss you, just getting nervous about seeing my dad. It has been so long." She starts a very meaningful kiss before she pulls back and says her uber is downstairs waiting.

"Let me walk you down."

Wade carries her two large tote bags and swag bag and she rolled her suitcase. He still had a hand free to hold his girlfriend's hand the whole time. He puts her luggage into the uber and gives a kiss goodbye. A series of soft sweet kisses. " Baby,Enjoy time with your dad. Thanks for coming and making memories with me."

" Oh Wade, I had the best time with you,your friends and your brother is so awesome. This was definitely a week I will never forget. Call ya tonight boyfriend" He kissed her again and she was off to the airport.

A few hours later, Wade Lavon and the team were headed home as well. They sat beside each other on the plane ride home. Neither could quit talking about the best week of their lives. They had won a national championship and been able to share it with some very special people. Wade told Lavon about him and Zoe being 'official' and now he just had to figure out how to keep her being that she was almost 1000 miles away.

"Man, you have always taken one day at a time and I suspect you should keep doing that same thing. Nothin' good comes from worrying." said Lavon casually as he was putting in his new earphones.

"You're right. One day at a time" as thoughts drifted off to his #12 jersey wearing girl.