Her lips are lifted, so I lean down to cover them with mine. Then she bounces back, still holding Cricket.
Talk about wildcards.
* * *
We madeit through the Wildcard game, and next we’re facing off against the Bears. These guys are brutes. They’re big and tough, and they don’t hold back.
Of all the teams, I imagine they’re the most like a hockey match. Their defensive line hits hard, and they don’t stop coming. It’s going to take all we’ve got to come out on top. The Bears are number two in the league behind us.
“Here’s my thought.” Melody is in my box in the Dome in a black puffer coat with a big gold fleur de lis on the breast area. “Play your ass off, and I’ll take notes from here. After y’all win, for the post-game, I can lead off with what I saw, and you can make commentary from the point of view of being on the field. Doesn’t that sound fun?”
I huff a laugh, shaking my head. “It sounds like you deserve a job in marketing.”
Her smile widens, and her nose wrinkles. “I’m not trying to get in your head. Forget about all of that and get out there and beat the Bears!”
“You’re only in my head in the best way.” I lean down to kiss her nose when a squeal interrupts us.
Cricket stands in front of a chair in her little Saint’s dress-onesie and gold space buns. Her hands are on the seat of the chair and she bounces her legs.
“Da-da-da!” she squeals, and I hustle over to her, lifting her over my head and shaking her side to side to make her laugh.
Her squeals turn into belly laughs that morph into baby chuckles. It’s the cutest thing ever.
“Can’t beat that.” I lower her to my chest, reaching for Melody, who skips closer, putting her hand on my waist. “You two are the best, man. I thought keeping up with my dad and Austin and even Mav was the most important thing in life, but it’s all just gravy. Doing all those things and having you two?”
Leaning down, I kiss Melody’s lips, long and slow. It reminds me of having her in my bed every night, taking her every way we want.
“I love you, too,” she whispers, and I kiss her again.
I didn’t understand why my dad would retire at the height of his career or why Austin would leave to take over the high school team. When you find your person, nothing else really matters. And I’ve found two.
I’m not planning to leave the game any time soon or retire. Hell, I’m just getting started! But having this part settled sharpens my focus.
Out on the field, my head is down, and I call the plays like we’ve practiced. As expected, the Bears’ linemen roll throughlike tanks. I’m not getting any of those fake awards this week. I’m making passes, taking the checkdown, not looking for the hero play. At the same time, Baker, Fonz, and Kyler are working hard and getting clear.
Our defense is equally intimidating, holding the line and preventing them from scoring. We win in a passing game, and our kicker cinches a 23-20 win with a last-minute field goal.
The Dome explodes. Black and gold confetti falls from above, smoke cannons fire, and the cheerleaders rise on their partner’s shoulders, holding up a leg and shaking foil pompoms.
The best part is when the crowd rushes onto the field, I’ve got Melody under my arm and Cricket on my hip. She’s laughing, hugging my neck and kissing my cheek. I’m walking on air knowing we’re one step closer to winning it all, getting the ring.
“How are you feeling after tonight’s big win?” The gal from the league network holds a mic in my face.
I’m grinning ear to ear. “Like it’s our year.”
“Do you think your game-play has changed this season because of the increased spotlight on you?”
I glance at Melody, hugging her tighter. “I’d say having the weekly feedback sharpened my edge.”
“It’s the second year in a row the Saints are advancing in the playoffs. How will this year be different?”
“We’re going to play smart, work as a team, and take the checkdown.” I look directly in the camera, giving a wink as I say that last part.
Melody ducks her head against my chest, and Cricket pats my face. I give my little girl a bounce and kiss the top of Melody’s head. Gridiron Gold.
* **
“I was really impressedby how Baker used his hands in the first half.” Melody’s expression is serious, thoughtful. “He caught every pass you sent downfield.”