Zethora's POV

One. 

So many things ran through my head as I was lead to the podium. So many numbers ran through my head. Six... The age I was the first time I was slapped by my father. Four hundred thirty two... the amount of times I took a hit before finally having enough. Twelve... The age I became a mother, a father, and an older sister. Eight... The amount of loyalties that I truly can rely on. 

Out of all the numbers rolling around, I always go back to one. The number holding so many meanings. One man who made me trust no other. One angel who will forever reside within my heart. One sister who I owe my life to. 

Looking to my left as I stand at the top of the podium, my eyes instantly land on the golden irises that have unlocked my heart. One. That is all it took for me to be hooked. One look at him and I was gone, and I knew it. My heart speeds up seeing him smiling proudly with my sister to his side. Luke is whistling loudly to his left while Tyler yells along with him. 

The judge walks forward with the gold medal hanging from the threaded necklace. Leaning forward, I can't seem to comprehend this. It doesn't feel real to know what all I have been through led to this exact moment. This one moment in time. Where all the shit I endured made me into what I am today. 

Standing back up my eyes instantly look to my family. My biggest supporters. My uncle who trained me when I couldn't find my outlet. My baby sister who showed me what love truly was. My cousin who was my rock growing up. My best friend who is just crazy enough to handle me. My boys who protected me from so much indifference through our youth and now. 

Then there is Maddox... There isn't enough words to comprehend what all he has been to me, still is, and will be for me. The emotions only he can bring about. The simple looks that hold more than words ever could. The never ending support he gives me. He is my home.... plain and simple. 

Cameras flash while I stand there smiling. My eyes bright as I take off my medal thrusting it into the air. The silver and bronze medalist following suit. The cameras continue going off but I can't seem to care. In this one moment, it is everything I have worked for. 

My eyes turning to my coach. Coach Bridges could have worked with many but saw something in me. He was the only coach or trainer I have worked with that never questioned my not speaking. He allowed my determination and work ethic speak for itself. I nod at him which he returns with a slight smile pulling at his lips. 

By the end of the day, I made the trip to the podium four times in total but none matter as much as the final one. I earned gold on Bars and Floor, silver on Beam which I was surprised by. The last trip, this one right now. Earning gold as the All Around mattered the most to me... 

I let my head fall back looking to the arena ceiling thinking about my mom. How would she react seeing me standing here now. The dream instantly coming to mind. My head snaps back to my sister who has tears streaming down her cheeks while she continues smiling and clapping for me. I wink at her making her laugh shaking her head at me. 

One. One moment. One life. Endless possibilities. 

Maddox's POV-

Fuck she is incredible! 

That is all that is going through my mind as we watch her stand on the podium for the fourth time tonight. Watching her own her rightful spot is a thrill to see. My mind reeling with so many emotions for her. Pride for the strength she has. Joy that she has achieved her goals. Adoration for being a part of her life. Love... complete and utter love for everything she is. 

"That's my sister!" 

Chuckling I turn to see Arabella with happy tears streaming down her face. It is clear as day how proud she is. Glancing around, I see the same look on everyone's face... other than Luke... And Luke is Luke. He looks starstruck at my girl. I'm tempted to smack him up the head but I know he doesn't mean it in that manner. 

"THAT'S MY GIRL!" 

At this everyone turns looking to me with laughs while still clapping for Zethora. My eyes however are only with the silver eyes I am obsessed with. She clearly hears me since I can see her laughing along with the silver and bronze medalist. A slight pink coating her cheeks making me grin. 

They exit ending the awards for the woman's gymnastics. My eyes following as she walks over hugging her coach. He pulls her in like a proud parent. It would worry me more how close they are but I have no right to be jealous. He has been nothing but professional with Zethora. 

"Hey man, look." 

My eyes snap to a security guard who is ushering us over. We all walk to him for him to bow slightly to us. He begins to speak and I feel completely lost. He is speaking in Japanese and I can't understand a word. 

"ありがとうございました。ついてきます。"

Hearing Macey reply to him, My eyes snap to her along with everyone else. Tyler only smirks at us while she shrugs. 

"He is telling us that he will guide us to Z." 

We all follow suit while he leads us to the below tunnels. We see other families are also down here. The man turns holding his hand up to stop us before speaking again. This time all of us look to Macey for translation. 

"He says she will be out in just a minute." 

He bows again before scurrying off. My eyes looking around wondering where she is at. It doesn't take long for my thoughts to be answered. Clapping occurs in front of us as all the US girls come walking down together. Each spreading out to walk to their families. Zethora walks over to us with all her medals hanging from her neck. I instantly grab her lifting her up. My arms wrapped around the back of her knees while her hands are on my shoulders. Her family clapping still while I slowly lower her allowing her to greet them all. Her sister begins crying again. 

"Damn Z, you want me to carry those for you?" 

I roll my eyes at Luke who is cheekily grinning at the medals. My hand smacks his head at the same time Macey hits his stomach. He doubles over in pain while everyone chuckles. Dumb ass. Zethora finds her way to my side hugging it as everyone continues congratulating her. 

"Z!" 

We all turn to see a bouncy bubble of energy coming over towards us. She stops in front of Zethora with her own two medals. Laurie Hernandez. Gold Medal on Beam and Silver on Floor. She was a great competitor. She glances to me before turning to wave her family over. 

"Z, this is my parent's." 

Her parents wave gently making Zethora do the same. Laurie then turns her attention towards me. 

"And you are the lucky one."

Raising an eyebrow, I glance to my girl who is firetruck red making me wonder. 

"She loves you, you know. Everytime you texted her. This smile would light up her face. It was like a cure to anything." 

She reaches out to shake my hand. 

"Thank you Mr. Kane for making my friend happy." 

"It is my pleasure Ms. Hernandez." 

She rolls her eyes before telling me to call her Laurie. She gives Zethora another hug before bouncing away. We all begin to leave the arena. Zethora still glued to my side. She yawns making me chuckle lowly while the rest of the group continues chattering away. She whacks my chest making me chuckle more. She is exhausted which she has a right to be. Kissing her temple, I can hear her sigh. 

Macey then turns around asking us if we all want to go out to celebrate. We decide on a restaurant that Macey says she's been to. I look to Tyler with a questionable look. He just shrugs before wrapping his arm around her. Derek and Chris following behind them. Troy lifting Arabella up with Luke in tow leaving us behind. 

"Sugar.. keep me up, okay?"

I chuckle at her soft voice lifting her up. She squeaks wrapping her legs around my waist. Her head going into my neck. I shiver feeling her lips brush my skin. We were walking to the restaurant since it wasn't far away. My girl practically asleep already. She can't sleep yet thought... I got plans. 

Dinner was fantastic. It was an upscale restaurant that knew Macey allowing us immediate access in. We all try different dishes while talking about the events of the Olympics. Praising all the performances of everyone. Troy called us a few cabs to get us back to the hotel after. Zethora was practically dead to the world in my arms walking back into our room. Thanking Troy, he nods and winks before shutting the door behind me. 

"Sweetheart, we're back at the hotel." 

She snuggles closer to me in return. I chuckle taking us into the room. Laying her on the bed, she begins curling into the sheets and pillows. My hands reaching for her shoes to help remove them before helping her out of the track suit she was in. She continues keeping her eyes closed making me laugh gently. I take off her remaining close before grabbing one of my shirts to slip over her. She instantly settles into her pillow while I take off my clothes. My hand taking out the rectangular box I have had all day with me. 

Slipping into the bed, Zethora instantly starts to coil towards me. I lay on my side placing the box under my pillow as I prop up on one elbow. My fingers leisurely running through her hair. 

"Sugar... your staring." 

Her soft voice filling the quiet room as she opens her eyes slightly. A smile tugging at my lips as her silver eyes study me. 

"Sweetheart, do you remember what I said in Texas?"

Her eyebrows furrow for a minute. My fingers reaching under the pillow case pulling out the small box gaining her attention. Her eyes opening wide looking to it before snapping to me. I grin looking at her shocked reaction. 

"I realized a long time ago that when I propose to you... I wanted it to be special, I wanted it to mean something... Then I realized that any moment with you was special to me." I lean forward to peck her lips before continuing. "You once told me that your favorite moments with me were when we are just within each others arms, no big dinners, no grand outings. Just you, me... and Fox." 

She giggles as tears well up in her eyes. Her hand slightly trembling. 

"So here I lay... within the arms that matter most to me... asking you to remain as my other half for the rest of our lives. I love you more than I could ever fucking say and I am so glad that you ran into our stadium." 

"Zethora Andrews, will you marry me?"

With tears in her eyes and a wide smile on her face she nods her head. 

"Yes... Absolutely yes." 

I open the box and she gasp at it. I slip it on her finger while her fingers shake. She lunges at me crashing her lips to mine as I smile against her lips. We don't pull away for some time. She looks down at the ring and continues smiling. 

"It was paired specifically for your wedding band... your mother's ring." 

She releases a shaky breath while I hold the ring around my neck up to her hand. She looks to them giggling while sobbing. 

"It's perfect."