Forever Yours: How it all Began

Chapter 51

Dre and I were finally settled in our new home and our wedding plans were underway. Dre wanted to marry during the off season, so after much discussion about when we would tie the knot, we finally chose April 29th. This would give Dre enough time to recuperate once the season was over. We've also decided to get married in our back yard. I imagined how I wanted everything set up and drew it out.

Dre discussed taking a month-long honeymoon, but I wasn't sure if I would like to be away from the company that long. Dre explained that he hasn't taken a vacation since being in the league and would like for us to go to Europe and visit a few more places while on our honeymoon. I agreed to the month long vacation. He's worked so hard to get where he is in his career and deserves the time away. In seven months, I would be calling Dre my husband. I can't believe we're getting closer to our Tahleea and Dre forever.

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NFL kickoff was in a few more weeks, so Dre and I decided to go watch our alma mater play their first game. Dre stood on the sidelines along with several other alumni players. I sat close to the student section and joined in on the chants and cheers. It was so exhilarating. I felt like a college student all over again. I was glad we came out to support our team. Dre and I had so much fun.

The alumni players were given the opportunity to talk with the team after the game. Each one gave the guys some very sound advice and encouraging words. The guys joined in on their victory game chant and soon Dre and the guys were exiting the dressing room. He walked up to me and grabbed me up for a kiss. "I love you Tee." He put me down on my feet and took my hand as we walked to the car.

When we were settled in the car, Dre looked at me and thanked me for the support I gave him when he played college ball. He told me that some of the players said they didn't have the support of their family and provided different reasons. He said that really bothered him because he just thought everybody had some type of support or someone to cheer them on when times get tough.

I told Dre that was one of the reasons I make a yearly donation to the inner city women's sports program. Some parents can't financially support their children with playing sports, and that's where I wanted my company to help fill that gap. Some parents work more than one job to make ends meet and can't attend their children's games. I told Dre that we can show our support by attending a few games. He could check on the guys during his down time with a Skype call before or after practice or even before or after a game.

Dre thought that was a great idea and said he'd reach out to the Athletic Director to see about setting up something like that as well as get alumni players involved. He was so excited and thanked me for the idea. I truly believe our main purpose is to lend a helping hand to one another. In whatever capacity we can help, time being the most valuable, we should try our best to be available for our family, friends and community.

Since it was still early in the day, Dre and I decided to visit our parents. We stopped by my parent's house first. Before I could ring the doorbell, my dad opened the door and grabbed me up in a tight embrace. One would think I hadn't seen my parents in weeks. I could hear my mom from the kitchen telling my dad to at least let us in the house. Dre just laughed at how my parents act when I'm around.

My mom was almost done cooking dinner and asked us to join. Of course Dre was down for it. He loves my mom's cooking. My dad pulled Dre to his man cave while mom and I remained in the kitchen talking about the wedding plans. I told her the ceremony will be held in the backyard of our home and that I had hired a seamstress to make my wedding dress and outfit for the reception. Dre and I would be taking an early flight the next day to our honeymoon destination which we're only disclosing to our parents.

I was getting so excited just talking about it. Appointment for my mom, future mother-in-law, Darah and LaShae had already been scheduled for dress fitting. Dre and I wanted a small wedding party so his brother will be his best man and Sean will be his groomsman. LaShae will be my matron of honor and Darah will be my maid of honor. Our nieces and nephews will be flower girls and ring bearers.

We were working on our guest list. I thought Dre would have an issue with me inviting Jaxon, but he didn't and I was glad of that. It was important that I share this joyous moment with my best guy friend and I know he wouldn't want to miss it.