The next morning they say goodbye to Lisa, Ryan and Charlotte when they head back home to California. A little while later a car comes to pick them up at the hotel and drives them to the Marauder facilities. Sam is already waiting for them when they arrive.

Welcome to the stadium mister and future misses Gray.

I'm so happy to be here.

So am I. The misses Gray part was just a joke by the way, I know that women no longer assume their husbands name.

Rebecca shrugs.

We havent really talked about it, but I think that I'm going to add it to mine. Doctor Rebecca Lindsley–Gray sounds pretty good.

It sure does. Welcome back Natasha.

Thank you. The stadium sure looks different since I was last here.

We've renovated here and there over the last ten years, I'll give you a tour.

Sam shows them the facilities and stops in front of the locker rooms.

There are two surprises inside here. The first one is one the table, the other... you'll see.

Zach goes inside and approaches the table in the middle of the room. On it is a his pitch black jersey with his name and the number fifteen on it in shiny gold. He runs his fingers over the name and some tears well up in his eyes.

Sam walks up behind him and puts his arm around Zach.

This one is the real deal, not the standard one at the draft. I thought it would be fitting that you would wear number fifteen, like your dad before you.

Thank you, I love it.

Hold it up for a picture.

He wipes the tears away and poses.

Great, now one with your mom and your fiancée.

Suddenly a familiar voice emerges behind him.

Looking good Zach.

Marcus!

Zach rushes over and embraces him.

You didn't think I would miss reuniting with my best friend, did you?

It's so good to have you back. Congrats on your first season by the way, eight hundred yards and five touchdowns is nothing to scoff at.

Thanks, but I'm looking to improve on that significantly now that you're here.

I'm getting you over a thousand, believe that.

Seeing them reunited brings a smile to Sam's face.

I see you like your second surprise.

Definitely.

If you would please follow me to the conference room now, we have a contract to go over.

Sam takes them through the contract and explains everything to them.

Over the years these rookie contracts have become pretty standard. Four years with an option on a fifth, and it comes down to around thirty million dollars total.

I don't know what to say... thank you.

All you need to do is use this money to make a happy life for you, your mother and soon to be wife. That's all the thanks I need. Some touchdowns here and there would be nice too.

Those are things I can definitely do. Is there anything else on the agenda today?

One last thing. Coach Rudor and I still have rounds two and three of the draft to get through today. Meanwhile, you have a short video interview with Devin Bullward. Apparently, you promised him the first interview?

I sort of did yeah, he really helped me out with the incident.

That's ok, Marcus will show you to the room.

Great. Do I come by tomorrow?

Yes. First to meet with coach Rudor. Second, to meet your new offensive coordinator. After that you can sit in during the last rounds of the draft if you want.

I'll be there.

Zach follows Marcus to the video call room and takes a seat.

Hello Devin, thanks for having me on again.

The pleasure is all mine. Congrats on going first overall, walk me through the moment.

I obviously wanted to be a Marauder, but the Jets at number two pretty much told me at the combine that they would take me. So I was secretly a bit bummed out. I would have still been happy to play in the NFL of course, in my heart I just wanted to be here in Vegas. When the trade was announced there were so many emotions going through me at once that I was completely overwhelmed.

I saw the emotion during the live broadcast when you were on the phone, it really showed how much it meant for you. And let's not forget about the engagement!

I wanted it to be memorable. And because it was taking place in Vegas, in front the fans, it made it feel like we were officially starting the next chapter of our lives together. She's here by the way, come say hi.

Rebecca shyly pops in front of the camera briefly and waves.

That's so nice to see, where are you right now?

We're in Marauder stadium, our general manager Sam just gave us the grand tour. I also held my official jersey for the first time and signed my contract minutes ago.

You already signed?! It usually takes some time before that happens.

The rookie contracts are pretty much standardized apparently and I also know that Sam wants the best for me.

So you can get started right away.

Exactly, I'm not wasting any time. I'm meeting with coach Rudor tomorrow and introducing myself to our new offensive coordinator.

Getting a head start is going to pay off when the season starts. I wish you the best of luck, hope to talk to you again during the season.

I'll keep you updated Devin, until next time.

Marcus walks Zach, Rebecca and Natasha back to the entrance of the stadium.

I'm so glad to have you back man.

Same Marcus, we're going to put the fear of God into our opponents.

Hell yeah! Nika wanted to be here, but she had a doctor's appointment... we're expecting.

That's amazing!

Rebecca gives him a short hug.

Congratulations! I love babies, I can't wait to hold it.

Marcus nudges Zach.

Looks like you won't have much of a choice.

One thing at a time Marcus, the wedding comes first. That reminds me, would you be my best man?

Of course! looking forward to it.

Great, give our best to Nika.

I will, see you soon.

Early the next day Zach reports to the Marauders facility for a meeting with coach Rudor.

Good morning coach, am I interrupting?

Not at all, I just arrived myself. Sorry I couldn't be there yesterday.

Don't worry about it, the draft is a busy time of year.

It most certainly is. I feel good about our two picks yesterday, they should make our defense more complete than last year and bring some needed youth.

How is the offense looking?

Mostly fine, we invested in the offense during free agency. We're still looking for an extra receiver and hopefully some depth along the offensive line.

That should be doable with four picks left.

Absolutely, our main problems last year were an aging quarterback and our defense being too slow. We managed to address both with our first three picks, but it's not going to be a quick fix... just being fully honest.

It took us two years to turn things around at ECU so I don't mind a bit of a struggle, makes getting results all the more satisfying.

Good. I'm being so open with you because we're going to be doing this together, and you're going to be my extension on the field.

I've got your back.

One last thing is that I bitt off more than I could chew last year. That's why I hired a new offensive coordinator who's going to be calling the plays for you. It's because we were meeting yesterday that I couldn't be there to welcome you.

No problem, looking forward to meet them.

I still have some prep to do for the last rounds of the draft. So you can go down the hall and say hello, after that you can both join me and Sam.

Alright, see you in a bit.

He goes down the hall and knocks on the door. When he enters the person is sitting at their desk, back turned and is obscured by the large chair.

I'm Zachary Gray, I wanted to introduce myself.

He can hear a faint chuckle from behind the chair.

I think we're well passed introductions...

Zach's jaw drops as soon as he recognizes her voice.

Lauren! What are you doing here?!

He rushes over to her and gives her a big hug.

Apparently you explained one of my plays at the combine, they were so impressed that they flew me over for an interview. I guess nailed it, because here I am.

This is great! I'm so happy that you're here... wait, what about ECU?

For now, my dad has agreed to take my place and help Claudia look for a good replacement.

That's a good solution, he must have been so proud.

He was, it was the first time I've ever seen him cry. Where's Rebecca?

Home. Well, in the house we're renting for now. She's studying online, Claudia helped make that possible.

What about her internship at the hospital?

She worked extra hours so she could finish ahead of schedule.

Clever girl.

In case there was any doubt, she's the brains of our relationship.

Lauren laughs.

Let's go to the "war room" and see how Sam and Jake are doing.

After choosing another defensive player in the fourth round they start talking about their next pick in the fifth. Jake starts looking through the Marauders roster.

We really need another receiver. Sam, what does your board say?

Let me see. I have three receivers left, I'll put them on the screen.

One those three is Lars. Zach and Lauren immediately look at each other while Jake goes through the list.

What about Lars Hendriksen? Sam?

Tough one to evaluate. System type player, but when used the right way he can be a great contributor. However, he lacks size and elite speed. You coached him Lauren, tell us about him.

True, he's not the tallest or the fastest. But he's an expert route runner and has a nose for getting open. He's not afraid to go over the middle of the field and take a hit. He also doesn't mind blocking or helping out on special teams.

That part sounds good. Zach, what is he like as a person?

Great guy, works hard and is always there when you need him. He even risked his life when I was assaulted, the definition of a true friend and team player.

Then I'm ok with it, what about you Jake?

He fits in with the rest of the offense, we don't have a player with his specialty yet. I say call it in.

That settles it then. One of you will have to make the call to him while I pass along our pick to the NFL.

Zach quickly grabs one of the phones.

Can I?

Sure, go ahead.

Zach dials his number and clears his throat.

This is Lars speaking.

Is this the Lars Hendriksen, wide receiver from ECU?

Yes...Zach? Is that you?

Damn, I thought I would be able to mess with you.

Nice try, congrats on going number one.

Thanks, that's actually why I'm calling you.

What do you mean?

I'm sitting here in the draft room with everybody... what would you say about joining me here in Vegas?

He falls completely silent.

Lars? Are you still there? Did you faint?

No... I'm just... I don't... give me a second.

Zach covers up the phone and whispers to Lauren.

I think he's crying.

He regains his composure a couple seconds later.

Zach?

I'm here.

Sorry about that.

No worries, I reacted similarly.

What do I do now?

People from the organization will call you later today and explain everything.

This is crazy. Don't forget to say thank you to everybody for me.

I will, but you'll be able to do that yourself soon enough. Just enjoy the moment and get ready to hear your name called on national tv in a little bit.

Thanks, see you soon!

Zach hangs up the phone.

He's very grateful, you got a good one.

Jake nonchalantly winks at him.

Sam and I have to make sure that you and Lauren have the right weapons to work with. On to the sixth round.

After analyzing the roster some more Sam throws the remaining offensive lineman onto the screen.

The inside of the offensive line is getting old, we should invest in that now so we can groom a player for the future. Let's see... another one of your boys Lauren, Fred Richards.

Fred is raw, but he's strong as an ox. He still needs some work when it comes to technique and footwork, so he could benefit greatly from being surrounded by experienced players. He has a lot of potential.

Zach immediately jumps into the conversation.

He's the other one that came to my rescue. Fred is also great for team morale, great guy all around.

Sam optimistically shrugs towards Jake.

In the later rounds there aren't any sure things left, so a player with potential sounds pretty solid to me.

That's true, lets turn in the pick then.

While Sam is calling the NFL Jake calls Fred and turns on the speaker.

I'm looking for Fred Richards.

This is him.

Just the man I wanted to talk to. This is Jake Rudor with the Las Vegas Marauders, we just picked you. What do you think about joining us here?

Sounds good to me!

That's what I like to hear. There are two people here who want to say hi.

What's up pall? You want to come protect my ass here in Vegas?

It's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it.

The entire room bursts out laughing.

I should have expected that you would say something like that. I'm going to pass you on to our offensive coordinator.

Fred, you better watch that mouth of yours when I'm around!

Coach Turner?! Did I miss something?

You sure did, I'm the OC here now.

That's one hell of a promotion, looking forward to playing for you again.

So am I Fred. They're going to contact you soon about coming here so keep your phone close.

I will. Thank you all for calling me, I really appreciate it! see you all soon.

They all leave Sam in peace for the seventh round, the logistics of brining the new players to Vegas and head home for the day. Later that evening Zach, Rebecca and Natasha are having dinner together in their temporary house.

Thanks for cooking mom.

You're welcome. How was your first day?

It was great. You'll never guess who my offensive coordinator is.

They both look at him questioningly.

Who is it?

Lauren.

Their faces go to shock.

From ECU?!

Yup, during my interview at the combine I explained one of her plays to Sam and Jake. Apparently they were so impressed that they flew her over for the OC job opening. She must have done a good job.

Thats amazing!

Is she going to be at the press conference tomorrow?

She should be, you can congratulate her in person.

Does that make her the first female to have such a high coaching position?

I'm not sure. Regardless, it's going to be important that we make sure that people know she got the job because she's capable, not because of some political agenda.

Rebecca nods in agreement.

There's nothing worse than virtue signaling, it completely undermines the whole idea of equality that they often preach.

Natasha is visibly confused.

Virtue... what does that mean?

It's giving somebody opportunities because they belong to a certain minority group. It's like they only gave you a job because you happen to belong to a certain race or gender instead of your capabilities or talent. It's meant well but in truth it's insulting, almost like they wouldn't have given you the same opportunity if you were born a different way.

True, that's no way to treat people. Luckily that's not the case with Lauren, she's a tough lady and is capable of dealing with the media should they bring anything up like that.

After clearing the table Zach snuggles up next to Rebecca on the couch.

How was your day? Did you have fun in class?

Funny... it was fine, I'm mostly preparing for finals. Claudia also called me to say that she's already putting things in place for my transfer.

You've been busy.

Always. Speaking of busy, did you notice that things are less "busy" here?

Mostly Lisa not being here.

That's a bit mean, you're lucky she's not here or you'd be in trouble.

Relax, I'm just joking. Oh, I almost forgot. We drafted Lars and Fred today.

For real?! That's amazing, they deserve it.

And I also gained bodyguards in the process.

I hope we won't be needing them for that.

That stuff is in the past, no need to worry about that anymore.

The next day they arrive at the stadium and are immediately escorted to the locker room where Zach changes into full Marauder gear and heads onto the field.

After posing for some photos Lars and Fred arrive also fully geared out.

Hey guys! Looking good. Number eighty three Lars?

My favorite player, Wes Welker used to wear it. I modeled my playstyle after him.

A short yardage specialist, you definitely succeeded. How are you doing Fred? Number sixty nine... I should have seen that coming.

What can I say? I needed a number as fabulous as myself.

They can't help but laugh.

Never change Fred. Let's take some pictures together, the new rookies on offense.

After their pictures are taken, they walk over to Rebecca and Natasha who are talking to Lauren.

Hello boys.

Lars replies first, being his usual polite self.

Hello coach Turner, Fred and I would like to say thank you for drafting us.

You did your part on the field to earned it, we all agreed that you were the best players available. But the competition is even tougher now, so you have to work even harder than before. Did you hear me, Fred?

He salutes her like a soldier in the military.

Yes ma'am!

Good, it's time for the press conference. I'm taking care of the rookies on offense, so you three are with me.

They take a seat on one of the podiums and the reporters gather.

Coach turner, congratulations on your appointment. How does it make you feel?

Feels great. A big thanks to coach Rudor, our general manager Sam Maddock and the Marauder organization for taking a chance on me. With these guys here next to me I have no doubt that we'll score a lot of points.

Zach, what can you tell us about your first days as a Marauder?

Everybody has been very welcoming, I already feel like I'm home. Coach Rudor and Sam have done everything they can to set me up for success. Not only am I reunited with Marcus Jackson, I also have Lars and Fred here with me as well. Coach Turner being here was a surprise, but a welcome one. We all work together very well and the familiarity is going to allow us to be on the same page quickly.

They answer questions for a while longer, when Zach returns Marcus and have arrived.

Congrats on the baby Nika, I'm so happy for you.

Thank you, it's earlier than we planned but with Marcus getting drafted we are in a good position to make it all work.

If there's anything you need, we're here now. And I'm sure my mom wouldn't mind babysitting if necessary, right mom?

Sure, no problem at all.

Thanks, I'm so glad to have you back Zach.

Same brother, can't wait to get to work.