41. Rocky
forty-one
Rocky
June
A couple of weeks ago, my beautiful girlfriend gave me the best gift anyone could ever ask for. After a long and grueling twenty-one hours of labor, our son Romeo Rocky Savage was born two weeks early. Six pounds and fourteen inches long he was born at 5:09am on June 8, 2024. His gray eyes match mine, and he has his mommy’s dark hair and complexion.
Montana was a rockstar through his whole delivery. It took her three hours to push out his head then after his head the rest of his body came out in eight minutes. I got to cut his umbilical cord, and even though I thought I was going to pass out, it was so special, and I’m so glad that I was here by her side for it all.
We turned the second room in our home into his nursery. Before Romeo was born, we had a contractor come in and create the nursery Montana envisioned. The wooden accent wall with lantern lights lining the back wall where we have a light gray crib in the middle. His first and middle name are in a round wall art with mountains underneath. The creamy walls that make up the rest of the room have pictures of his grandparents that Montana made with angel wings and him between them as if they were still here. There are pictures of everyone who loves him hanging on the walls so he can always see them.
Today is the day of the draft. We traveled as a family to California for the it and was pretty easy especially with a baby. Romeo just slept most of the way. When I say family, I meant my entire family.
I think Montana really wanted to come because she really wants to finish her list and go to Disneyland.
The draft is taking place at a hotel in Anaheim. The setup is very nice. A lot of people have come, but I know some players stayed home as well. I see Ian Maye and Devontez Walker from the University of North Carolina with their families. Jacob McCarthy is also here from the Michigan Wolverines too. We catch up while Montana changes Romeo.
“Congrats on the baby,” Devontez says.
“Thanks, man. It’s so surreal. I’m so in love with him.” I smile as I think about my son.
“We heard about what happened to your girl, and we’re all glad to hear she’s okay,” Jacob says.
“Thank you. That means a lot,” I reply.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we would like for everyone to take their seats so the National Football League can start the 2024 draft,” the commissioner says.
We all take our seats and I’m looking for Montana. She hasn’t returned yet and I’m starting to panic. My parents are sitting to the left of me, and they see the panic written all over my face.
“Baby, she’s okay. I promise. She’ll be here shortly,” Mom says.
I blow out the air I’m holding because I don’t think I can physically handle it if something happens to my girl or son.
The NFL commissioner comes on stage to announce the first team that will have the first pick of the draft.
“Tonight, I would like to welcome all of you here. It’s never easy to sit and wait for your name to be called. If you are here, you have talent, remember that. Some will have to fight harder to earn your spot on the team. Look at Brock Purdy with the San Francisco 49ers. They called him Mr. Irrelevant. But he’s one hell of a quarterback who fought and played hard to be where he is.”
Everyone starts clapping because he’s right. Brock Purdy is one hell of a player. He is respected throughout this community and has fans all around who know his story.
“Tonight, we’re honoring a dear friend of mine and many of yours in here tonight. Romeo Taylor. In July of 2022, Romeo and his wife Tatiana were in a fatal car crash. They left behind their beautiful daughter Montana Taylor.” A picture of Montana displays on the stage screen, and he continues, “Montana and her boyfriend Rocky Savage just had a baby.”
The applause continues as they show a picture of the three of us.
“Romeo was one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and one of the greatest humans. He started a pop warner team in his area. He also owned the Minnesota Vikings, with his brother, Atlas. People all over the country mourned the loss of Romeo and Tatiana. Usually, he would come out to announce their pick of the draft, but tonight in his place, we are incredibly honored to have a special guest. Tonight, with the first pick of the 2024 draft, please help us welcome Montana Taylor and little Romeo Savage of the Minnesota Vikings.”
Wait, did they just say Montana? As in my Montana? What is she doing up there? What is going on and how come I didn't know about this?
I look over at my parents and they’re smiling back at me as everyone stands up to clap for my girl and our son walking on stage. She’s wearing a short black sequin skirt with a green lace top with a white underlay. She also has on her high-top Converse’s that Autumn got her with my number on them. As she’s walking, I see little Romeo in a jersey that has Savage written on the back. He's asleep in her arms. I don’t know how that boy could sleep through this.
She gets up to the podium and smiles at me. God, I love this woman. Her new curves drive me fucking wild.
“Thank you, everyone. I would also like to thank everyone who has reached out over the years. I appreciate it more than you know. Tonight, I get the honor of announcing the first overall pick of the 2024 Draft. The Minnesota Vikings have selected Rocky Savage of Stonebridge University.”
Everyone starts to clap, and I stand and hug my family before I walk to the stage. Montana is smiling and Atlas walks up with a jersey with Savage written on the back. I kiss my girl and my son before walking to the podium to speak.
“I would like to thank my mom and dad for getting me here today. Without them, I wouldn’t be the man, father, and football player I am. My little sister Autumn for supporting me and coming to almost every single game. All the coaches throughout my life who have worked with me to be the best player and helped me reach my full potential. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my girlfriend Montana for supporting me in everything that has happened in the last year. Minnesota I will continue to bring my best. Thank you.”
I smile and walk off stage with my little family.