Epilogue Part Two
Chrissy
Standing on the field, watching the red and black confetti rain down on us along with the snow, I don’t feel cold. All the warmth I need is radiating from Rome’s smile. I watch as he observes our little family, his eyes sparkling when they land back on me.
Rome met my parents back in August, and it was perfect. Dad puts me in for the running as Rome’s biggest fan. Rome’s dad is exactly as I pictured he would be, maybe more loving than Rome described. The way he looks at his son makes my heart sing. Rome doesn’t have his mom, but he has a dad who loves and adores him with every fiber of his being. All Rome wants to do is provide for his dad, and ease his aching bones. I’m glad he was able to afford to take time off work to come here.
“So, can I say ‘I told you so’ yet?” Gwen asks while nudging my arm.
“What do you mean?” I ask without looking away from a beaming Rome.
“I told you time and time again that Rome was more than you wanted him to be. It’s written all over your face.” She squeezes my cheeks like Mom would, and I laugh.
“Yeah, yeah, you were right, okay?”
“Thank you very much. Remember me when you become a rich football player’s wife. Don’t go replacing me,” she teases.
“Please, I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Ash steps up and props his elbow on Gwen’s head, making her chuckle.
“Cough it up, girly.” He holds out his hand.
“What do you want?” I ask with a playful eye roll.
“You owe me five bucks,” he tells me.
“Since when?”
“Since that bet we made in my bedroom. Remember?”
“We never made a bet,” I say with a smile.
“It was an implied bet. I told you that you two would end up together. Look at you now.”
Rome pulls me into his chest, placing a kiss on the top of my head.
“Make him pay, he’ll be making the big bucks soon.” I direct Ash toward Rome, who only smiles in response.
“If he’s paying up, he owes me buckets of that damn yogurt!” Max cuts in, and we all laugh.
“Who knew being in this family was so damn expensive,” Rome remarks with an amused expression.
“I’ll chip in as well. Now that I know what I want to do after I graduate.”
“You made a decision?” Rome asks while looking down at me.
“I have, and I have you to thank for it.”
I always wanted to help people, but I didn’t know who or where I would do that. After working with Rome, I know for certain that I don’t want to work with football players. My direction in life is leading me elsewhere.
“I’m going to work with teenagers and young adults. Those with self-image issues. I can relate to them, and I think I can make a positive impact.”
Rome cups my face and rests his forehead against mine. With a loving smile, he says, “No matter where you go, your light will shine. You make a positive impact everywhere you go. Never forget that, Wildflower.”
Without another thought, I kiss him, pouring my love and passion for him into my touch. He picks me up and spins me around. I chuckle, and we both smile against one another’s lips. The confetti stops raining down onto the field, but the snow doesn’t stop.
Rome and I hold each other’s gaze, and as if the universe wanted to prove me wrong again, Rome asks me something that leaves me speechless.
“After we graduate, and if I get drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, will you come with me? You, me, and Korra. Maybe the others will follow. We’ll be closer to our parents, and we’ll be together. What do you think?”
Butterflies swirl in my stomach. If I was trying to play it cool, well, let’s just say there’s a reason I don’t play poker.
“Seriously?” I ask with the biggest smile I’ve ever had spread across my face.
“Yes—”
“Yes! A thousand times, yes!” I kiss him repeatedly, laughing when I feel his own smile against my lips.
I don’t know where the future will take us. The others may not follow, but I know we won’t drift apart. One thing is for sure, though, Rome and I will be together.
In the end, that’s all I’ve ever wanted.