Page 148 of Cole

Cole nodded. “That’s true. I have been fortunate with my contracts and the amount of money I’ve been able to earn by entertaining people with my talent for basketball. However, I have more than enough wealth, and I think perhaps it’s time to step back and allow other younger players the opportunity I was once given.”

“How do you plan to fill your time if you’re not playing basketball anymore?”

“Oh, I’ll still be playing basketball, but I’ll be playing with a totally different sort of player in a completely different atmosphere.” Cole hesitated, and Annie sent up a prayer for him.

When he’d lined up the interview, he’d wanted to be able to share about his faith, and she knew this was the open door he’d hoped for.

“I will be working with a Christian sports organization that organizes and runs clinics for teens. Their focus is on helping kids physically with the sport, while also sharing the message of God’s love with them.”

Amanda paused for a moment. “You’ve definitely become more open about your faith in the last several months.”

“There’s a reason for that,” Cole said. “Back in January, I attended my home church, and there my pastor challenged us to find ways to offer hope in a world where so many are feeling hopeless. I am in a fairly unique position of having a largeplatform that allows me to reach lots of people. And I want those people to know there is Someone who loves them, even when they might feel no one cares.”

“Sounds admirable,” Amanda said, though Annie could tell she wasn’t really interested. That was okay, though. Cole had had a chance to share what was on his heart, and she hoped people who heard what he had to say were also challenged to find ways to spread God’s love. “Is there someone special who has also played a role in your decision to retire?”

Cole hesitated, his gaze going to the camera. Without thinking about it, Annie nodded, as if he could see her. They’d discussed this and together decided that he could give some basic information about Annie and their relationship.

“As every player knows, basketball season can be frantic with games every couple of days, plus practice and travel. It’s not necessarily conducive to starting a relationship since the time for dating and getting to know someone is limited,” Cole said. “I met Annie at the start of the season, and I am so grateful that she was willing to put up with being a long-distance couple for the duration of the season. She has stood by my side since day one, and she supports me in this decision.”

“Are there wedding bells in the future?”

Cole chuckled. “Of course there are. I’d be an idiot to let Annie get away. We haven’t made anything official yet, but when we do, it will probably be with just a few of our closest friends and family present.”

“You sound besotted.”

“That’s a good word to describe how I feel. Annie is the love of my life, a source of joy and happiness. She is all I could ask for in a woman.”

“I know she’s been at a few games,” Amanda said. “Is she a fan?”

“Yep. She and her brother were fans of mine before we ever met.”

“How did you meet her?”

“I stopped a ball from hitting her in the face.”

“Knight in shining armor, huh?”

“Knowing Annie, she’d probably say that. But for me, I’m just glad for the out-of-bounds ball that brought us together.”

“Well, I want to wish you luck in this next phase of your life,” Amanda said. “And thank you for coming by the studio to chat.”

“Thank you for having me. If anyone is interested in following up on what I’m doing in the future, you can visit my website. There’s also opportunities for people to volunteer when the clinics come to their area, or if they want to financially support the organization, there’s information on how to do that too.”

“I’m sure there will be lots of people interested in what you’re up to in the future.”

Amanda turned toward the camera as it focused in on her, and she quickly closed off her segment.

“He did a great job,” Aiden said from where he sat next to Skylar on an overstuffed loveseat.

Annie smiled. “He sure did. I’m so proud of him for taking this step.”

“So wedding bells, huh?” Skylar mused. “Are you two engaged and haven’t told anyone?”

“No engagement yet,” Annie told her. “But we both know that marriage is what we want.”

“Why wait, then?” Skylar asked. “You know how quickly we got married after getting engaged. And I have to say that married life is great.”

Aiden wrapped his arms around her and snuggled her neck. “I’m glad you think so, babe. I think so too.”

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