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Wrenley sucked in a fast breath and was silent long enough for it to become awkward. But before I could smooth it over, she said, “I like the sound of your voice too.”
“I’m glad. Because you’re going to hear it a lot.”
“Um…so, do you want to know the answer to the joke?”
“Lay it on me, baby.”
“So it starts with What do you call a person who walks back and forth screaming one minute, then sits down weeping uncontrollably the next? And the answer is a football coach.”
Laughter exploded from my chest and sucked the air from my lungs. Tears leaked from my eyes, and I had to bend over and put a hand on my knee to try to take a breath.
Wrenley chuckled. “I liked that one, but I didn’t expect you to bust a gut over it.”
“It’s funny because it’s true,” I choked out before laughing heartily again. Then I pleaded, “Don’t ever tell Coach Gary I said that.”
“My lips are sealed,” she responded with a giggle.
I had been leaning against the wall in the hallway, so I pushed off it and made my way to the den, where I stretched out on the couch, settling in for a chat with my girl.
“What have you been up to with your mom today?”
* * *
One week.
Only one week until Wrenley was finally home and in my arms where she belonged.
Wife-to-be:How did the charity game go?
Every year, our team owner, Lennox Madison, held a fundraiser for his foundations—they all benefitted kids in some way—and it always included an inter-squad football game. Afterward, there was a big party with any of the kids, and their families, who wanted to come. He even offered to cover travel expenses for anyone who didn’t live locally.
The game wasn’t mandatory, but no one missed it if we didn’t have to because it was fun, for a good cause, and we deeply respected our boss.
Me:The Nighthawks won! :P
Wife-to-be:Hilarious
Me:I know
Me:Seriously though, it was awesome. Kids are the best fans.
I sent her a couple of photos of the kids celebrating on the field with the team.
Wife-to-be:Aw. Cutest thing I’ve ever seen!
Me:Hey! *big, bad football player pouts*
Wife-to-be:I don’t think your ego needs to be stroked, superstar.
Me:Not my ego…
The dots appeared and disappeared a half dozen times while I waited to see if she’d take the bait.
Wife-to-be:Why is a football stadium the coolest place to be?
I decided to let her off the hook. And I actually knew the answer to this one.
Me:Because it’s full of fans.
