Page 34 of Playing for Keeps
“Yeah, I am,” I assured her.
“It’s such a big part of your life.” She continued. “I don’t want you to do anything that will end up making you unhappy, or…” She paused.
“What?” I asked, my fingers giving her arm a light caress.
“I don’t want you to end up resenting me.” Lifting from the mattress, I rolled her over, my body half covering her. Her hands fell to rest on my waist, and there was that look of sadness and conflict behind her eyes.
“Look at me,” I spoke softly, waiting for her gaze to meet mine. “There is nothing in this world more important to me than you and Sofia. The life we are going to build together, that’s what matters now.” She heard me, but I could still see the conflict in her features. “Hannah, you’ve changed my life. What was important just isn’t anymore. You. Sofia. Our family. That’s what matters.”
She smiled, and I knew she finally understood. I would walk through fire for her if that’s what I had to do to ensure our life was blissful, that she was happy. When I asked her to marry me, I swore to her at our wedding that there would never be a day when she was unsafe or unsure of where my heart was. If I had to give up something, I would without a second thought. Lowering down, I kissed her softly, her fingers running up the back of my hair as I rolled my body fully over her. This was where I needed to be, this is where I wanted to be.
Clearing my throat, I sat in the center of the long table, a collection of microphones grouped before me, my father-in-law and coach on one side, with the owner of the team on the other. My eyes scanned the packed room, reporters, teammates, and cameras; it was a spectacle. We waited as everyone started to settle down, my gaze finding my brother in the back of the room with that crooked grin on his face. I had told him my plans daysbefore, and though he wasn’t happy with the news, he, as always, supported me fully.
“Can we come to order?” Coach Marshall spoke in a loud tone, and the room finally grew silent, except for the shutter clicks of the cameras. “We’ve called this press conference for an announcement from Cameron Walters about the upcoming season. I want to ask that you keep your questions until the end.” He looked at me with a nod.
Exhaling, I cleared my throat once more, positioning myself upright.
“As most of you know, I’ve spent my entire professional career playing for the Jaguars, and I’ve loved every moment. The organization is one of the best around, with people in the office who listen to their players.” Pausing, I licked my lips as they had become dry. “Through the seasons I’ve had the honor of meeting, playing, and becoming brothers with some outstanding men, ones I’ll always have close to my heart.”
I gave my brother a grin, then looked at my father-in-law and did the same. Another quick exhale, I returned my eyes to the whole room before me and continued. “I’ve played for a lot of great men in my life, starting with my father. Though I have to say none left an impression on me like Coach Marshall.” I turned to face him. “It’s been an honor to play for him,” I added, and he gave me a grin and a pat on the back.
In that second, any nervousness I held onto faded. I sat up straighter, my voice louder and firmer, and I made my announcement. “I have given this team, this city, my entire heart, and it’s been an honor to call Sandusky home. Living a dream come true each time I suited up for you, I will forever hold that close and tight. Today, with love and pride, I’m announcing my retirement.” The room erupted in questions, chatter, and the sound of a shutter.
“What’s next for you, Cameron?” It was the only question that broke through the chaos. I paused, my lips curling into a grin as I shifted my gaze to the news camera focused on me, knowing Hannah was at home watching.
“A blissful and normal life with my new family.”
