That night Winnie and her family went out to dinner to celebrate the victory. As they ate, they talked about the hearing and the outcome. Winnie's parents were relieved and proud of her. They were also happy that the County Athletic Board had agreed with their side and overturned the rule banning girls from playing. They knew it was only a matter of time before more girls started to be interested and join the team like Winnie had.

After the dinner, Winnie and her family headed back home. The atmosphere in the car was light and joyful, everyone was feeling excited and happy about the outcome of the hearing. Once they arrived home, Winnie went up to her room and collapsed onto her bed. She was exhausted but elated. She couldn't believe they had actually won. After everything she had gone through, it still felt surreal.

She hated she couldn't play the Playoffs but was glad the rule would be overturned and she could play the next season. She had already been working hard to prepare for it and was determined to give it her all. She knew her teammates would be disappointed, too, but she was hopeful they would find a way to move on and still have a good time together. She had worked hard for this, and she was excited for the future.

(winnie's outfit for the rest of the chapter) 

Winnie got up and did her nightly routine. When she sat back on the bed her phone buzzed. She grabbed it off the bed by her, smiling at seeing a text from Stick.

bub💞
mind if I come over?

my girl❤️
nope. come on over ;)

bub💞
already at your window <3

She chuckled, getting up from her bed and rushing to her window. Sure enough, Stick was standing outside her house with a big grin on his face. Winnie opened her window, leaning out as she chuckled.

"You're so impatient." She teased, her eyes shining with affection.

Stick grins and shrugs. "What can I say, I miss my girlfriend."

Winnie shakes her head in amusement and helps him climb through her window. As soon as he was inside, he wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his head in the crook of her neck. She hummed in content, her arms snaking around his neck.

"Congratulations, baby." He murmurs, pressing a kiss to her skin. "You deserve this victory. You're incredible. Just hate you won't be able to play in the playoffs."

Winnie nods and sighs. "I know. I'm disappointed about that, but I'm happy with the outcome. Girls can play now, and that's what matters. Plus, I get to keep playing football."

"True. And I can't wait to see you kick butt on the field next year at Playoffs." Stick smiles and pulled away from her neck, his arms still around her waist. "I love you so much. I'm proud of you."

"I love you, too." Winnie smiles, feeling her heart swell with happiness. "Thank you for everything. I wouldn't have been able to do this without you."

Stick blushes, his cheeks turning red. "Aww, stop. You're the amazing one. All I did was be your supportive boyfriend. It's nothing special."

"It's plenty special." She insists, her eyes shining with affection. "You're the best boyfriend ever, and I'm so lucky to have you. Thank you for being there for me." She wanted him to know how much he meant to her, how much his support and encouragement had meant to her throughout everything.

"Of course." He says, giving her a loving smile. "I'm always going to be here for you, Winnie. I love you, and I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy."

His words made her heart flutter, and she felt a wave of warmth wash over her. She felt so loved and supported by him, and she couldn't imagine her life without him. She was truly blessed to have him by her side.

"I love you too, Stick." She murmurs, her voice filled with emotion. "So much." She stood on her tiptoes slightly, reaching up to cup his face as she pulled him down for a soft kiss. He hummed against her lips, his arms tightening around her waist. The kiss was tender and loving, filled with all the emotions they were feeling.

He kissed her back eagerly, his eyes closing as his hand tangled into her hair, tilting her head to deepen the kiss. She smiled against his lips, her own hand coming up to cup his jaw, her fingers tracing his skin gently.

They both pulled away after a while, panting slightly as they gazed into each other's eyes. Winnie felt a rush of happiness and contentment, and she knew she was where she was supposed to be, in his arms. They were meant for each other, and she couldn't imagine a life without him.

"Come on, let's cuddle." She grinned, pulling away from him. He grinned back and nodded, following her to the bed.

She climbed onto the bed and he followed her, his arm snaking around her waist and pulling her close. She hummed in content, resting her head on his chest as her hand came up to trace his abs absentmindedly. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his other arm wrapping around her as he held her close.

"I'm so proud of you, Winnie." He murmurs, his fingers tracing circles on her lower back. "You're amazing, and I'm so lucky to have you in my life."

She felt her heart swell with affection, and she nuzzled his chest. "You're so sweet." She mumbles, pressing a kiss to his chest. "You're amazing too, and I'm the lucky one. Thank you for everything."

They stayed like that, wrapped up in each other's arms as they basked in the moment. Winnie knew that whatever challenges life threw at her, she could face them with Stick by her side. They were in this together, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

A/N i love stick & winnie so much