Chapter 29

WHITLEY

“Touchdown! Number sixty-four, Gabriel Underwood!”

“That makes the sixth touchdown tonight. That man is on fire!”

“You can’t mess up the duo of Gabriel Underwood and Kendrick Barrington. Those two know each other like the backs of their hands.”

“I heard a rumor that Underwood was recently engaged. Not sure how true that is. What do you think, Jessica?”

“Well, as a female in a male genre, I can tell you, men don’t pay any attention to the finer details.”

“As in?”

“As in that huge rock Whitley Barrington is sporting on her left hand over in the stands. Or that the stadium was completely closed off earlier today. Got to look at the finer details, guys.”

“I guess Underwood isn’t going to answer anything when it comes to Whitley Barrington.”

Listening to the commentary is laughable. I know word spreads quickly, and the news of Gabriel and I getting engaged would come out eventually, but damn. You would think this was a soap opera, not a football game.

The commentator is right though. When it comes to questions about me, the answers stop. Gabriel is just protective like that. Kendrick is the same way.

It is a rough the second half, but our team pulls through and wins. I sit and watch the different screens as they interview different players. I’m so proud of Gabriel and Kendrick for following their dreams. Kendrick was right. Only a small percentage of players ever get to be a part of this.

The big screen pops up with Gabriel.

“How does it feel to win the Super Bowl with your childhood friend, Kendrick Barrington?”

“Awesome! There’s nobody else I would rather see downfield from me. This team has been a blessing, and I couldn’t be happier than I am today.”

“Rumor has it, you recently got engaged to Whitley Barrington. Can you confirm that?”

“Come on, guys. You should know by now, when it comes to her, I don’t do interviews.” With that Gabriel takes off, just to be stopped by someone else a few feet later.

The screen pops over to Kendrick.

“Kendrick! How does it feel to win your first Super Bowl with this team?”

“This is amazing! This team is amazing! I couldn’t do anything without this team standing behind me. I always know they have my back.”

“How is it to win with your best friend on the team?”

“Even better.”

“We heard he recently got engaged to your sister, Whitley. Can you confirm or deny that?”

“Man, you guys just don’t stop. I don’t answer personal questions about my family, man. Just not happening. Sorry.”

Kendrick actually makes it to the tunnel leading toward the locker room.

***

Later that evening, we celebrate at a high-class restaurant Kendrick got us into. My mom and dad order champagne for the whole table to celebrate the Super Bowl win and our engagement. As the waiter comes around with a glass, I hold up my hand.

“No, thanks. None for me,” I say.

My mom looks up.

“Aww, hogwash. We don’t have far to the hotel. You can have a glass or two. Drink up, my dear,” she says.

“That’s okay, Mom. I don’t want any tonight.”

“Come on, sis!” Devyn says. “Just one glass to celebrate!”

I look over at Gabriel, and he nods his head. I know we need to keep mum, but it looks like I’m going to have to spill the beans. I look at Aubrey. She’s the only other person who knows. She nods as well.

“I can’t drink, Mom.”

Gabriel reaches over and grabs my hand.

“What do you mean you can’t drink?” my mom asks. “Is everything okay? Does it have to do with the attack?”

“No, Mom. I’m completely healed from the attack.”

“Then why can’t you just have one drink to celebrate?” she asks.

Everyone gets quiet.

Devyn’s hand flies to her mouth, but she says nothing. I look at her and nod.

“Whitley…,” Kendrick says, looking at me.

Kendrick looks back and forth between us.

“What am I missing here?” he asks.

Gabriel leans over and lightly kisses the side of my cheek.

“I’m pregnant,” I announce.

“Lord, have mercy. I’m going to be a grandma?” my mom asks.

My dad reaches over for my mom’s hand. He’s never been one for words, always one to watch.

“Hopefully,” I say.

“I don’t understand, Whitley,” my mom says.

“Well, I’m extremely early, and the chance of miscarriage is high. My body just healed from one trauma, and now it has to adjust to pregnancy. Might not take to it well.”

“How far along are you?” Devyn asks.

“Six weeks.”

She looks at Tate.

“More reason for us to get to California,” she says.

“I agree, my love,” Tate says.

It’s so nice to see this side of Devyn. I see wedding bells in the future for her and Tate. Possibly for Kendrick and Aubrey too.

“So, what does this mean for you two getting married? Are you getting married before or after the baby?” Devyn asks.

I look at Gabriel, and he just shrugs his shoulders.

“I’ll go to the courthouse tomorrow if that means you’ll be my wife,” he says.

***

It’s getting late, and we have a flight to catch in the morning. So, everyone heads to their hotel rooms with plans to meet at the hotel restaurant for breakfast.

Devyn’s question about the wedding has got my mind working in overdrive. I don’t want to be showing when I get married, but I also want to be married before I have the baby.

“Earth to Whitley,” Gabriel says.

“Hmm?”

Looking up at Gabriel, I notice we’ve gotten off the elevator and are in front of our room. He opens the door.

“What are you thinking about over there?”

“That I don’t want to be fat when we get married.”

He freezes.

“What? Whit, you’re far from fat.” He slides a hand under my shirt to my flat stomach.

I can’t help but laugh. Leave it to a man not to understand.

“No, I don’t want to be showing when we get married. Nor do I want to wait until the baby is born.”

“Then we’ll just get married within the next few months. Problem solved.”

“You’re really okay with that?”

He starts kissing down my neck.

“Whitley Jane Barrington. I wouldn’t have asked you to be my wife if I wasn’t okay with it. We’ll hire a wedding planner to have it done in a short time and keep the stress off of you and the baby. Sound good?”

“I love you, Gabriel.”

“That’s good to know, because my heart belongs to you.”

By now, he already has me half naked. His shirt is already off as well. I run my hand over the front of his jeans and find a very hard and very ready Gabriel. He groans as he feels me grab him through his pants. Damn, just the thought of licking up his long shaft has me wet.

“Pants off, Gabriel. My mouth is watering to taste you.”