Page 106 of The Golden Goalie

Amber

Rico and I spend all Saturday morning just relaxing and spending time together. He wanted me to be pampered all day, but I wanted to just relax and spend a quiet Saturday morning with him. We get so few days together with our schedules right now. So, after a quiet day, Stephanie and Bri show up to help me, and Rico disappears for a little while. They help me do my makeup and curl my hair and leave it down. I requested to keep it simple. Then they help me into the beautiful wedding dress, which is a feat at nine months pregnant. The dress is white with a V-neck and small capped sleeves. There’s a simple gathering above the belly and then plenty of room for my belly as the dress falls the rest of the way to the ground. It’s so simple but beautifully elegant. Bri and Stephanie step back and let my mom in.

“You look beautiful,” my mom says, wiping her eyes.

I hug her. “Thanks, Mom.”

She grasps my arms. “I couldn’t be prouder of you, do you know that?”

“Thanks, Mom.” I kiss her forehead. “Is Rico here yet?” I ask.

“We’ll get him,” Bri says with a knowing smile. In wanting a non-stressful day, I requested that Rico see me before we head over to the wedding. I just want to be near him today. He readily agreed.

There’s a soft knock on the door, and I turn around as Rico walks into the room and stops. His eyes run over me. He staresfor a full minute before he steps close. “I wish I had the words,” he pauses and swallows, getting choked up.

I feel my own eyes water in response. “You think it’s okay?”

“It’s more than okay, Love. I wish you could see yourself the way I see you,” he whispers. “You look so beautiful.”

“You look pretty good yourself, Handsome.”

He grins and pulls me in softly for a kiss. “Ready to go get married?”

I sigh. “Yes.” He starts to pull away, but I put a hand on his arm, stopping him. “Rico?” I stare up at him.

“What is it, Love?”

I struggle with my words for a minute. “I just...I want you to know how much you mean to me.” His eyes soften. “I,” I bite my lip, trying to find the words. “I was so lost before you came into my life. You ground me and make me want to be a better person. I love every minute we spend together, and I just...I want to make you as happy as you’ve made me.”

“Amber,” he whispers as he pulls me closer. “You have made me the happiest man alive. I love you.” He kisses me so tenderly, it aches. He pulls back and looks into my eyes. “I can’t believe I get to have you beside me for the rest of my life.”

A knock sounds on the door before Seb comes barreling through. “Are we having a wedding or not?” he asks with a huge grin. He puts his hands up. “Sorry, Man. Nobody else was brave enough to come in here.”

Rico shakes his head and turns back to me, ignoring his teammate and friend. “You ready to do this?”

“Yes.”

“Do you think if we ignore him, he’ll just go away?” he murmurs right against my lips.

“Nope,” Seb calls out. “Can I just say something?” he asks.

“No,” Rico and I both say at the same time.

“Good,” he continues. “I just want to say that I called it first. I knew you two were going to get together long before you ever did.”

Rico sighs. “Let’s go get this thing done.”

“Thing?” I ask.

He grins at me. “Yeah, so we can get to the after party.”

“Oh man, I love a good after party,” Seb remarks from behind us.

“Is he still here?” Rico asks with a frown.

I peek behind Rico’s shoulder and see Sebastian leaning against the door grinning. He winks at me, and I shake my head, unable to keep the laughter out of my voice. “Yes, and I don’t think he’s planning on going anywhere.”

“I’m not,” Seb calls out. “It’s my job to get the bride and groom to show up, preferably on time; and I take my responsibilities seriously.” He puts his hand on Rico’s shoulder. “So, my man, let’s take this party on the road.”

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