Hendrix - Kelsey Clayton Page 0,69

they can recover, even getting the ball back for another run. They'd be too far behind. If we miss, however, it's anyone's game.

My blood is pumping as the ball is hiked straight to Asher. He takes a step back, scanning for an opening, but there isn't any. They've got a guy on Griffin and two on me. His eyes meet mine, and I know exactly what he's going to do. I fake left but go right and into the far corner as the ball soars through the air and straight into my hands. The second my feet hit the ground, I know we did it.

We are the fucking champions.

The celebration in the stands is unrivaled by anything I’ve ever heard in my career. I scan the writhing mass of bodies for my girl, and a wide grin stretches across my face as I point right at her. Brenna’s whole body shakes with how loud she's screaming. When she sees me point at her, she throws her arms wide in the air, with a smile matching mine, and gives me a thumbs up.

Confetti rains down as we're announced the Super Bowl champs. Asher and I grab each other by the face mask part of our helmets, jumping up and down and grinning like idiots.

“You fucking did it, you crazy son of a bitch!” I tell him.

He shakes his head. “We did it, man. We did it.”

After celebrating with the team for a minute or two, I toss my helmet by the bench and jog over to my family. I reach my hands up for Brenna, and after a few gestures from Saige that communicate just how insane she thinks I am, she passes her down to me. Brenna wraps her arms around my neck and hugs me tightly.

“You won, Daddy! You won!”

I chuckle and bop her on the nose. “All because I had my good luck charm.”

THE FIELD IS FULL of people, and the stage is put together in minutes flat. News cameras flood the area as Ed stands at the podium, holding the Vince Lombardi trophy. He says a few words about what an honor it is to have such a dedicated and goal-driven team, and how he’s sure this team will obtain more of these wins in the future.

“It's time I hand you over to this year's MVP, Mr. Colby Hendrix.”

My eyes widen, shocked that my name is the one that came from his mouth. I hand Brenna over to her mom and walk up on stage. Everyone cheers as I step forward and take the microphone. I wave as they all start chanting my name.

“Wow,” I begin. “I never expected to win this one. Football is just something I've always loved to do, and the fact that I get to do it for—a living is just a huge added bonus.”

I look out at the crowd for the face of my best friend.

“I always respect the process and feel that the awards go to those most deserving of them, but this time I think they got it wrong. Asher, get up here.”

The screams get louder as Asher climbs up and stands beside me.

“What the hell is your crazy ass doing?” he asks, and I laugh.

“I don't think there's a person on this field, myself included, that deserves this award more than you. Everyone thought you were done. Hell, there was even a point where you thought you were done, but with a little help...”—I wink at Tessa—“you managed to pull off the impossible. They do always say children have the ability to change the world.”

Tess laughs and flips me off, while Asher rolls his eyes with a smile.

“But in all seriousness, you deserve this one.”

I hand him the microphone and walk off the stage. Giving Lennon a hug on my way, I finally get back over to Saige and Brenna. I take the Super Bowl Champion hat off my head and put it backward on B's. Then, I take her from Saige and raise her up so she's sitting on my shoulders.

“So, what's it feel like to have it all?” Saige asks.

“Baby, I've had it all since the day I got you back.”

With a light grip on her chin, I lean down and press my lips to hers. Brenna feigns disgust, making Saige and I laugh. With an arm around my girl, and my daughter on my shoulders, we walk off the field—together.

COMING OUT OF THE ice cream shop after getting a celebratory treat, I’m holding Brenna in my

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