And what a great life this is.
Steve’s other teammates come up and congratulate both of us. Derek joins us on the field as well and Steve introduces him into the microphone as his best friend, Felicity’s uncle, my uncle, his future brother-in-law, and the future coach of the college team.
The crowd goes wild again and Derek smiles sheepishly. But I can tell he’s happy. He deserves to be, after all that he’s done for me throughout the years.
After that, Steve, Felicity and I make our way back to the locker room where we can celebrate in private. I call Janice and give her the news.
“Yes!” she says. “I’m so happy for you. But I already knew, because I was watching the game in my dorm. That’s such an amazing way for him to propose. But I would expect nothing less from Steve!”
“Thanks,” I tell her. “Seriously, thanks again for everything. I could never be able to repay you.”
“You already have,” she says, “by being happy. As my best friend, that’s all I want for you. And for little CiCi!”
That’s the nickname she’s given to Felicity. She still sees her pretty often but now she’s back in college, feeling better about her ability to focus on finishing it all up now that she successfully helped me birth Felicity and got me through those early newborn days before reuniting me with Steve.
I’ve been taking classes virtually while living with him in New York. I should finish my degree in a couple years, and then we’ll work on making that sibling for Felicity, which we’ll name after Derek.
“Okay, I’ll see you soon,” I tell her. “Study hard. And happy Valentine’s Day!”
“Well, single people like me don’t really celebrate that,” she says. “But things might be looking up in that department…”
“Oh yeah?” I ask, happy to hear that she may have found someone at long last.
She’s always been picky about who she dates— and for good reason. Janice is an amazing person with so much to offer someone. And she’s gorgeous, too.
“Maybe. Fingers crossed. I’ll tell you more about it later. When you’re not busy celebrating your brand-new engagement and your fiancé winning the Super Bowl again.”
“Okay, my fingers will stay crossed. Talk soon!” I say and then hang up.
My fiancé.
The word feels so good to think about. And the big, shiny diamond ring looks so amazing on my finger. I can’t help but stare at it for a second longer before putting my phone back in my pocket.
Today is certainly a memorable and magical day because all my dreams have come true. Not only has Steve won the Super Bowl again but things have completely worked out between all of us. I have my family and I'm complete.
My brother is okay with our relationship. Steve has repaired his friendship with him. Our daughter is growing and is very happy.
And now I'm going to get married to the man of my dreams. I never in a million years thought that would be possible. To think it all started with that one hot night at my graduation party that was only supposed to end there because it was also Steve’s going away party and we thought there was no way Derek would let us be together.
I was right to always feel that there had always been some sort of deep connection between Steve and me. I'm glad that I never truly gave up on it. Deep down, I always hoped that things would work out and resolve themselves. Now I'm glad that they have.
Felicity and I wait outside the locker room because Steve has to shower and change and grab his stuff.
"I'll be right back out," Steve says.
He kisses my cheek and walks inside to change his clothes. I can hear his teammates and his coach cheering and congratulating him. We wait for a few minutes until Derek comes to join us and stands beside us.
"Wow! So this has been a pretty exciting day!” he remarks.
"Yes, it sure has been for everyone," I reply,smiling.
He reaches for Felicity.
"I'll take her to go get something to eat and that way you and Steve can have a few minutes alone together," he says.
I hand her over to him.
She fusses a bit, but I say, "Go with Uncle Derek. You'll be fine.”