The grand ballroom was buzzing with anticipation. The final and most prestigious award of the night—the National Collegiate Baseball Most Valuable Player—was about to be announced.
Nova sat at the head table, the crystal chandelier casting a warm, golden glow over the immaculate setting. Her hand was firmly enveloped in Jax's, his thumb absently stroking her knuckles beneath the tablecloth.
"Nervous?" Jax murmured, leaning close so only she could hear over the low din of conversation.
"A little," Nova admitted, taking a small sip of her sparkling water. "It's been a long season. And an even longer week."
"You earned this," Jax said, his voice absolute and unwavering. "Every single bit of it."
On the grand stage, the League Commissioner approached the podium, a sealed golden envelope i
