Epilogue
Six Months Later
“Thank you all for coming today,” I say into the microphone.
I nervously stand at a lectern in the large, crowded room. Behind me is a screen that bears the logo of Keating Technologies as well as the San Antonio Copperheads. Now that I was back from my honeymoon and all of the appropriate paperwork had been filed, I was ready to take my rightful place as the head of the Keating Technologies empire.
In the room is a herd of reporters, but also a big crowd of KT employees. This is the day I introduce myself to my new employees and to the world. It is also the day I am going to unveil the newest project I'm tasking the engineers at KT with – a design concept that I'm passionate about and want to make a reality.
The room quiets down and all eyes turn to me. There's a slight flutter in my stomach and as I look to my beautiful wife seated at the table to my right, next to Kendrick and Thomas, I feel some of my courage returning.
She's my rock. My strength. My everything.
“For those of you who don't know me, my name is Brady Keating,” I say. “Today is the day I assume control of the empire my father built. And today is the day I begin to forge my own legacy.”
There is a mild round of applause and I take a drink of water.
“Although I will be the incoming CEO of Keating Technologies,” I say, “I've asked Thomas Newhouse to stay on as the President of R&D and Operations. I think he's done an outstanding job in his capacity as the acting CEO and I want to make sure his brilliance is put to good use. Plus, having somebody as smart as him standing by my side can only make me look better.”
There is laughter and applause from the crowd as I look over at Thomas. A humble man, he seems to blush as he's recognized by KT's employees. Amanda is close enough that she reaches out and gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. I give her a smile and adjust the hat on my head as the crowd settles down again.
“There are also some changes coming to the Copperheads organization,” I say. “Earlier today, I relieved Rick Dempsey of his duties. I appreciate his service to the franchise these last few seasons and wish him the best moving forward.
I will be stepping into the role of team president, and until a suitable replacement is found, I will also be the acting General Manager. I promise you, we will bring that winning tradition back to Copperhead football.”
This is met with wild applause and cheers. What can I say? Texans love their football.
“Change is coming to Keating Technologies as well as to Copperheads football, but I can promise you that it will be change for the better,” I say. “If there's one thing my parents taught me, it's the value of family. And you folks sitting out there – you're family. Keating Tech would be absolutely nothing without each and every one of you.
I know it's become something of an empty platitude among many companies today, but I can assure you that it's absolutely true. It's a point that Thomas helped underscore for me some months back when he had me tour the main offices with him. I got a chance to meet and talk with many of you – though, I will make the effort to meet everybody. But hearing your stories, hearing how you feel about working for KT and being part of our family – it inspired me. Made me want to be a better leader and a better person for all of you.”
More cheers and applause and as I looked out at the crowd, I saw many of them giving me wide smiles and thumbs up signs. I'd never felt like more of a rock star than I did in that moment.
“And lastly, while I have a minute – and a captive audience – I'd also like to acknowledge somebody special and important to me,” I say, looking at Amanda. I see the color flare in her cheeks and she quickly looks away. “Without her – I don't even know what I would do. She challenges me daily. Pushes me to excel and makes me want to be a better man. A better father. My life is better in a million different ways thanks to her. And I'm so grateful to call her my own.”
The room absolutely erupts in cheers and applause. I lean down and give her a quick, chaste kiss. Her face is nearly scarlet and she refuses to meet my eyes. Her embarrassment is absolutely adorable. A moment later though, I hold my hand up to quiet the crowd.
“My wife encourages me to pursue my passion and do those things that bring me joy,” I say. “And so, it's with that in mind that I am very happy to unveil the latest project I am tasking the brilliant minds at KT with – a project I am confident will become a reality.”
“In combining my love for Keating Tech with my passion for football, it gives me incredible pleasure to announce that Keating Technologies will be partnering with the NFL to design a new helmet and equipment – things that will cut down, and hopefully eliminate – the dangerous effects of CTE and other traumatic brain injuries.”
The applause is nearly deafening and I can't help but smile. As I look to Kendrick and Thomas – two of the greatest men I've ever known – and then to my wife, before I look out the crowd once more, I reflect on how funny and strange life can be at times – and how quickly everything can change.
As I hold on to Amanda's hand, I smile wide. Life is good. Life is very, very good. And to think – it all started with a sham wedding and a fake bride.
Like I said, life is funny and strange sometimes.
THE END