TOUCHDOWN

TWENTY EIGHT - FUTURE PLANS

"Mahomes," the interviewer asked in a curious tone at the end of the conference after the Chief's game against the Raiders in Las Vegas, "What's it like to be dating Emma Hunt?" Patrick blushed and replied, "Emma is truly an amazing person, and I feel incredibly lucky to have her in my life. I can't imagine spending my future with anyone else." The interviewer couldn't help but notice the happiness in his voice as he continued to ask questions. "Wow, so you're already planning for the future?" Patrick's cheeks turned an even brighter shade of red as he scratched the back of his head. "Well, we do have two dogs together. I think that's a pretty good commitment," he said with a chuckle, causing the whole room to laugh along with him. "But in all seriousness, I deeply admire Emma, and I've never been happier than I am with her by my side." As the interview ended, Patrick bid farewell as quickly as he could, trying to avoid any other questions about his relationship.

A few minutes later, Patrick was in the locker room changing when his phone buzzed. He couldn't help but smile when he saw that it was a message from Emma. Her message brought a rush of warmth to his heart.

Emma: So, do you think about spending the rest of your life with me? ❤️🙈"
Patrick: As if you didn't know..."
Emma: I love you, I'm going to miss you so much over the next fifteen days"
Patrick: Don't even tell me, I already miss you... Will you let me know when you get to LA?"
Emma: Absolutely. I'll call you when I get there, okay?"
Patrick: I love you babe, can't wait to see you again and thank you for the good luck kiss today ❤️😏"

As they said their goodbyes, Patrick promised to take good care of their beloved pets, Silver and Steel, while Emma was away. And as he finished changing and walked out of the locker room, he couldn't wait for her to come back home, back to him.

_______________

Patrick sat on the plane quite, heading back home after celebrating the victorious game with his team mates. As the excitement wore off and most of them were resting, Patrick's mind was racing, consumed with thoughts of Emma. The question the interviewer had asked him kept replaying in his mind. He knew the answer in his heart, without a doubt - he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Emma.

She had joined him for the game, but instead of heading home, she was extending her trip to LA and then NYC. The thought of being apart from her for even a few days made him feel restless. As he looked out the window at the passing clouds, he couldn't help but imagine how empty their house would feel without her presence.

They were already in a serious relationship and expecting a child together, but Patrick still felt like something was missing. He wanted more - more time, more love, more of Emma in his life.

"Hey man," Travis said, bringing Patrick back to reality. "Great game today." Patrick just nodded in agreement, still lost in his thoughts. "What's going on?" Travis asked, noticing Patrick's quietness. "You're extremely quiet." Patrick let out a small laugh and shook his head.

"I'm just thinking about the future, I can't stop thinking about Emma." Travis let out a laugh in response. "After today's interview, I thought you were already planning your marriage." Patrick looked at Travis, his eyes lighting up. That was it, that was what he had been missing. He wanted to marry Emma.

"Do you think she would say yes?" he asked his best friend, who looked at him with confusion. "Say yes to what?" Travis asked, raising an eyebrow. Patrick rolled his eyes. "Do you think Emma would marry me?" he clarified, and Travis's mouth fell open in surprise.

"Marriage?" Travis repeated. "Are you sure? That's a big step in a relationship." "I know," Patrick replied, determination in his voice. Travis laughed and said, "Well, if that's the case, if she doesn't  marry you, I will."

Patrick and Travis were deep in conversation as they made their way back home. They talked about everything from sports to their love lives.

Once Patrick arrived home, he was greeted by Silver and Steel. They were anxiously waiting for him, tails wagging and tongues hanging out. Patrick smiled and petted them, but he soon realized that they were actually waiting for someone else. He chuckled and said, "I know, I miss her too." He then spent some time playing with the two dogs.

Emma had let him know as soon as she arrived in Los Angeles and from then on, they spent hours on the phone, having long conversations about anything and everything. As the night grew late, Patrick found himself longing for Emma's presence in his bed. He hugged her pillow, taking in the familiar scent of her perfume, and drifted off to sleep, feeling comforted by her lingering presence.