Loving You

Epilogue

She has no idea though. I asked her one day if I could borrow her phone and I went to her Pinterest screenshotted the saved engagement rings. I texted them to myself and made sure to delete them so she didn't see. Her family has a jeweler that everyone goes to for  engagement and wedding rings. So, he's making the ring and I already asked her dad.

"I love you," I say against her lips. She pinches my side as I kiss her lightly again. I grab her hand taking one last look over her sparkled black dress that's cut low and has a bare back. Her long brown hair is curled and she looks absolutely stunning. It's our first time in the public public eye and I guess that should be normal for us now.

Carter and I had our fair share of fights but we're still going strong. Once she graduates next year, we are moving in together. Finally. It feels like such a long time coming. No more roommate distractions or them barging in with all their stupid fucking issues. Two years of dating and I could never get sick of her. We have made things work and even though she still drives me nuts, I couldn't imagine being with anyone else.

I glance over at Robbie's table where Rae is seated holding his hand supportively. He nods his head in my direction and I give him a nod back. I lost Trey after the three of us saw each other in the very beginning. His table is probably in the back but we all were just as nervous. Trey didn't bring anyone but his brother and I know he probably wants Julie here with him. God only knows what is going on with them at this point.

A lady dressed in all black walks around our table holding up a two with her fingers. Two minutes until I see if I am the number one draft pick. If all my hard-work has paid off. Kappalac is here too and if that asshole gets first pick I'm going to flip my shit. I have worked so hard for this and for that douchebag to get it would be brutal. Especially after what happened this year after the Duke vs. UNC game and Lacey. His asshole of a brother is now also transferring to UNC. Which is bizarre as it is.

I feel a small hand intertwining with my own and smile down at Carter's hand in my own. I can do this. I need to listen to her and not be so damn worried about when I am getting drafted. Just be happy that I am. I take a deep breath as everyone around me gets quiet. I glance up at the big screen with last years first round pick up on the stage. I wipe my free palm on my dress pants. The seconds are counting down for the New York Knicks, the first round pick this year.

"You got this, Babe," Carter says squeezing my hand. I take a deep breath bringing her hand up to my lips to kiss it. My mom next to me squeezes my shoulder.

"And the New York Knicks pick is in."

I inhale as I watch Mark Tatum walk across the stage. Holding a white envelope the holds everything. My future. I glance behind me and see a guy walking to my table holding a Knicks hat. Carter let's out a noise excitedly as she squeezes my hand again.

"The number one NBA draft pick of the 2023 by the New York Knicks is Asher Fletcher."

I can't help the huge smile that comes onto my face as I put my head on my hands. I did it. I actually fucking did it. I feel Carter's hands on my shoulder and I turn to look at her. She has the proudest look on her face as she leans in and presses a kiss to my lips. I move on and hug my mom, brother, Ashley, and Cora. I grab the hat from the guy and place it on my head. I don't even know what's going through my head right now as I walk to the stage being guided by the women before.

I am well aware of the camera following me as I rub my jaw. I can't fucking believe this. If I could jump up and down right nowI totally would. I keep my composure as best as I can as I walk up the steps. The crowd is unreal. Screaming their heads off with signs waving back and forth. I hug Mark Tatum, which is a dream in itself and step up to the podium.

"Wow y'all. It's an absolute honor to be chosen by the Knicks. I want to thank my team, my school, my coach and my family. Unreal my dreams have come true to be the first draft pick. I am excited to make you Knicks fans proud," I say as confidently as I can. The crowd goes nuts all over again and I take a huge breath in. They hand me my jersey and guide me towards the front of the stage.

"We are just taking a quick photo," the photographer says. I nod my head as ESPN talks over the speakers about me. I smile and take the picture with Tatum. I am just eager to get back to Carter and start throwing back shots. I am absolutely floored that I am number one. Number fucking one.

After the hell with the media and ESPN this year Carter and I deserved this. This win, this huge fucking win. I jog off of the stage and am met with the girl on my mind. She is smiling ear to ear with her dimples and all.

"Congratulations!" she yells holding her arms out for me to join. I wrap her into my arms and inhale her scent. Coconut. Just the way I like it. I kiss her neck lightly ready to get her alone and not around all these people.

"I love you," Carter says as I hold her against me. I kiss her lips softly and can't take the smile away from my face. I just got fucking drafted. To the New York Knicks and I have my girl. She puts my hat backwards as my hands play with the hem of her dress. She raises her eyebrows at me as I chuckle at her.

"I got both my dreams tonight," I tell her with a cheeky smile on my face. She raises her eyebrows at me, "My girl and the NBA but mostly the girl."

"I am honored to be that girl," she says pecking my lips once again. I drag my eyes across her body ignoring everyone else in the room. Carter's arms wrap tighter around my neck bringing me impossibly closer.

"So New York?" I ask pulling away from Carter's lips. She nods her head excitedly as she pushes up onto her tippy toes.

"Yes Baby, guess we have to change Sixers' name now huh?" she asks. Our dog who we should have brought with us. I smile at her shaking my head at my pretty girl.

"Nah we can just get you another dog. I am number one draft pick after all."