Page 119 of This Love Came Back To Me
There is a low hum in the crowd once Tristan’s shaky voice pushes out the word retirement, and Tessa quickly wipes away years that have steadily started falling.
Tristan lifts his eyes again to look at his wife with their two sons, and his nerves immediately settle.
“I’ve been fortunate to have achieved things that I only ever dreamed about. Super Bowls, Championships, Divisional Titles, lifelong friends, and ultimately, family. I’ve escaped generally unscathed with minimal injuries, but my body has been screaming at me since last season. If it was up to my heart and my brain, I’d play football for the Titans until the day that I die. But there’s a few things that are even more important than the game I love. I have two sons,” Tristan’ voice falters again, and he takes a moment to gather himself before continuing.
“I have two sons who are so full of energy and happiness that there’s no way I’ll be able to keep up with them in the way that they deserve if I keep putting my body through the grueling inferno that is professional football. And while this decision was obvious for that reason, it doesn’t make letting go of playing any easier.”
Tessa feels her chin tremble as Katie reaches out to grab her hand, and Tessa keeps her eyes trained directly on her husband. She knows that if she sneaks even the slightest glance at Jordan or Tristan’s mom, she’ll lose her shit.
“The first people I need to thank as my career comes to a close are my parents. The ways that they sacrificed their own lives and happiness to make sure Jordan and I were able to do the things we loved is nothing short of amazing. Having my own children now, I understand your dedication and sacrifice, and I need you to know that I recognize what you guys did for us. You saw something that made your kids happy, something they were good at and loved, and you nurtured it, pushed us, and encouraged us. I achieved everything I have because of you guys, thank you. I love you.”
Tessa takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. She hugs Conan against her chest and reaches over to squeeze Cameron’s hand. She knows exactly what he’s talking about. She would go to the ends of the earth if it meant her children were happy and thriving, and hearing Tristan thank his parents in such a heart felt way was splitting her chest wide open.
“And my brother,” Tristan’s voice quivers and he has to clasp a hand over his mouth to gather himself again. “You’re my fucking hero, man. The amount of times you saved me? Came to my rescue? Whipped me into shape? Just…believed in me? You moved mountains for me, Jordan. When all I really wanted was to be like you. Thank you for always paving the way for me as my big brother. For always doing the scary stuff first, giving me great and not so great advice, letting me mess up countless times but loving me anyway. My life’s goal is to make sure my boys have the same bond we do. I love you, brother.”
Tessa’s heart catches in her throat when Tristan’s eyes dart over to her and he gives her a warm smile. She returns the smileand takes a deep breath, praying that she can keep herself from literally sobbing.
“And to my wife.”
Tears slip furiously down her cheeks now and he can’t help but smile lovingly at her display of emotion.
“Thank you, Tessa, for being the single greatest motivator in my life. Everything that I do, I do it for you. My lifemeanssomething because of you. I havepurposebecause of you. Those who know our story, and those who have been there along the way, will be the first to attest to this – you make me better. The man I am today is because I have the privilege to love you. Even through all of the heartbreak and uncertainty, having the perspective we do now, it all makes perfect sense. And I’d relive everything over again for a thousand years if it meant I got you in the end. The moment I first saw you when we were 20 to the moment you finally came back home to me when we were 30, every single moment has been worth it, and I’ve known you were it for me ever since. Thank you, baby, for supporting me, pushing me, loving me, and simply just giving me a chance. I owe every aspect of this beautiful life we’ve built together to you. And I can’t fucking wait to see where life takes us after this because with you, baby, the possibilities are endless.”
Katie throws a supportive arm around Tessa’s trembling shoulders and Tessa gathers herself enough to look back up at Tristan to mouth “I love you” before he continues on with his speech.
“Why you cry, mommy?” Conan asks with curiosity as he looks up at Tessa.
“I’m just happy, honey,” she replies with a sniffle. “Sometimes grown ups cry because they’re happy too.”
“Thank you all again,” Tristan says. “Every single person that had any involvement in my football career. I am endlesslygrateful and I can’t wait to see what retirement has in store for me. Hopefully I’ll see some of you along the way. Go Titans!”
The room claps and woops and Tristan runs straight down to his family, Cameron and Conan launching themselves into his arms and squealing as Tristan throws their tiny bodies around effortlessly.
“I’m so proud of you,” Tessa says as she places a gentle kiss against his lips.
“I love you baby,” he whispers, pulling her body firmly against his. “Also, I know you’re pregnant.”
“What?” She pulls her head back and looks at him, not even registering that the boys are running erratically between their legs and not being quiet or dignified at all.
Tristan gives her a cocky smile and leans into her ear.
“I know you, Tess. I can feel it in my dick.”
“Oh my God, quiet!” Tessa hisses and smacks his shoulder, hating that the giant smile on his face makes her want to laugh along with him.
“Go on, tell me,” he says with a knowing grin.
She gives him a deadpan look before grunting and saying, “Okay yes, I’m pregnant.”
“Balls of fucking steel! Jordan! I knocked her up again!”
“Fucking hell,” Tessa buries her face into Tristan’s shirt as embarrassment washes over her.
“Hell yeah, brother!”
“You two and your breeding kink need to lower your voices,” Katie says, trying her best to wrangle the two boys. “There’s press here.”
“I don’t give a fuck,” Tristan says, putting a finger under Tessa’s chin to bring her eyes up to his. “I love you and I love the family we made,” he says.
“I love you too,” Tessa says with a dreamy look in her eyes. “And I’m so proud of you.”
“I owe it all to you, Tessa. Let’s take out little family home.”
The End
