AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The corners of his light blue eyes crinkle as he smiles, that beautiful smile I will never ever tire of making come to life.
I lean over for one more quick kiss and leave him with his team as I make my way to my spot in the middle of the field. I reminisce as I take the mic, waiting for the players to be announced and gather on the sideline before me.
A year ago, I stood in a spot just like this, but it was completely different. I stood before a crowd, needing to let go of one life and have the courage to take up another. I was terrified of the unknown, of the possibility that letting go meant never being whole or loved again.
Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the singing of the National Anthem by Grammy Nominated Best New Artist, Andie Greyson. Please remove your hats and place your hand over your heart.
But there was a pair of blue eyes, wearing number twenty-four that stood just as he does right now, who pushed me to do it. I didn’t know it then, but sometimes that’s all we need. Someone to dare us, but we have to take the leap, to jump to the other side to find out what might be waiting for us there.
At the time, I could’ve never imagined I’d be here. I’ve found unconditional love and partnership I’ve not known. A family of my own and another in Sean’s that Ax and I’ve been welcomed into with open, loving arms. A career that fits me perfectly in a way I could only dream of. A life so full, I can’t possibly ever do enough right to deserve it.
The tapping of the drums fills the stadium as the flag is marched forward and held high. Tears threaten to escape as I take it all in.
I breathe, finding Sean again, his eyes fixed on me, and everything that stirs within me calms. It’s all just as it should be. I smile, watching the corners of his mouth turn up ever so slightly. My love for him overflows.
Josh was my first love, and a piece of my heart will always reside with him. I can’t help but think of him tonight as the flag rises before me, and I know up in one of those boxes way up high, our son is listening, expectantly waiting for me to sing.
Josh sacrificed his life doing what he was born to do, and he loved me until the end. I had to take the leap, but he helped lead me to a new life, all by entering me into a silly little competition that’s somehow led me to exactly where I belong.
