The moment I slide the ring on her finger, I quickly stand up, lifting her in my arms, I crash my lips to hers. Before we can deepen the kiss even more, a throat clears. We split apart and Phil walks over to us, "I'm happy for you guys, but that's enough kissing."
"Thanks, dad," Elsie says, hugging me. Neither of us are ready to stop touching each other.
Phil smiles at the two of us, before he announces, "Why don't we go have a glass of champagne to celebrate."
We follow a few steps behind Phil, when Elsie pulls me to a stop, whispering in my ear, "When I get you home, we will definitely celebrate."
I arch a brow at her comment, when I rumble in her ear, "That's three, baby girl. Hope you're ready for that punishment, when we get home."
She shivers and I can't help but chuckle, placing my hand on her lower back, "Let's go celebrate with your dad first, then second we will have our own."
Epilogue
Sometime in the future
Closing my locker for my last game feels so bittersweet. The time has come for me to move on and start my future outside of basketball. My hands brush down my jersey, trying to push down all the emotions swirling within, because I'm going to miss it.
Basketball has been a part of my life since I was young. It was the sport that changed my life, when I needed it the most. A lost little girl, whose parents had just divorced. My dad was working like crazy to provide for me, and my mother only came into contact with me when necessary.
"Ready for your last game?" Jade asks, coming up to me.
"Ready as I'll ever be," I reply, adjusting my ponytail.
A few of the other girls come up around us when Jade continues, "You're going to be great in the game and on the outside."
"Thanks, Jade." I breathe out, not ready to cry just yet.
Leah steps up, placing her hand on my shoulder when she begins, "I just wanted to tell you that since the moment, I've joined the team, I have looked up to you. You are amazing and will be the best at whatever comes next."
This time I'm not successful at keeping the emotions at bay, tears spring to my eyes, replying, "That's the nicest thing anyone has said to me."
Before either of us can say anything else, our coach comes in and announces, "Alright, ladies, it's time to go out and give it our all. As we all know tonight is Elsie's last game, let's make it count!"
The whole team cheers.
Wiping the tears from my eyes, I swallow down the sadness I feel about missing these ladies. We make our way down the tunnel in a huge mass, music fills our ears, while we belt out cheers, amping ourselves up for the game. We stop at the end of the tunnel, the lights swirling around the arena, as the announcer calls the other team.
Finally, it's our turn. I can't help but jump up and down, ready to get out there, to show everyone that even though I might be retiring, I still know how to play.
I hear the announcer say, "Time to stand up and cheer for our hometown ladies, The Los Angeles Stars."
The arena fills with more cheers. It's so loud that I want to cover my ears, but I resist. This is where I come alive. All of us are standing in a line, ready for the announcer to call our name.
Everyone's been called and now it's my turn. My heart racing with excitement, my limbs filled with adrenaline. When I hear the announcer call, "And for the last time ever, Elsie Wood."
I run out onto the court with a huge smile on my face and tears in my eyes. Stopping in the center of the court, I lift my hand, waving to the crowd. After a few moments, it's time to head toward the team's bench, I jog over.
The moment I reach it, the whole team engulfs me in a huge hug, making tears spring to my eyes. I can't believe this is going to be the last night that I get to play with these ladies. The last time I get to stand here in front of the crowd.
That thought reminds me, and my gaze searches for the seats behind the bench. When I find my dad and Matt sitting on the floor, talking to each other, probably about what's going to happen in the game, ready to watch me in my finale. Then the smile on my face gets even bigger and bigger.
Since we confessed our love to my dad, he's been the biggest cheerleader of the two of us. We got married shortly after he asked me, in my dad's backyard. It's been a blessing to have the best two men in my life.
My eyes clash with Matt's, and he gives me a soft smile, reminding me that retiring from basketball is worth it. Last year I was ready to move on to new adventures, the main one being motherhood. I haven't told him yet, placing my hand on my stomach. Tonight, everything is going to change, for the best.
I've accomplished what I needed to in my career and am ready to become the next best thing, a mother. Determined to be better than my own.
"Woods!" Coach calls, bringing me back to the present. "Time to start the game."
