Epilogue #2
Paisley was still impressed with how West managed to be a great husband and father while continuing to lead the Hawthorne Hawks football team to district championships.
He’d even coached the Hawks to two state titles during the last eight years, all while Kelby’s business had flourished.
It had grown so large that she no longer worked from home.
She had an office in Hawthorne and employed a dozen staff members.
Paisley used SSC’s services, having them manage the foundation’s social media accounts and website.
Kelby had also been instrumental in establishing the foundation’s mission statement.
The next few hours passed happily, burgers and hot dogs coming off the grill quickly. The adults made certain the children were all fed first, and then they were allowed to play again while their parents ate.
“Are you ready for the fall election, Mr. Mayor?” West asked Sawyer.
“I’m not doing much campaigning,” her husband replied.
“I’ve been mayor for two years now. People either like what I’ve done—or they don’t.
Based upon that, they’ll vote accordingly.
I’m making myself available. I’m at community functions and happy to answer questions, but as far as running a campaign like a typical politician? ” He shrugged. “That’s not me.”
Paisley slipped an arm about his waist. “And that’s why people will vote for you. Because you’re honest. Transparent. Just an all-around, nice guy.” She kissed him.
“Or they’re voting for me because I have the best wife in the world,” he quipped, kissing her back.
“Hey, it’s almost four,” Jace said. “You don’t want to miss tipoff for the gold medal.”
Team USA was playing the Chinese national team, and Desi was a starter.
“Thanks for the heads up, Jace,” she said. “Honey, will you go find Megan? She really wants to watch Desi play.”
“Will do.” Sawyer stood, brushing a kiss on the top of her head.
“Dad, can we go swimming?” Kate, who already wore her swimsuit, asked West.
“Okay, need some pool volunteers,” West said.
Several of the adults agreed to help. Suddenly, Darby said, Oh, no!”
Every eye turned to her. Her face flamed.
“Jace, people are going to stop inviting us over. Yes, my water broke. Let’s go. We need to tell the kids.”
“I’ll handle that,” Kelby said. “They’re probably already in their swimsuits or playing. You go take care of business and have a terrific baby. The kids can stay here. Overnight if they need to.” She kissed Darby’s cheek.
“You’re the best friend ever, Kel.”
Paisley tried to help in the kitchen, but Summer pushed her out the door, saying, “Go watch Desi. We’ve got this.”
She went to the great room, where the TV was already on the pregame coverage. Megan ran in and sat next to her on the couch. Sawyer came and sat on her other side, draping his arm along the back of the sofa. She leaned into him, still relishing his warmth and scent after years of marriage.
The game began. Several people drifted in and out of the room, but her eyes were riveted on the screen. Her heart raced each time Desi took the ball down the court. Her former player was confident, and it showed. She was running this team like the pro she was.
“Shoot, Desi!” shouted Megan.
Desi did, sinking a three-pointer as the buzzer sounded to end the game.
Her daughter sprang to her feet. “We won! Desi won! USA! USA! USA!”
Those in the great room took up the chant, Megan leading them, a huge grin on her face.
“Quiet!” Sawyer shouted. “Desi’s on.”
Paisley watched with pride as her former player was interviewed by a sportscaster who had been a player herself on the second Olympic team Paisley had belonged to.
“What does this moment mean to you, Desi? Winning your first gold medal?”
“It means everything, Paula. And I wouldn’t be here if not for Paisley Montgomery. She was my coach in high school.”
“Mommy! She said your name!” Megan said excitedly.
“You’re referring to the former Paisley Roberts, who competed in three Olympic games herself, bringing home the gold all three times.”
“That’s right,” Desi said. “Paisley has been the biggest influence in my life. While I’ve played under some really good coaches, my work ethic and how I’ve honed my basketball skills over the years is all thanks to her.
She helped a troubled teen become a basketball star.
She’s worked with me during my college years and my professional career with the Dream.
Paisley encourages me. She inspires me. I’m a better player—and a better person—thanks to her. ”
Desi looked straight into the camera. “And this first gold medal is for you, Coach. I’ll be bringing it to you in Hawthorne soon. But I’ll keep the ones I earn after this.”
Paisley was stunned by Desi’s declaration.
Paula said, “That is a tremendous gesture, Desi, to give your gold medal to someone else.”
“I never would have earned it if not for Paisley.” Desi beamed. “I have plenty of time to rack up a couple more.”
A passing fan handed Desi a US flag, and she held it high. “Team USA forever!” she cried.
By now, tears ran down Paisley’s cheeks.
“Why are you crying, Mommy?” asked Megan. “Are you sad?”
“You don’t always cry because you’re sad, sweetie. Sometimes, you cry because you’re very, very happy. And Mommy is happy and proud now.”
“I can’t wait to see Desi’s gold medal,” Megan declared. “I’m going swimming now.”
Her daughter ran from the room, and Paisley turned to Sawyer. Her husband framed her face with his large hands.
“That’s incredibly thoughtful of Desi to give you so much credit. And her gold medal.”
“I can’t take it from her,” she protested. “She’s the one who earned it. Not me.”
“Take it. At least, for now. She wants you to have it. And not having it herself motivates her to set a goal to claim another one.” Sawyer smiled. “You can always give it back to her eventually.”
“I could,” she agreed as his thumbs wiped away her tears.
“I’m proud of you, Paisley. Proud of all your accomplishments. Proud of what a terrific mother you are. But most of all, I’m proud we’re in this together. We’ve built a satisfying life and family so far.”
She smiled at him. “And we’ll keep on doing what we both love. We’re good together, Sawyer. I love being your wife and the mom to our kids. I love what we have. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”
“Some challenges. Some fun. And a whole lot of love,” he told her.
Her husband kissed her, and contentment—as well as love—flowed through Paisley. Her heart belonged to Hawthorne and this incredible man. She didn’t know what their future might hold, only that they would face it together.
And live the best years of their lives in love.