I pull her into a tight hug, feeling the warmth of her body seeping into mine, grounding me amidst the confetti storm. The weight of the victory, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins, all fades away for this moment.
“I knew you’d do it!” she exclaims against my ear, her words carrying the undeniable faith she has in me. It’s the same faith that has powered me through the toughest games and the hardest losses.
I pull back slightly, hands resting on her shoulders as I drink in her elated expression. “And I couldn’t have done it without you, baby.” The sincerity in my voice is as palpable as the surrounding fervor.
She smiles, the curve of her lips lighting up her whole face. “I just cheered you on, Dak. You did the real work. No skipping the line.” She smiles.
I shake my head, the affectionate disagreement clear in my eyes. “That’s where you’re wrong,” I say, my thumb tracing small circles on her arm. “Every pep talk, every cheer, every ‘you can do it, Dak’ you’ve given me... that’s what made this victory possible.”
Her bashful smile tugs at my heartstrings. “So... what now?” she asks, glancing towards the trophy, her eyebrows lifting in anticipation.
A laugh bubbles up from deep within me. “Now,” I say, leaning in to press a firm kiss to her forehead, “we celebrate. And not just the win. But us. All that we’ve been through to get here.”
Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears as she nods, wrapping her arms around me again, burying her face in my chest. And as I hold her close, the cheers and whistles fading into the background, I know that the real victory tonight is having her by my side. Because no trophy, no amount of fame, could ever measure up to the love I have for Katrina.
“Then tomorrow…we head to Disney World, baby!”
epilogue
The sun hangslow in the sky, casting long shadows over the happiest place on Earth - Disneyworld. People bustle all around, their faces glowing with happiness and anticipation. But no face shines brighter than mine.
Fresh off my first Super Bowl victory with the Nighthawks, I’m here with my two very special ladies - my daughter, Bella, and my woman, Katrina. I don’t remember a time in my life when I’ve ever been happier.
“Daddy, look!” Bella squeals, tugging at my hand. I hold Bella’s hand tightly, our matching Mickey Mouse hats bobbing as we navigate through the throngs of people. On my other side, Katrina holds a map, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she chuckles, “Next stop, Pirates of the Caribbean!”
A quiet contentment washes over me. This is what I wanted - the joy, the love, the connection. I simply nod, squeezing Bella’s hand and linking my arm with Katrina’s.
Bella is bubbling with excitement, her eyes as wide as saucers as she drinks in the sights and sounds of Disneyworld. “Look at the princesses, Daddy!” she exclaims, pointing at the procession of characters.
Seeing her joy, my heart swells. I was no stranger to wins, but this moment, I think, eclipses them all. It’s a different kind of victory - one of the heart. I can’t think of a man more blessed than me.
Katrina, for her part, was getting to know Bella. “So, who’s your favorite princess, Bella?” she asks. “And what’s your favorite ride?” She is patient and kind, genuinely interested, and Bella opens up to her, little by little.
“Ariel, and Splash Mountain!” Bella beams.
“Oh, that’s cool, I think my nephew’s favorite ride is Space Mountain. He’s about your age.”
“Maybe one day we’ll play together?”
“I definitely think that can happen,” Katrina says.
I watch their growing bond, relief washing over me. It was all falling into place.
At lunch, Katrina and I share a quiet moment while Bella gets her face painted. “You’re amazing with her,” I say, my eyes reflecting gratitude.
Katrina smiles, reaching across the table to hold my hand. “She’s a wonderful girl, Dak. You and Jana are doing a great job of raising her.”
“Is that a therapist's response or a fiancée one?”
“It’s an honest one.”
As the day wore on, we ride roller coasters, watch live character performances, and even have dinner with Cinderella courtesy of the NFL.
Bella chats away excitedly, “Cinderella says I’m a princess too, Daddy!”
“I’ve been telling you that for years, Meatball.” I laugh.
We stop at the souvenir shop to pick up a couple of princess themed items for Bella when I notice Katrina looking at a small silver charm in the shape of a castle.
