Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 35017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
I know when Rich first taught me how to defend and protect myself, it gave me inner strength. It helped me come out of my shell more, and I want to give that to other girls out there that need it. Both Rich and I have become deeply involved in the program, and we want to expand it, but it takes a lot of attention and time. It’s another one of the reasons Rich decided to retire.
“The sooner you get the KO, the sooner all of your focus can once again be on me.” Behind me I hear his manager say it’s time to go. I can hear people already chanting his name.
Rich gives me a kiss before hugging Teddy and Willa. The men bump fists. King’s hand comes down on Rich’s shoulder as he leans in and talks to him. Rich nods, taking in whatever he is saying.
After that night Rich had slipped out of bed and returned early the next morning, things had shifted. The men were closer and not at each other's throats anymore. Over the years, everyone has settled in. It’s difficult not to when everyone is now having babies. It has knitted us together in ways I didn’t know were possible.
My whole life I hated my father, but in the end he was the one that had indirectly led me here. I jumped off that boat and right into Rich’s arms. That man catches me every time. There is such freedom in knowing the people around you love you. That you don’t have to worry about each word you say or the things you do. In the end, we’re all still there for each other. We are family by choice.
I pull the hood over Rich’s head before he takes me by the hand to lead me down the tunnel. When I hear a roar from the crowd, I know the cameras are on us. At the end of the tunnel, Rich stops, and I push his hood back off before he leans down and kisses me.
I smile against his mouth when I hear the roar from the crowd again, only this time they’re shouting Dolly. It’s what everyone started to call me when Rich’s MMA career blew up. It only took them once to overhear him call me dollface, and it grew from there.
Rich runs toward the ring as the rest of the family follows to join me. We are led to an area for all of us to hang out. I sit down between Willa and Teddy. No matter how many of these fights I have been to, I still get nervous.
Teddy reaches over and slides her hand into mine, giving me a reassuring smile.
“He’s got this.” Willa bumps her shoulder with mine. I nod in agreement with her. Even King leans over and gives my shoulder a squeeze.
The bell rings, and off they go. Rich’s manager asked him if he could give it a few rounds, wanting to give the crowd a show. This is pay-per-view, and people paid money to watch the fight. It was a stupid question for him to ask. Rich isn’t here to put on a show like a lot of the other fighters. A lot don’t even do the smack talk with him anymore at weigh-ins.
Not after the time one of them made a remark about me. That ended up being Rich’s longest fight to date. Rich had toyed with him in the ring a few rounds before he knocked him out. I think he might have broken a few things on him as well. He wasn't letting the man off easy. Since then, no one says anything about me.
It doesn’t take long before Rich’s opponent is down for the count. We’re all on our feet cheering and jumping around. The arena booms with cheers, making me smile. I glance around at all the people.
Years ago this would have sent me into a panic. It’s amazing what time and love can do for you and your soul. All of us are hugging each other.
When I turn back, I almost run right into Rich. “What are you doing?” I laugh. He swings me up into his arms.
“Why are you jumping all around?” He doesn’t look happy even though he just won.
“Shut up and kiss me,” I order him.
Rich lays claim to my mouth in a deep kiss before carrying me out. He takes me back to our marked-off area where Eden and Jack are now with all of our little ones. Rich puts me back onto my feet.
“Daddy wins!” Our daughter claps, running toward us. Rich scoops her up into his arms.
I watch everyone talking and teasing each other. Our kids are running around playing together. They are more like brothers and sisters than cousins.
“You’re going out undefeated,” King says, and I can see how proud he is of Rich.