Epilogue
JJ
Two years later…
“You did it!” Kinsley screams as I envelop her in a hug. She’s bright-eyed, cheeks red, breathless, and has never looked more beautiful. “I’m so proud of you, honey!” she grins, and I lean in, kissing her a bit roughly.
I’m choked up a bit. My nerves, excitement, and every other emotion I could be experiencing are spiraling through me at the moment. The thing that stands out the most, through it all? I’m grateful. I have the love of my life beside me, and I’ve reached the height of my career, all at once.
It’s taken over a decade of working with this team, and the past two years with Kinsley in my life, lighting a new fire underneath me for this to finally happen. We won the Super Bowl! Not only that, but we are the AFC South Champions, and I was awarded the Most Valuable Player.
As it all hits me, I fall to my knees, bowing my head. Tears swim in my vision, but they can’t be stopped. I’m just so damn happy in this moment, I want to feel it all. Take in each sound, smell, taste, and feeling hitting me, commit it to memory, and remember it for the rest of my life.
Kinsley crouches down in front of me in the next beat, her arms wrapping around me, as her head falls to my shoulder. “You okay, honey? You did it, you hear me? You are the greatest man I’ve ever met, on the field and off the field. You have to be proud of yourself, my love.”
My chin raises as I meet her gaze. She has tears in her eyes as well, but they’re different than mine. She’s worried about me. “I’m just so thankful right now. I’ve never been happier before, and I have a feeling it’s all because of you.”
Her brows raise, a tear cascading over her cheek. “You really feel that way about me, right now, in this moment? When you should be thinking about nothing but football?”
I nod. “Of course, you matter most to me. I love you.”
She presses a kiss to my forehead, and it’s sweet. I can see why she likes it so much when I do the same to her. “I love you too.”
I climb to my feet, pulling her with me. I have to go on the small stage in a minute with Coach to get our trophy. Besides, there are too many people around and I don’t want anyone bumping into my woman. I’d never forgive myself if she got hurt.
“Hey, JJ?”
“Yeah, sweetheart?”
“You know that question you asked me at Christmas and I told you I wasn’t ready?”
My head tilts as I think back to the day. How I’d felt spoiled having her with me to celebrate. We’d baked cinnamon rolls together, and her sons stayed with us for a few nights. Mom came up, too, and it all felt pretty magical having the family I always dreamed about. “Yeah, I remember…”
“I’m ready, now.” She says seriously, and my mouth drops open.
“You’ll marry me?”
She nods, her lip trembling. I know it was hard for her to ever think of marriage again after her last, but our lives are different. She’s my person. My one.
“Yes, woohoo!” I scream suddenly, throwing my hands in the air. My teammates copy me, thinking it’s over the game, but it’s so much more.
Joanna McKnight leans in, camera at her back, and laughs, “That’s some serious celebrating you’re doing, JJ Camdon. I’d say this quarterback is happy about winning the Super Bowl.” She holds the microphone toward me.
I tug Kinsley into my side, my arm going over her shoulder. “I’m the happiest man alive. My woman just agreed to marry me!” I laugh, my chest feeling light and warm.
Joanna’s expression changes to surprise, and she offers a genuine smile at both of us. “Wow, Camdon, what a great day. You both deserve all the happiness, congratulations.”
“Thank you!” we both say in unison and then laugh. “I love you, baby,” I press a kiss to her lips, not caring we’re still being filmed at all angles. “Let’s go.” I tug her with me, leaving her next to Mom once I get a quick hug in, then I’m beside Coach.
“I’m proud of you, Camdon! Real damn proud.
” Coach even manages to smile, no doubt thinking of the trophy and shiny Super Bowl ring that comes with our win.
Confetti flies everywhere, while the crowd continues to cheer, chanting my name.
I swear I’m floating on air, but through it all, my eyes land on one woman.
My future wife.
And, in this moment, I know my life will always be full of warmth and love, because Kinsley is my forever.
My happily ever after…