Epilogue
NICA
My husband and I just got married.
I was in a gorgeous knee-length dress with a v-neck and beading. Perfect for a wedding in Turks and Caicos. He wore a gray suit that made him more dashing than ever. Henrik sported a sharp little doggy bowtie and stood as our ringbearer.
We waited a year to officially tie the knot because February in the islands seemed right. Everyone in Oregon knew I was Ryan’s partner from the start. The day after I arrived, we pulled ourselves out of bed to make it to the party on time. He stayed close to me as we weaved among so many new but friendly faces. Both of us were a bit overwhelmed to be in such a spotlight, but by the time we left, we had very good vibes about the new team.
A feeling that only got reinforced as the months went on.
It was a long summer since we didn’t make the playoffs. That gave Ryan and me time to choose our house, remodel it how we wanted, and decorate it to our liking. He left for training camp for several weeks in August. I missed the hell out of him, but I took one week back in Connecticut and spent the rest of the time with my new friends in Portland. All the while, I ran his social media. The head of marketing for the team, Lauren, offered me a job. I held out until the start of the season, a little superstitious about getting into something just to leave again.
Oh, but the day Ryan came home from contract negotiations.
It was just before the opening preseason games. He staggered in, glassy-eyed, and whispered a number that sounded fake.
“No, Nica. It’s real .”
My mouth opened and closed. “Well. I guess I won’t mind when you buy me pretty things with money like that.”
He just laughed.
And now, in front of family and old and new friends, I watched my husband pull off his glasses and lean in as the officiant said, “Kiss the bride.”
Whoops and cheers floated up and mingled with the shushing waves behind us. We faced all our favorite people hand-in-hand.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Molloy!”