Williams
No, you’re really not.
Carter
What?! Who are you taking?
Williams has left the conversation
CHAPTER
THIRTY-SEVEN
MACKENZIE
JULY
Itake a deep breath, suddenly aware of how tight my dress is as the black Escalade pulls up to the red-carpet entrance in LA. My recovery after London took longer than normal with the hemorrhaging and swelling after her birth. I’m getting used to the differences in my body, but it’s only been a few months and I’m still self-conscious. Then I look over at Jordan, his eyes heating as they look me over once more before the door is opened.
“You look incredible, Mrs. Mills.”
My cheeks heat at the name and all my nerves melt away. When Jordan proposed at the hospital, I was shocked. But then when he told me he wanted to get married right away, I nearly fainted. And I agreed, because if there’s one thing I’m sure of in this world, it’s that I love Jordan Mills.
Our parents weren’t surprised when we announced our engagement, my dad reaching in and giving my mom a twenty-dollar bill. Apparently, she had told him in high school we would end up together and it was finally time for him to pay up. When we then said the weddingwould be as soon as we could secure a license and time at the courthouse, they had questions.
In the end, everyone got on the same page and we had a beautiful, intimate ceremony that included our little London. As part of the deal, we are having a full-on wedding next year so that our moms finally get to use all the Pinterest ideas that they’ve been pinning to a secret wedding board.
“Mr. Mills, they’re ready for you.” Our driver calls out to us.
“Are you ready, wife? Do you want to call your mom before we go in?”
“I’m ready. My mom told me after I called her three times that she was turning her phone off.” When Jordan was nominated we weren’t going to come because London is only three months old. But then his agent reached out and told us it was important to show up, so my parents flew out with us to California. They’ve got London back at the hotel for the night and to say I’m anxious is an understatement.
“Mom and Dad’s first night out.” Jordan smirks just before the door opens.
My incredibly gorgeous husband is perfect in his custom black suit with black shirt and tie. His normally tousled hair is styled and when he steps out, the cheers that ensue are deafening. He reaches back in, giving me his hand and I hold on to it as I exit the SUV and stand beside him.
My deep-purple strapless gown falls to my feet, but has a generous slit on one side that allows a peak at my tawny legs. The sparkle and sequins on the bodice are second only to the diamond ring I’m flaunting. I kept my hair down in loose waves and finished the look with a little extra pop of color on my eyes and lips. Tonight is all about Jordan and I want him to be the focus.
Holding hands, we make our way down the carpet, posing for photographs and answering a few questions. Jordan keeps me close to his side, constantly whispering sweet words of encouragement. Myhusband loves every one of my extra curves and I’ve never been more confident in myself than when I’m standing beside him.
When we finally get past the press, we’re able to mingle with some of the others in attendance. I have to admit I am a bit star struck as we see several Olympians and other outstanding athletes. It doesn’t take too long before we’re ushered into our seats and the event begins.
“It’stime to announce the nominees for Breakout Athlete of the Year.” My hand grabs onto Jordan’s and we lock eyes as he gives me the grin that’s only mine.
“I love you.” I whisper as each name is shared.
“Jordan Mills – Charlotte Sting (NBA); Drew Cole – Tampa Sharks (NBA); Trey Spencer – LA Royals (NHL); Liam Shaw – Orlando Bobcats (NFL)
“And the ESPY goes to …”
“Jordan Mills of the Charlotte Sting.”
We look at each other, shocked and then I stand beside my incredible husband, hugging him tightly. He kisses me softly on the lips and then walks to the stage to accept his well-deserved award.
JORDAN
Walking up to the stage is an out-of-body experience, as I receive a lot of handshakes, pats on the back, and I don’t remember any of it. The next moment a silver trophy with the round ball on top is placed in my arms and the weight of it drags me back to reality. It only takes me a second to find Mackenzie, still clapping and grinning at me. I can’t help but smile back as I take a deep breath.
