Page 35 of Rushing Her: Seattle, Westerners
“Brayden, that would put you out in the open to be tackled. We don’t want to risk you getting hurt.”
“I’m okay. I can take it. Want to do it, Bennett?”
He nods, and we smack hands.
As we move toward the field to take possession, we need to get in range for the play to work. After a couple of runs, we are first down on their thirteen-yard line. This is our chance to go for it.
Brogan calls the play, and we all get into position. I’m lined up at the line of scrimmage, next to the offensive tackle, as if I’m about to block for another tight end to take the run or for the possibility that Brogan will go for it himself. When the ball is snapped, I engage the line for a two count, then roll to the outside, waiting for Brogan’s lateral pass to me. I catch the toss as he and a few other linemen scurry in front of me to block. When we get close, Brogan drops back, and I lateral to him, taking over as his blocker. We make it into the end zone, where I’m finally tackled, but we got the score.
Jumping up, I cheer as the stadium erupts into chaos, but the people going crazy for me on the Jumbotron lifts my heart and cancels out any pain from the tackle. This season has been unbelievable. I’m taking more risks and feel like I’m a part of a team for once.
Rallying everyone to the line, the extra point is good, and we now lead the Rattlers by ten points.
Walking into my home, my arm around Alexandra, I’m excited, exhausted, and ready to celebrate. Everyone is here. T.K. and Brea are waiting for us. The caterer that Alexandra insisted on hiring has food already set out on the tables, as our family mingles around.
“Congratulations,” several people say as I cuddle Alexandra in my arms in front of me. Tonight will be more than just a surprise for our family. It’s for us, too. I’ve come up with a plan for my sweet Lexi.
“Thank you, everyone, for being here and celebrating our win today. Sorry you couldn’t see it, T.K.” I joke with him, and he just shakes his head. He’s holding his little girl Alexis, who is dressed all in pink. She’s tucked into his arm as if she were the football he’s protecting from everyone. “Alexandra and I asked you all to come because we have an announcement.” I look down at my girl, and she nods, permitting me to reveal our news. “A couple of weeks ago, we had the anatomical ultrasound, and they were able to determine the sex of all three babies.” Again, I pause, not wanting to steal this moment from our girl. “To share with you all, we thought of something fun to do. Brea, Joanne, and Mom, you each are being handed a box.” Raven passes them out. “Mom, you have baby A’s. Open it.” My mother opens the box, and inside is a tiny football jersey with his name on the back—Tristan.
“Oh, my goodness, another grandson,” my mom exclaims, and everyone cheers.
“Okay, Grandma King…Joanne, you have baby B’s. Open yours.” Alexandra’s mom removes the lid, and again, a football jersey with the name Bowie on the back.”
She squeals, “Another boy,” and we all rejoice.
“Finally, you have the last box, Brea. You can open yours.” She does, and everyone takes bets that it’s finally a girl, but shepulls out another jersey, and this one has the name Jett on the back.
“All boys,” Brea giggles. “You’ll have to come hang out with me to get girly-time, Alex.” The women all laugh.
“Well, it’s good to see that my family will have honor in this birth, too,” T.K. chuckles, and I stare at him, confused. “My brother’s name is Tristan.” He full-belly laughs, and I pull my girl around to look at me.
“Did you know this?”
“Well, yeah,” she chuckles.
“That’s it, we are changing baby A’s name. How about Brayden junior?” Everyone loses it, but I’m serious. I don’t want my son named after T.K.
“It’s not being named after T.K.Youpicked that name. It’ll be okay,” Alexandra says and slides her palm against my cheek. I calm instantly.
Gazing down at her, I can’t hold back anymore.
“This is why you’re perfect for me, Alexandra.” I slowly drop to one knee in front of her and everyone who has gathered. “I’ve asked you before, and you told me it was too soon, but I don’t care about that. It’s time for us, finally.” I pull from my pocket a large pear-shaped diamond ring, surrounded by smaller brilliant-cut diamonds that wrap along the top of the band. “Will you marry me, Lexi? Make me an honorable man and give our boys my name?”
Alexandra’s hand flies to her mouth, and the ever-present tears flow with her emotions. She nods, but I need the words.
“Say it, baby,” I order.
“Yes,” she chokes out. “Yes, yes, yes.”
I slip the ring on her finger and stand up, lifting her and holding her close to me, while whispering in her ear, “Tonight, you are going to wear that ring and my number as you ride me reverse cowgirl. I need to see my number on your back.”
“Yes,” she moans into my ear, and I take her lips in a fiery kiss as everyone hoots and hollers and yells, “finally”.
We’re shaking hands and accepting congratulations from everyone when T.K. reaches out for my hand. “Good luck in the bowl,” he chuckles, knowing if we make it, we’ll be facing his Settlers because they’ve been playing phenomenally this season, as well.
“Good luck to you, too. By the way, I’ll let you use my boys to protect your little girl.” We both laugh, and for the first time in all the years I’ve known him, it’s possible we could be friends someday.
After everyone is settled or has gone home, I direct my beautiful fiancée to our room. She’s exhausted on her feet, but I also know what she needs. She’s still tied up in her head, staring at her ring as she listens to the rain through the double door leading to our private balcony as it falls on the dark lake outside.
