Unexpected Love

Chapter 51

Cristiano

There aren't many times where one can feel genuinely elated over any accomplishment because of the negativity of public opinion but this was definitely one of the few instances in which we did not care about whatever hate our detractors had for us.

"You deserve this," Pepe whispered, handing the shining silver Euro trophy to me. I stared at it and instantly flashbacks of this rollercoaster of a tournament came to me.

From our very frustrating games, tiring regime and negative comments to my injury earlier in this very game and Eder's match winning goal to finally seal something for Portugal. We were definitely bruised and battered but not defeated and that made the victory even more sweeter.

I raised the trophy above my head to the roar of my teammates and I saw the fireworks beginning to go off and confetti starting to fall all around us like snowflakes while our small band of supporters applauded us from their seats.

As I kissed my first trophy with the national team, I could not help but be relieved that I came out relatively unscathed from this, especially after that hectic schedule, which ultimately meant one thing.

I could finally get married in peace without any hindrance whatsoever.

It's only a week to go until Catalina and I tie the knot and frankly the build up has been nervewrecking to say the least. Yes, the trophies along the way have been great confidence builders but that still didn't save me from being sick with anxiety and anticipation.

Lost in my reverie, I didn't even realise that the crowd had disappated from on and around the podium and the guys went off with the trophy elsewhere to have the time of their lives leaving me standing by myself

"Congratulations Cris," Ricky gave me a strong hug after he broke through the wall of reporters.

"Thank you man, this is for all of you!" I squeezed him back.

"Well done bro,"Miguel clapped me on the back.

"Daddy!" Junior sprinted towards me from out of nowhere. I picked him up and spun us around, making him laugh with glee and his face light up.

"Little man did you enjoy the game?" I asked and he nodded enthusiastically. Suddenly I felt a soft hand on my shoulder that made me turn around in an instant.

"That was a great win," she kissed my lips gently, pressing her forehead to mine and I could pratically feel the flashes coming from the hundreds of cameras.

"I'll admit it was one of our harder games Lina," I slung an arm around her shoulders.

I glanced down into the stroller and saw that Rani was wide awake, mismatched eyes alight with curiosity but I also swear that Xavi and Selene can sleep through practically anything.

"Why is this naughty little missy not sleeping?" I picked her up out of her blankets.

"Because little missy got excited when Eder scored that goal," Catalina smiled as she brushed back Rani's curls,"Then she refused go back down to sleep."

"Did you cheer for daddy?" I asked her quietly and Catalina laughed at my babyfied voice.

Rani didn't mind however and flashed me a cute little gummy grin that was also full of spit. I kissed her head and she lunged foward, trying in vain to pull the gold medal from my neck.

"Here you go Junior," I placed it gently around his neck,"Keep this safe before Rani strangles me."

"She's been very grabby as of late. I can't wear long earrings or keep my hair down when I'm feeding her," Catalina noted,"Yolanda said she is rather strong for her age."