I take two dribbles, bend my knees, and shoot, extending my arm into the follow through as I watch the ball swish through the net.
Up one.
Repeating the routine, the second shot rolls around the rim before falling in. I breathe a sigh of relief.
Up two.
Running back on defense, the ball is passed up the court quickly and I stick to my man like glue, keeping myself between him and the basket. He gets the ball, and I close the gap forcing him to pass to his teammate who pulls up at the three-point line as the buzzer goes off. My eyes follow the ball as it hits the rim, bouncing off.
We won!
All the stress I was feeling transforms into elation, as I find my teammates to congratulate them. We haven’t had the best year with such a young team, but we’re finding our way. A few more additions could put us in championship contention.
It takes a few minutes to get through the line to greet the other team. Thankfully, no reporters stop me so I can run to the locker room quickly to change and get up to the box to find my girl.
“Jordan, you were incredible!” The first person I see is Mack, looking adorable in my jersey and sporting her growing baby bump that only makes her more beautiful.
She jumps into my arms, her legs wrapping around my waist. Even seven months pregnant, the woman weighs nothing and I hold on toher easily. I lean in, kissing her lips and the rest of the room fades away as I get lost in the feel of her mouth on mine. Her body in my arms, her scent filling the space between us, it’s just her and me. Until a loud cough pulls us back into the present.
I set her slowly down, I look around and see everyone in the room staring, their eyes alight and giant smiles on their faces. My former teammates are focused on the pregnant belly they must not have noticed earlier and I almost laugh at their open mouths.
Mackenzie grabs my hand and I squeeze hers back.
“It’s about time!” I hear Riggs yell and that causes all of us to erupt in laughter. My sweet girl blushes from head to toe.
I take a few minutes to greet everyone and thank them for coming out. My mom hugs me extra hard and I hear her and Sarah giggling and talking about weddings in the corner. I know it should freak me out, but it doesn’t. I can’t wait to marry Mackenzie and give her—and this baby—my last name.
My parents, Reagan, and Riggs are the first to leave. Then Carter and Williams head out, since they have a game of their own to play tomorrow afternoon. It’s just Mack, her parents, and me left in the box and all I want is to get a minute with my girl before she leaves.
Like she’s reading my mind, Sarah grabs me for a hug. “Jordan, honey, you were amazing out there! Conrad and I will wait outside and give you two a moment.”
“We will?” Conrad asks, but without responding, Sarah pulls him out the door.
Finally, alone, I pull Mack back into my arms and hold on to her for a minute. I love being able to touch her freely. “Thank you for coming.” I tell her, kissing the top of her head before she lets go of me, smiling up.
“I love watching you play, Jordan. You look good out there in that uniform.” Her cheeks heat at her words and I give her a devilish smirk.
“Is that so?” She nods in confirmation.
“Well, I have to say that there is nothing sexier than seeing you with my name and number on your back.” I didn’t think it was possible for her face to get any redder, but it does.
“I guess I’ll have to wear it more often then.” I like flirty Mackenzie. A lot.
“I wish you didn’t have to go home tonight. You know I have two spare rooms at my place.”
“I wish I didn’t either, but I have a doctor’s appointment early tomorrow.”
“Do you want me to come with you? We don’t have practice until later in the day.”
“You want to go to the doctor with me?
“Of course I do. Listen, this baby may not be mine, but I promise I will be here for both of you, no matter what.”
Her eyes meet mine, a tear falling down her cheek. I quickly wipe it away, trailing my hand slowly across her jaw, tipping her chin up, so I can see her beautiful face.
“Jordan, that means everything to me.”
“Pretty girl, when are you going to learn that you are my everything?”
