Page 79 of The Transfer
He smiles that beautiful Riggs smile, and for the first time in months, everything feels like it’s going to be alright.
FIFTY-EIGHT
RIGGS
The team lands in Miami on Tuesday morning. So much is involved in the week and weekend ahead. The press and media take up a lot of time, and we also want to settle in and have practices there. Mom is headed down for the weekend with Paige and Everett, so I know she will be in good hands.
As a squad, we have opportunities to serve in the local community, play on the beach, and spend time together, taking in the ultimate college basketball experience.
Nevada, Oregon, and the surprise team of the tournament, North Dakota, are here in the Final Four. Durham lost their game to North Dakota in a last-second missed shot by none other than Drew Cole.Hate that for him.
The nightbefore our semifinal game, the team enjoyed a delicious dinner in one of the hotel's banquet halls. I know that I owe Reagan so many conversations about the last few months, so I ask her to meet me so we can talk.
We decide to take a sunset walk on the beach. My girl dazzles in a simple floral dress that moves with the wind coming off the ocean. She has her shoes in one hand and the other linked with mine, as we continue down to the wet sand, allowing the waves to wash over our toes. As the sun sets, the light casts a beautiful glow over her, and my breath hitches at the incredible beauty of this woman.
“Sunshine, there is so much I want to say to you, but I don’t even know how to explain myself. I was lost, broken, and so scared after losing my dad. I’m so sorry.”
Her eyes are watery, but a smile lights her face. She doesn’t respond, so I take the chance to explain further. One thing I know for certain is that I can no longer hold back my feelings for this woman.
“Even though I was in a dark place, thoughts of you, seeing you, still brought light to me. You’ve always been a light in my life, the brightest one.”
I hold my breath waiting for her to respond.
“You hurt me, Riggs. I know it was grief talking and you were trying to keep me from the darkness, but what you don’t realize is that it’s exactly what Jordan and Drew did to me in high school. They decided what was best for me.”
“Reagan, I didn’t know. I wanted to protect you from the jagged pieces that formed when I lost my dad. It broke me, more than I ever thought possible.”
“Riggs, I don’t need you to protect me. I want to stand with you. I want those pieces, jagged or smooth. Not Riggs, the basketball player. I want Riggs Hart, the man.”
“I’m so sorry, Sunshine. I will never make decisions for you again. I want you, too, all of you. Not behind me, but right by my side to face it all together.”
She crushes her lips to mine and wraps her arms around my neck.This.This is what happiness feels like. Basketball gives me a little bit, butthis woman right here brings me more joy than I could ever have imagined.
I know it’s going to take time to heal the hurt I’ve caused, but the fact that she’s giving me the chance to get it right means more than any championship trophy.
That night,I’m lying in bed thinking about tomorrow. There are four teams left, but only one will be crowned the champion.
Please let it be us.
FIFTY-NINE
RIGGS
Confetti rains down from the rafters, and fans cheer. Players are all over the court, some celebrating and others devastated. A game well played on both sides, but only one champion can be given the trophy.
I drop to my knees as time has expired, and the realization hits. I just won the NCAA National Championship! That’s right, the Titans came out on top, and we are taking the natty home tonight!
Jordan and I embrace. He absolutely killed it tonight. No doubt in my mind that he will be the MVP of the Final Four, and his NBA draft prospects just got even better. “Riggs, man, we couldn’t have won this without you. You have brought our team together with leadership and humility. Thank you, bro. This means more than you will ever know.”
I put my arm around his shoulders. This man became a teammate, one of my best friends, and family in the span of a few months. “J, you are the most talented guy I have ever played with. I can’t wait to see what you do in the league.”
I see my mom and Reagan approaching us, and my smile grows even bigger. Mom comes straight to me, and we both get emotional as wehug. I can hear cameras going off around us, but I’m right here with her. “Baby boy, I am so proud of you. Your daddy is doing a victory dance up there. I just know it.” We both laugh at that notion and my dad’s ridiculous celebrations.
“I love you, Mom.” She pats me on the cheek and steps back and over to congratulate Jordan and Uncle Jake.
“Get over here, Sunshine.” I see Reagan patiently waiting her turn to see me, and as soon as the words leave my mouth, she is in my arms, holding me tight. This right here with her, this is the celebration I wanted most. Basketball bonded us from the beginning. I love sharing every second of this moment with her.
It doesn’t take long for the arena to clear out, except for the Titan faithful. The championship ceremony begins with Coach Hart being presented with the trophy, and it’s a surreal moment. Jake passes it straight to me, and I hoist it up in the air and let out a scream that every fan and player in attendance echoes.
