Page 71 of Platinum Pressure

“You’re healing great. We rarely see movement like this until the ten- or eleven-month post-surgery check-in.”

“Coach K and the medical team said the same shit, Dow. Coach said he wants to get me back on the field during the next home game for a few of the plays. Not as much as I would like, but just so by the time I’m fully cleared, I can have some experience.”

“That’s so great, baby!” Meadow beamed.

“I owe it all to you. You met me where I stood and kept me motivated when shit was hard and I couldn’t see the end goal.”

“That’s my job.”

“I’m glad it was you, though.”

“Me too.”

We stood from the bed, and I stepped behind her. I cupped my hands under her belly and lifted slightly. She relaxed against my chest and placed her hands on top of mine.

“Remember, we have the maternity shoot Wednesday at three. The last thing we have to do is pick the baby shower venue around your football schedule. I think the first week of November would be best since y’all have the Primetime slot for Thanksgiving. I’m so glad it’s a home game. Not being able to get you home for the holiday would have destroyed me.”

“I actually wanted to talk to you about my career.”

She turned in my arms and placed her hands on my chest. She gazed up into my eyes with the most curious expression she had.

“What’s up?”

“I’m going to give football two more seasons, then I’m retiring. This season, I’m getting the ring back in blood, but after that, I don’t care what happens anymore. I just want to play the sport I love and spend time with my family with no pressure.”

She smiled the smile that always took my breath away.

“I love the sound of that. You sure you’re ready to throw in the gridiron for the school drop-off line?”

“Hell yes. I’m ready to be a stay-at-home dad while you go out and make a difference in the world. You gon’ come home and me and the kids gon’ have dinner waiting for you.”

“You would do that for real?”

“Yes. I might have Chef whip up the meal, and I put it on the plates, but yeah. You don’t have to put your career on hold because I’m retiring. You can go out and have a peace of mind that your man got shit while you prosper.”

“How did I ever get so lucky?” She cupped my face.

“I’m the lucky one, baby.” I leaned down and kissed her. It was playful at first. Quick pecks. Then my hand slid down the small of her back until I gripped two handfuls of her ass. When she moaned into my mouth, the playfulness morphed into pure hunger. My tongue connected with hers.

“Need it now.”

“How do you want it?”

“From the side, with your face buried in my neck.”

I nodded. “My favorite. Come on.”

Super Bowl Sunday

“Beat ’em down, ’backs! Beat ’em down, ’backs!”

The crowd chanted in unison as offense walked off the field and defense walked on. The entire box suite was on their feet as Platinum stepped onto the field. I held up our two-month-old baby boy and pointed at the field.

“That’s your daddy out there, Malachi.” I kissed his tiny little face before handing him off to Mama.

The football season finally ended today. The Silverbacks got another chance to reclaim the title they so rightfully deserved in a final match against the New York Skyscrapers. A year ago, Platinum was at home with his leg propped up, listening to the commentators call him everything but a child of God.

The whole family was here—my parents, his parents, my sisters, Ye, Elijah, Yasmine, and some other family friends. Seddrick was on the sidelines as he usually was. We were all having a good time, but it was time for me to lock in and cheer my man on.