Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“Hell yeah,” Knox says, nodding at me.
“Thank you all for your never-ending support through all of this. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“That’s what family does,” Corie says, smiling at me. “Do you know what else family does?” she asks.
No one answers her, so I do. “What?”
“They give presents, and surprises,” she says, practically vibrating in her seat.
“Are you trying to tell me you have a surprise present for me?” I chuckle at her enthusiasm.
“Nope, but I know someone who does.” Her grin goes wider as she winks dramatically at her brother.
“Core, what part of surprise do you not get?” my husband asks, an amused smirk playing on his lips.
“I understand just fine. However, you’re taking forever,” she groans.
I turn to look at Landry. “You have a surprise for me?”
“I do.” He reaches out and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “You want to see it?”
“That’s like asking a kid if they want ice cream for dinner. Yes.” I nod. “I want to see it.”
He pushes back from the table and stands. “I’ll be right back,” he says, walking out of the room.
I glance at my sister-in-law. “I need a hint.”
“Nope.” She dramatically zips her mouth closed.
“Now she wants to be quiet.” Baker laughs.
“Roe, close your eyes!” Landry calls out.
I do as he says, shutting my eyes, wondering what in the world he has for me this time. My husband likes to spoil me, so it’s hard to tell what he’s come up with. Although, he doesn’t usually give me gifts with our entire family here.
“Open,” he says.
Slowly, I blink them open and find Landry holding a puppy. A red golden retriever puppy, who looks so damn soft and fluffy. “A puppy?” I ask, not sure I’m understanding. Did he buy me a dog?
“Yeah. You said you always wanted one growing up, so now you have one. I know it’s going to be tough while we’re on the road with the team during the season, but we have some time before we have to think about that.”
“You can always bring him to my place. If it’s a week I have Cam, the nanny can help. Mrs. Ward would love it,” Baker offers.
“What are you going to name him?” Landry asks.
“Phoenix,” I say, my voice cracking. “He’s hope for the future, and a symbol of rising from the ashes and working through the flames.”
“Crying at dinner was not on my bingo card,” Sloane says, wiping at her eyes.
“Phoenix, go say hi to Mommy,” Landry coos at the dog.
I take the tiny puppy into my arms and snuggle him. He’s so soft, and warm, and utterly adorable. “I can’t believe he’s mine.”
“Hey, Roe, can you tell your husband you want a Lamborghini?” Reid asks.
“What?” I turn to look at him. “I don’t want a Lamborghini.”
“I know, but I do, and we can do some trading. You know he’ll buy you anything you want.” Reid smirks.
I point my index finger at him. “No cars for you, young man,” I playfully scold, and everyone bursts into laughter, even little Cam is grinning because we are.
There have been so many low moments in my life. There were times when I wasn’t sure it was worth fighting to move forward, but I kept pushing, and it brought me here. For the first time, I feel like I have a home, a family, and a future I can’t wait to live every moment of.
Epilogue Landry
Landry
I fall to my knees as soon as I step into the end zone. With thirty seconds left on the play clock, my walk over that solid white line just secured our win. We’re league champs for the second year in a row.
I barely have time to catch my breath when my teammates pile on top of me.
“Let’s fucking go!” Reid’s yelling as he barrels into me, slapping his hands against my helmet.
Foster wraps his arms around me and lifts me into the air, spinning me around like I’m a toddler. When he finally puts me back on my feet, Baker is there to lift me next. He bounces me in his arms as if he’s holding his son, before dropping me back to my feet.
I love my team, and I’m fucking stoked that we won the league championship for the second year in a row, but what I need right now is my wife. Pushing through my teammates, reporters, and everyone else who gets in my way, I search for her. The field is packed, but I catch sight of her blonde hair. Cameras and microphones are shoved into my face, but I ignore them. There’s confetti sticking to my skin, but I pay no attention.
“Landry!” I turn my head to see my sister and Knox working their way through the crowd to get to me. When they’re close enough, Corie releases her husband to hug me. “I’m so proud of you,” she says, tears in her eyes. “You did it! Two years in a row!” She’s shouting because you have to in order to be heard, but I also think she’d be shouting regardless. She’s smiling so wide, I fear her face might crack.