Page 82 of Unexpected Pass

Welcome Baby Barnes!

“Is this our baby shower?” She slapped my arm in shock.

“Yes, it is!

“Surprise!” our family called out, making their way down the stairs as theVoguephotographer snapped pictures.

“You… you threw me a surprise baby shower?” She barely got it out through her sobs.

“And proposed.” I grinned. “Had to remind you who your man is. I told you on day one this was our fairytale, baby.”

“The best fairytale ever.” She laughed through her tears asVogue’slead editor approached us with her camera crew trailing just behind her.

“Kellon, Phileigh, congratulations. Everything is absolutely beautiful. The proposal? Chef’s kiss,” she said, smiling. “We’d love to get a few shots over by the floral arch for the piece and then maybe a few with Jazmine.”

“You calledVogue?” Phileigh glanced at me in disbelief.

“Exclusive spread.” I shrugged. “Figured this was going to make the tabloids anyway. Might as well tell it our way.”

She shook her head, looking overwhelmed. “You’re unreal. I’m going to be inVogue!”

“You sure are, beautiful.” The editor smiled as we made our way over to the window where the floral arch was.

We posed for a few photos. I kissed her forehead in one shot and cradled her belly in another. “These are perfect. We’re going to grab a few candid photos, and then we’ll let you two enjoy the rest of your big night. Someone will be in touch for the interview later.” I nodded as Phileigh thanked the photographers.

“To Kellon and Phileigh!”Cheers erupted in the air as champagne glasses clinked together.

I thought winning the Super Bowl would be the highlight of my life, but then I walked Phileigh down that candlelit path tonight and made her my fiancée, and I knew nothing I’d ever accomplished could top this.

“I have something to say!” Braelon stood up from the crowd, and I sighed.

I didn’t know whose idea it was to start doing speeches, but we needed to wrap it up. I dropped my head knowing this nigga was about to air me out in front of everybody. He cleared his throat and hit his glass with a spoon.

“Aight, aight! Y’all know me. I don’t usually do speeches, but this ain’t just any night.” He glanced at me. “This is my boy’s transformation.”

Some people chuckled, but he wasn’t joking.

“I’ve known KB since before the cleats and contracts. I knew the version of him that ran from anything too deep, that didn’t open up, stayed in the house, and stayed to himself. You know? The type of nigga that pops out engaged and expecting a child overnight. Phileigh…” He turned to her. “Sis, you’ve gave him peace and purpose.”

He paused. “And to my godson, you already got a father who would burn this whole world down behind you, and that’s a flex, kid.”

The crowd clapped. I dapped Braelon up hard when he sat down. He tried to play it cool, but I knew he was choked up too. Then Mr. and Mrs. Read stood, and my chest tightened.

“I’ve always wanted Phileigh to have the storybook fairytale romance… marriage then a baby. Clearly, that’s not the way your story has played out, and now, I see it’s not about the order but the journey. I’ve watched my baby girl glow these last few months. She’s more herself now than she’s ever been. And you, Kellon, that’s because of you. Thank you for showing her what real love is. I’m so proud of y’all.”

They walked over to us and gave us hugs. Mr. Read dapped me up and told me I’d done good. Their relationship with Phileigh still had a long way to go, but it was moving in the right direction.

“Room for one more!” My mother clinked her glass, and all eyes turned in her direction. I already knew she was coming. My mama wasn’t about to be left out.

“Okay… umm…” She was already crying. “I prayed for this day… for my boy to find a woman who challenged him and loved him unconditionally. I used to tell him all the time to find a woman who loves Kellon Barnes, not KB. Phileigh, baby, you’re everything I wanted for him and more.”

She turned to me, pointing her champagne flute.

“And you, Kellon Barnes, better treat her right every single day. You hear me?”

“Loud and clear, Ma,” I said, and everyone laughed as she made her way over to hug us.

“We want a speech from the groom-to-be!” someone in the crowd shouted. I was sure it was Lolo.

---