“Yeah, I know.”
“Good girl,” he croons and slaps my ass.
CHAPTER 40
Episode Two
Zahirah
“Hey everyone,we’re back. This is Zahirah Nickels and I’m here with the MVP, QB Bentley Coswell, right off his champion win.
“Let’s give it up for the man. Did you guys see that game-winning touchdown? You are totally amazing, babe, and I, for one, am totally proud of you,” I gush into the microphone.
We’re not in our home today. Bent said he wanted to try a new aesthetic for the podcast. He rented this place and had it set up for today’s recording.
“It’s good to be back. Even nicer to be back with another ring and the MVP trophy,” Bentley says.
“Take us back to that moment. How did it feel to take the game-winning touchdown to the house?”
“I’ll be honest with you guys. This one was different. If you have followed my career, you all know my father and Zahirah’s dad were killed in a car accident a month before the draft. We’re talking about two men I admired and respected deeply.
“They were at all my junior high and high school games and quite a lot of my college games. However, neither got the opportunity to see me play professionally.
“From the start of my career, the media didn’t allow me to forget that they weren’t there, which was harder than I let on to the world outside my close circle.
“I spent years trying to keep my head above it all. I’ve won championship games before, but this time … I don’t know if it’s because I play for Arizona or what, but that win was personal for me. I’m sorry,” Bentley says as he begins to get choked up.
He clears his throat and continues. “I can best explain it as feeling whole this time around. The goal was before me and there wasn’t any other option but to win.”
“Well, you did that. At thirty-two, you now have three championship rings. What’s next? How many more years do you think you have in you?”
“You know, when I’m in season and focused on the game, I don’t feel any of the wear and tear the game puts on me. However, during the offseason, things that shouldn’t begin to hurt,” he chuckles. “It’s only the beginning of the offseason and I think I’m starting to feel my age just a little.”
I tilt my head at him and smile. He’s been chasing me around every day trying to make a baby. I think that might have more to do with any aches and pains he might have, not the season.
“As for what’s next, I want to enjoy my family. This place needs to be furnished and we’re probably going to need to start looking at schools or decide if we want to homeschool.
“I’m leaning toward homeschooling. Our boy is so smart already. I don’t want him to be bored in a classroom. Although there are some pretty elite options for us to choose from in the area.
“Sarah already has a list for us. I’m excited about spending time with you and the baby. I feel like I’m always on the run during the season,” Bentley goes on.
I sit looking at him with my brows knit. He’s just said several things that aren’t adding up. He looks back at me with a huge smile on his face.
I open a chat box on my laptop and begin to type to ask him what’s going on. He said he rented this place for the day. What does he mean we need to furnish it?
“Sounds like you’re ready to get domestic,” I say, so we don’t have dead air.
“You have no idea. By the start of training camp, I’m hoping to have two under two. This new house I had built for you has more than enough room for the six kids you promised me.”
“Bentley,” I gasp. “Are you kidding me?”
“About what? Holding you to that promise of six kids or the fact that I had this place built for you.”
I stare at him like he’s crazy. From the time we pulled onto the property, I couldn’t stop gushing about how gorgeous it is. Once inside, I was in awe.
Never once did I think this place was ours. I love my little two bedroom. I bought it with my own money for me and Aaron.
Since Bentley has been staying there with us, I haven’t thought once about needing to move. We’ve become a family there. He had an entire house built just for me.
