Epilogue
Every day I spend with Julie and Lennox is a gift. I know this. I’m hoping I can get her to agree to marry me. She thought I was joking that day she picked me up from practice, but I wasn’t. The woman is my dream come true, and the need to lock her down is driving me batty.
It’s homecoming night for the school, and I’ve got a big production for the half-time festivities. It will embarrass her to be called down to the fifty-yard line, but by God, I’m going to make sure everyone knows she’s mine. Including her.
Lennox has helped me every step of the way. He is all Team Aaron, and I’m glad about it. The kid is my mini-me, and I love having him around.
Tonight is no different. I promised he could be with me down on the field and in the locker room. He’s been a staple at the games.
“Coach, are you nervous?” Nick, my quarterback, comes up and looks at the ring in my hand.
Lennox beams up at me and rolls his eyes. “Dad shouldn’t be. He’s only rehearsed this like a million times.”
Nick laughs and fist-pumps Lennox.
“Yes, this is a big step in my relationship.”
The kid has his eyes set on one beautiful young girl, but she doesn’t even know he’s alive. I’ve told him multiple times to ask her out. He doesn’t and always tells me that he has to prove he’s worthy of her time. The kid is romantic, and I love it. He’s the one who came up with the song idea for the band to play for me.
“You got this, Coach. Go get your woman.” He pats me on the shoulder like a father would a son, and I almost choke up. I should be doing this for him, not the other way around.
With a quick nod, Lennox and I walk out onto the football field, and my heart goes directly to my throat. The sports announcer calls for Julie to meet us on the field. God, if she says no, I may die. The voice in my head chuckles. She’d never refuse.
That’s right. Over my dead body. I’ve learned that I’m obsessive, possessive, and a bit stalkerish of my woman. It’s alright, though; she loves it. Well, alright, she doesn’t know that I track her phone or anything else. I’ll come clean after she marries me. Maybe.
The second she sees me, she hugs me. “Are you alright, A-bear? Is something wrong?” As she looks at me, Lennox pulls her back a little.
“Stand here, Mom.” He’s such a bossy thing. It’s funny seeing him being like me.
“No, Sugar Plum. Everything is fine.”
After kissing her softly, I get down on one knee. She closes her eyes for a moment.
“What are you doing?” She doesn’t sound mad or upset. Thank goodness.
“I’m about to ask you to be my wife.”
Julie’s eyes go wide, and her hands clasp together over her mouth.
“It’s been a long time coming, Sugar Plum. I’ve made you wait for years, and I can’t do it any longer. You’ve helped me grow, change, and become a better man. Not for you alone but for everyone in my life. Without you, I am nothing. You are my everything, and it would be my honor and privilege to be your husband.”
Showing her the ring, I watch tears roll down her cheeks. “Will you marry me, Julie?”
There’s not a moment of hesitation as she extends her left hand to me, and I slide the ring onto her finger. “Yes. I love you so much, Aaron.”
I stand up and pull her into a hug as the crowd goes wild. “I love you beyond words, Ju-Ju. You and Lennox are my everything.”
She kisses me before I can kiss her, and I chuckle into her mouth. “Hush and kiss me, dang it.” Her demand fuels me as I let our lips lock and tongues dance. Knowing I have my girl and son for the rest of our lives is all that I need.
Well, alright. It wouldn’t hurt to win tonight’s game, but that’s trivial compared to having my future wife by my side.
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