Chapter 41

“I came to get my girl,” he said.

The words fell off of his tongue like sweet honey. His girl. That had to be the sexiest thing he has ever said.

“Your girl? When did I become your girl?” I asked, breathing heavy.

He lifted my chin and rubbed his thumb on my lips.

“You’ve always been my girl. Even when you were someone else’s. I’ve always loved you and I always will,” he said.

He leaned in and I knew he was going to kiss me.

“Kee,” I said, softly and with no will power left.

“Can I please,” he begged, rubbing my lips once more.

A magnetic energy pulled him towards me and I let down my guard. Our lips softly touched.

“How does this work though?” I asked.

“Well that’s what I came to tell you. I stay about three hours from here now,” he said.

“Huh? How? Why?” I asked.

“I was drafted by the Tennessee Titans, Brees. I live here now,” he said.

“Are you serious? Oh my gosh, Keegan! Congratulations!” I screamed, wrapping my arms around his neck.

He lifted me onto the counter, so that we were eye level.

“So now, back to you being my girl. Is that something you can do for me?” He asked.

I nodded without hesitation. I pulled him towards me by his hoodie strings and kissed him deeply.

“I love you so much Keegan Patts. I always have,” I said.

“I am done letting fear run me away from this. I want this and I’m going to make this work. I need you, Squirt,” he said, kissing my forehead.

We sat in an embrace for a while. Then I remembered I was leaving tomorrow to head back to Louisiana.

“Kee, I leave for home tomorrow. I planned to spend the summer in Kentwood,” I said.

“Don’t go. Come back with me. I start training camp in a month. You and I can spend time together getting to know one another again. Then spend the rest of that time back home. We can head out in the morning,” he suggested.

I pondered on it. He did say we shouldn’t live in fear of us anymore and he was right.

“Yes!” I said.

“Yeah? Really? Brees, this makes me so happy. We are doing this. We are going to make this work. Our love is stronger than any distance could ever put between us. I’m so in love with you,” he said, kissing me again.

We spent the next month in his beautiful condo. I decided to enroll in online classes while I was in my off season of softball, so that I could stay with him longer and go to his home games. It was so much fun watching my guy on the field.

At the end of the school year, everyone came up for my graduation. Keegan was there too. It felt good to have everyone around me. Even Cy, Casey and Wren made it out. We had dinner at Keegan’s place. He had a beautiful deck area with a long table that fit everyone.

He stood to get everyone’s attention and I knew it was speech time in my honor.

“Everyone first off, welcome to our home,” he started.

Did he say OUR, as in mine and his?

“I am so proud of Brees. She was able to support me during my rookie season and end her senior year as MVP and top of her class. This woman is so incredible. I’m not sure how I spent four years without her in my life,” he said.

I smiled at him. This toast was embarrassing. It was telling. He was expressing his feelings for me, in front of our loved ones.

“I don’t ever want to spend another day without her. So with Dante’s blessing and Missy’s retail expertise, I am asking you Brees James Hamlin, will you spend every night with me for the rest of your life?” He asked.

I think the question went over my head because I sat silently for a while. The room had turned its attention to me.

“Brees? Will you marry me?” He asked, pulling out a beautiful engagement ring.

“Kee… oh my gosh. Yes. A thousand times, yes!” I screamed.

I almost tripped, getting over to him. He slipped the emerald and diamond ring onto my finger. I kissed him, and kissed him. The room erupted in applause and cheers. I looked over to see my mom and Ms. Kyren, crying.

“Finally you will be my brother-in-law,” Baylen said, hugging Keegan.

“It’s about time, Kee P.,” Casey said, kissing his cheek.

We celebrated the rest of the night with our family and friends. I was ready to start my life as an NFL wife. 9-year-old me would be screaming if she had known this outcome. I couldn’t be happier that I was marrying Keegan Patts.