The moment’s perfect, but reality intrudes when Rory catches my eye. Two players in the final groups could still catch me, forcing a two-hole playoff. I need to get to the range, stay warm, and keep my swing sharp just in case.
“I’ve got to head to the range,” I tell my mom and Leah. “Stay loose in case there’s a playoff.”
“Go then,” Leah says, giving me a gentle push. “We’ll be fine.”
“No way.” I squeeze her hand. “You’re coming with me.” I look between her and Mom. “Both of you.”
I’ve been in a playoff before, at a tournament event in Hawaii, and despite the tropical paradise, staying warm on the range felt like torture. The waiting, the watching the leaderboard to see if my lead will hold. But today, with Leah and Mom chatting casually only feet away as I hit practice balls, it feels like the most natural thing in the world.
While I work my way through my bag, mom shares embarrassing childhood stories that make Leah laugh. And Leah returns the favor by telling her about that night on the boat and how I insisted we get married right then andthere in international waters. Their voices create a comfortable background hum that keeps me loose and relaxed.
The competitor in me still wants this win, but no matter what happens—win, playoff, or even coming in second—I have no regrets. I gave it everything out there today, played the best golf of my life when it mattered the most.
Twenty minutes later, Jim, the official, who’s still with me, relays a message from his walkie talkie. “Steward is facing a fifteen foot putt for birdie to tie your score on eighteen.” Sure enough, the crowd goes silent then, moments later, builds to a crescendo before suddenly cutting off with a collective groan that echoes through the air.
My heart stops.
Leah and my mom clutch each other as Jim, holding the radio to his ear, nods and meets my eyes. “Congratulations, Hays. You’ve won the U.S. Open!”
My legs go weak as the reality of winning a major crashes over me. I’ve done it. After everything—the pressure, the doubters, the years of grinding—I’ve actually done it.
Heat floods my chest, spreading outward until my entire body feels as if it’s vibrating. This is what winning a major feels like. Proof that hard work and determination, along with persistence and belief, can actually pay off.
“You won!” Leah throws herself at me, and I catch her instinctively, holding her tight as I give in to the emotions rushing through my veins.
I can’t speak. My throat’s too tight, my chest too full.
“I’m so proud of you,” she whispers against my neck, and that’s when the tears come.
The ride back to the clubhouse in the golf cart feels surreal. Officials and photographers surround us, and there’ll be hours more to go with the trophy presentation and interviews, but all Ican focus on is Leah’s hand in mine, the press of her engagement ring against my palm.
Mom sits shotgun next to Jim, her smile brighter than the late afternoon sun, while Rory, in the back, grins as if he just won the lottery.
Leah squeezes my hand. “This must be the best day of your life.”
I look at her, this brilliant, beautiful woman who saw what I needed, who waited for me, and now, who’s wearing my ring and promising me forever.
“It is,” I say, bringing her hand to my lips to press a kiss to her knuckles. “So far.”
Her eyebrows lift. “So far?”
“I have no doubt the best days of my life are still ahead.” I hold her gaze, letting her see everything I feel, everything I promise. “With you.”
The lighthouse comes into view as we round the corner of the clubhouse, its white tower standing against the dusky sky.
“Remind me later to tell you about my second novel,” Leah says, biting her lip as if she’s hiding something.
“You didn’t seem to want to share details the other night when I asked about it.”
“Because I didn’t want to jinx anything.”
Wrinkles crisscross my brow, but she just smiles slyly and leans her head on my shoulder, settling perfectly against my side.
“So what happens now?” Leah asks softly, her voice barely audible over the rumble of the cart.
“Now?” I press a kiss to the top of her head. “Now, we get married.”
“About time, hmm?”
