The ushers tried to corral us to the sidelines so they could set up the stage for the medal presentation, but I didn’t want to move. I wanted another second to soak it in. I wanted to remember this moment. The moment when the walking train wreck had finally redeemed himself when his country needed him the most. When against all the odds I had succeeded. When no one believed in me, but the woman in my arms.
“You realize this changes everything,” she said.
I looked into her eyes. “No, love. It doesn’t.”
I wanted her to know it had changed long before this moment. It had changed the first night we met. I was a better man because of her.
Taylor came up behind me and tugged on my arm. “You’re wanted on the stage with the rest of us, mate. You can celebrate later.” He gave me a knowing look.
I turned to Aspen. “I’ve got to go.”
“Of course.” She reached up on her toes and brushed her lips over mine. “Go get the gold, baby.”
I grabbed her ass and pulled her toward me. “Always.”