The music starts, and it’s like I'm watching it for the first time, even though I’ve seen this routine what feels like a million times.
They stick every landing, and their moves are flawless. It’s near perfect. And by the time they’re done, the whole place is on their feet, screaming and shouting with excitement for us.
“They did it,” I exclaim with a watery smile, as the guys stand there, breathing heavily as they look out at the crowd, smiles on their faces for a moment before making their ways off the mats. “I just know it in my gut.”
“I think so too, baby,” Lennox says. “They were amazing. I just wish I could have been up there with them, you know.”
“Next year.” I smile with a promise, taking his hand in mine. “Next year, we’re gonna all win this together.”
“Deal.” His grin makes my stomach swoop. It’s crazy how I almost lost him for good. But fuck, I’m so damn glad I didn’t. I love this man. I love all of them a crazy amount.
We take our seats again, and I feel like I’m going stir crazy as we wait for the judges to make their decision.
Once they do, all of the teams make their way back out onto the stage, gathering in groups.
The judge starts the announcements. “Third place.” I hold my breath, praying they don’t say our team's name. “The Cyclones.”
“Thank fuck,” Lennox sighs out in relief.
“We were so much better than that team.” I grin, feeling a bit guilty because I’m not a hater, but it’s true.
“Hell yeah,” Trevor agrees.
“Second place,” the announcer starts again. “The Storm Chasers!”
“Holy shit.” My eyes widen. “Lennox. Lennox, I’m going to puke.”
“What?” He gasps. “Is it the baby?”
“No!” I gape at him. “There’s only one team left. I will go down there and kick the judges asses if they don’t say our team’s name.”
“First place, and the winners of this year's National Championships are…”
“Here we go!” Lennox says, his knees bouncing eagerly.
“The Widows!”
“That’s our team.” I jump to my feet. “That’s my motherfucking team!”
The three of us go wild, as does our team on stage. Tears fill my eyes as pure pride and joy overcomes me.
“They did it.” Lennox cups my face and kisses me hard. “They fucking did it.”
“Come on.” I grab their hands.
We make our way through the crowds and down to the stage. I don’t even give a fuck that we’re not supposed to be there. The other teams leave the stage as our team gets handed a big ass trophy.
When Donny sees me, he rushes over to me and swoops me up into his arms. “We fucking did it, Cherry!”
“I’m so proud of you.” I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him hard. He carries me over to the others, and I get swarmed by the team, in the middle of their celebration.
“This is your win too,” Colton tells me when Donny sets me on my feet.
“You see that, baby girl?” Mateo grins wide. “We fucking did it.”
“Yes, you did!” I laugh, so damn happy I feel like I might explode.
And that’s when I feel like I just pissed myself.
