Although, don’t you think it’s a little rude that we just left them down there?”
“No. They’ve been here for four days, Reese. We’ve spent time with them. I just needed some me and you time before I leave.”
“It’s a home game,” I remind him. “You’ll be coming home to me tonight.”
“I know. I can’t explain it even if I tried.” He sighs heavily. “Last season I was a mess. All I could think about was you, and missing you. This time it’s different. I just need to hold you a little longer. I know you’re going to be there, but I just needed this time with you.”
“I’m not complaining,” I say, pulling him into a kiss. “I did think you dragged me up here for sex. I wasn’t expecting teddy bear Cooper.”
“Teddy bear Cooper?”
“Yeah, you know, when you want to cuddle and be all sweet.”
“As opposed to?”
“Sexy Cooper.”
“Sexy Cooper?” He laughs.
“Yeah, you know, when you get all growly and demanding.”
“You think I’m sexy?”
“You know I do.”
“What about when we’re making love?” he asks, kissing my neck. “What am I then?”
“Mine.” I breathe the words as his teeth nibble at my ear.
“Good answer, baby.”
My eyes glance over at the clock, and I know he has to go or he’s going to be late. “Coop, you need to get going.”
“I know,” he says, resting his forehead against my shoulder. “I’ll see you after?”
“We kind of live together, so it’s a sure thing,” I tease.
“Thank fuck for that.” He rolls out of bed and saunters into the bathroom. Ten minutes later, he appears with his bag in his hand. “Walk me out.”
I nod and follow him downstairs. The sound of our parents talking carries up from the basement. “They sound like they’re having a good time,” I comment.
“They do. I’m glad they’re here.” We walk out into the garage, and he kisses me soundly. “I left something for you. It’s hanging in your closet.”
“Babe, have you seen my closet? That will be like finding a needle in a haystack.”
“Trust me, you’ll find it.” With another quick kiss, he climbs in his truck and pulls out of the garage. I hit the button for the door, and head back inside to find my gift and to get ready.
Walking into the closet, my eyes scan, and I stop when I see a Defenders jersey. Pulling it off the hanger, I take a look. It’s just like the one I already own, that is until I flip it to the back. Instead of REEVES on the back, it says MRS. REEVES. At the top, in small cursive letters, the word Future is added. I’m all smiles as I pick up my phone and dial his number.
“Miss me already?”
“I found my present.”
“And?”
“Don’t you think it’s a little over the top?” I ask.
“Nope. You are my future wife, are you not?”
“Yes.”
“I want the whole damn world to know it, Reese. I’ll be looking for you in the stands, the media is going to be looking for you after my comment that’s been on every damn sports station. I want them to know who you are. I want them to know that you’re mine.”
How do I say no to that? “Well, all right then.”
He laughs. “Love you. I’ll see you soon.”
“Love you too. Have a great game.”
“You’re going to be there, you know I will,” he replies, and the line goes dead.
Sliding my Defenders jersey that I already had on off, I put on the new one. I glance in the mirror at my reflection. I’m wearing jeans that are ripped in the knee, tennis shoes, and my jersey. My hair is pulled up in a ponytail, and I plan on sporting my Cooper Reeves Defenders hat. I look like any other fan who’s going to be in that stadium today. Everything except for the five-carat diamond ring adorning my left hand, and the jersey claiming me as his.
Grabbing my hat from where I left it on the nightstand, I pull it on and snap a picture front and back using the mirror and send them to Cooper.
Cooper: My girl.
Smiling like the fool in love that I am, I slide my phone into the back pocket of my jeans and head downstairs to find our parents.
“And the Defenders take home a win!” The announcer’s voice echoes throughout the stadium.
“They’re kicking off this season with a bang,” his co-anchor agrees.
“That they are. Fans, stick around and keep your eyes on the jumbotron screens at either side of the stadium for