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Emma, One year later…

Cheers and screams go off around us, where our group of friends and close family have gathered for draft night to celebrate Hawke.

He wanted to stay in Michigan for the draft instead of going back to his family home in Texas, so we rented a party room at a local bar and restaurant instead.

It was cozy and intimate, with just enough room for the people most important to him.

He took the phone call a few minutes ago and accepted the pick over the phone.

While this appears new to viewers and the audience watching, we’ve known for a while which team would be focusing on Hawke.

Everyone is celebrating; there is a camera on us, but I barely notice as I’m lifted off the ground, my body held tight in his arms. Once I’m back on my feet, Hawke pulls a Tennessee hat out and puts it on his head, before taking my face between his hands and kissing me.

Our families are present, which forces him to keep it pretty tame.

Which is a shame, because I am ready to climb my man.

He has worked hard to get to this point.

I’m so proud of him and all that he’s accomplished.

Hawke has known since high school that he wanted to play in the NFL.

Once our relationship became stable and strong after last year, he buckled down and went about completing his plans for finishing college with his degree then entering the draft.

He led Michigan to two National Championships and gave the team a kick-start for the next season without him, hopefully helping them keep on track for another successful year.

I have one year left of school now, and even knowing that we plan to make long distance work for one year, I’m nervous.

Professional football is different from college football.

We’ve survived the media and adversity around campus and I’m hoping we can continue it into the next year until I can officially be with Hawke in the home he bought for us in Tennessee.

I love the house and I love the plans and dreams we have for our future there.

Hawke has never gone back on his promises to me and I trust him with both my heart and my soul.

“I’m proud of you. I love you so much,” I tell him, my hand cupping his cheek.

Hawke watches me, and there's almost a dangerous edge to the way he’s staring. Around us, everyone is gathering to give him a hug, praise, and congratulate him. Instead of responding, his hands find my hips and Hawke lowers himself to the ground, kneeling on one knee.

“Hawke.” My voice comes out shaky, and he smirks.

The room quiets. All eyes are on us. There's excited, nervous whispering, and the rest of the draft can be heard on the TV in the background. None of it matters though except the man in front of me.

“You owe me for one more bet, sugar,” he tells me, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a black, satin box.

“Emmarys Lawson, I loved you before I knew what the word meant. You’ve been my motivation to be a better man.

My reason for working hard, especially to get back to you.

You’re my home, Em, and no matter what our future brings us, I know I can’t do any of it without you.

I love you. I have and I always will love you. Will you marry me, Emma?”

He flicks the lid open, and even without seeing the ring, I know I’ll say yes. Hawke knows exactly what I need, the words to reassure me, and he shows me how much he loves me every day. He takes the gorgeous, three-carat, solitaire diamond on a gold band and slides it over his name on my finger.

I smile with tears in my eyes. He watches me, intense, hungry, and with love. I breathe in, smiling and say, “Yes.”