One month later
The last few weeks have been absolutely insane. I got a phone call from the morgue the Wednesday after we won our final game of the season. Melinda discovered that Brian never changed his life insurance policy into her name, so she refused to move the body and set up the burial service for him. It’s funny how things like that work out. He cheated on me, left my son and I high and dry for a woman he supposedly loved, yet he left his life insurance in mine and Jason’s name.
After a much-needed conversation with both Jesse and Jason, the three of us went to the morgue, claimed the body, and set up a service for him. Given the circumstances, we left everything private. The obituary simply stated who he was and where he would be buried. We asked that his friends pay their respects after we had our time with him. The only people who were to show up to the service were Josephine, Jesse, and the kids. Jason didn’t want anyone else there. We did have a small get together with some friends afterward at the house, but it was only our closest friends. On top of all of that the boys have been busting their tails through the playoff season and made it all the way to the Super Bowl. It was a close game and went into overtime, but they won, and we are so proud of them.
Today they not only get to celebrate their win at the banquet, but those who have good grades will be getting their scholar trophies.
“Babe, are you ready?” Jesse asks from the door of our bathroom.
“I am. Are the kids ready to go?”
“We’re all downstairs waiting on you, babe.” He grins.
“Okay, okay. I’m coming.”
“No, you’re not, but you will be later tonight.” He winks at me.
“You are insatiable.” I laugh.
“Can you blame me?” He steps up behind me. Looking into my eyes through the mirror he says, “You are the most beautiful woman in the world and you taste like heaven.” He leans in planting his lips on my neck.
“Stop. We have to go.” I laugh at his flirting.
He spins me around. “You’re right we do, but tonight you’re mine.” He places a chaste kiss on my lips and pulls me from the room.
“Come on, Mom and Dad.” Grace shouts from downstairs. I laugh. I love hearing her say that. She’s started calling me Mom, and it melts my heart.
The ride to the banquet hall is a short one and when we walk into the building we’re greeted by a round of congratulations. Jesse winks at me and we sign in, heading into the room that’s dedicated to our group. There are a few tables that say ‘Reserved Super Bowl Champs’. There are two for the boys and three for the parents. The boys are instantly surrounded by friends from around the league who are excited to congratulate them. They are the only team allowed to wear their jerseys to the banquet. Everyone else has to wear a polo and khaki pants.
Unfortunately, not everyone could make it today. No one has heard from Aiden since the last game of the season and some of the other team members had other commitments. As soon as we have everyone here, we take a few team photos with the trophy.
Mike, the MC of the event, announces that dinner is served and tells us we’re welcome to the buffet first. We all make our plates and take a seat. Once everyone has food, he continues talking about the season and the amazing job the different divisions did, and he announces their accomplishments. After a bit of a long-winded speech, Mike hands the mic over to Michelle who starts calling the boys up for their trophies. There are multiple boys on our team who are being recognized today, Gabe and Jason included. The scholars program recognizes the kids who have been able to maintain a ninety-six grade average while still playing sports and being involved in their other activities.
Jesse fidgets at the table as they come to the end of the alphabet. He was asked to give a speech about his team once the scholars are done, and he has openly admitted he is quite nervous.
Stella, who is sitting on the side of me, taps my arm and whispers in my ear, “Is he nervous about his speech?” I nod just as he is called to the podium.
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. For those of you who do not know me, I’m Coach Jesse Townson, head coach of the Junior Pee Wee division. I have been playing ball in this same town since I was my son’s age, and I consider it a privilege to have coached these boys this season.” He pauses. “When my son asked me to coach, I was a bit nervous. I hadn’t played the game in a few years, and coaching is quite different from actually playing. You have to lead by example and teach them. Talk to them, not down to them, but then I realized I had some pretty awesome coaches in my day, and I thought about what they had taught me. They taught me that hard work and dedication will get you far.” He pauses for a second. “I will never forget my first practice. We were so excited to play. We wanted to hit the field, tackle and learn plays, all the fun stuff that comes with football; instead, he sat us down and had a talk with us. He told us there two things we needed to win football games. The first was hustle. He told us we needed to move quick and play hard. The second was heart. You have to love this game to be dedicated enough to be out there practicing four nights a week and play a game on Sunday.” He looks over at his boys. I can see he’s a tad choked up. “I have to say, you boys made me proud. You played with both those qualities. Week after week you showed you had both hustle and heart, and that’s why you won the Super Bowl.” The room erupts into clapping and whistling as they cheer them on. He takes a breath. “Congratulations, boys.” He then looks back out to the crowd. “I don’t want to be too long winded, but I also want to congratulate my wife, Mrs. Townson.” The room gasps, and a huge grin spreads across my face. We hadn’t told anyone what we had done. “Since we consider you all family, we found it appropriate to tell you that Karen and I got married two weeks ago at the courthouse.” Everyone claps, and the girls give me the evil eye for not telling them. “But wait, there’s more.” He laughs. “I have also adopted Jason and she has adopted Grace and Gabe, so we are officially the Townson family and we’re looking forward to another season in this amazing league next year.” I’m now crying once again because I’m so thrilled we have made this final step in completing our family, and I’ve been dying to tell everyone. “Thank you all so much for your time.”
He steps away from the podium. Josephine, Grace, Gabe, Jason and I greet him with a hug. “Awesome speech, Dad.” Jason holds his fist out.
“Thanks, son.” Over the last few weeks I’ve worried how Jason would hold up as the loss of his father sinks in, but in that moment, I know he’s going to be just fine. He has a dad, and he’s standing proudly with his arm around him.