Six Months Later
The cameras flashing in my face was definitely something I still wasn’t used to, but I was adjusting. It wasn’t like I could shy away from it anymore. Two months ago, I’d become the wife of a two-time AFC champion and future two-time Super Bowl MVP. I had no choice but to take to the spotlight.
We were standing on the Tubi red carpet for the Super Bowl pre-game event, and all eyes were on us, but it was our son who stole the show crawling around and babbling. Dressed in a little varsity jacket with Barnes embroidered on the back, he had Kellon’s dimples, my eyes, and was spoiled rotten.
Kellon scooped him up for the cameras, grinning like the proudest father in the world.
“My good luck charm,” he whispered to our baby before kissing the top of his head.
I stood beside them with my hand resting gently on their backs. My heart was full in a way I never thought was possible. It was surreal watching Kellon walk this path again. It was his second Super Bowl appearance. This time, I wasn’t in the stands. I was right by his side. I could tell that this one meant a little bit more to him because we were a family.
“Mr. Barnes, can we get a few words?” a reporter asked as we reached the interview booth. We both nodded, stepping into frame with ease.
“You’re headed into your second Super Bowl,” the reporter said, smiling. “But there’s been some recent controversy online. Former NFL star, Reggie Davis, made claims suggesting your son may not be biologically yours. Do you care to comment on that?”
Kellon didn’t even blink.
“Yeah,” he said calmly. “I heard what he said. And let me be clear. My son is my son in every way that matters—blood, bond, and love. End of story.”
I reached for his hand, giving it a squeeze. I hated that Reggie was still haunting us from behind bars. He was serving eighteen years for his crime. Every few months, he or Natalie spoke with a reporter and stirred up shit. I wished they would just do their time quietly and leave us alone.
The reporter glanced toward me. “Phileigh, care to respond?”
Before I could speak, Kellon stepped in again.
“She’s already said what mattered with her actions, her loyalty, and her love. We’re not here to entertain nonsense. We’re here to celebrate this family, this game, and the legacy we’re building.”
The interviewer blinked. They were clearly thrown off by how smoothly he shut it down.
“Fair enough. Phileigh, you’ve got a lot of buzz around your upcoming haircare line. Can you give us a sneak peek?”
Kellon smirked. “I’ll let her answer that one.”
“Yes. Philosphy by Phileigh is my baby. I’ve worked so hard with my best friend and business partner to create a natural, clean line made for us by us, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
“It’s about to take over the world!” Kellon added, making me laugh and shake my head.
The interview wrapped. The lights faded. We made our way off the carpet, linking up with our parents in the family section. Our moms were already plotting baby handoffs and game snacks. My dad was already talking to the dads about pre-game rituals like it was life or death.
Kellon leaned into my ear. “You good?”
I nodded. “More than good.”
A few minutes later, we had to part ways. He was heading to his final team briefing, and I was meeting with my glam team and PR rep for a quick run through before tomorrow’s festivities. Our baby was asleep in my arms peacefully unaware of the history his daddy was about to make.
We stood near the escalator, hidden just slightly from the commotion.
“I’m so proud of you,” I whispered, looking up at him. “Like… so extremely proud of you. Win or lose, but you better win.”
He tilted his head, smiling down at me with that lazy grin that always made my knees feel like water.
“You think we got time for you to give me some pussy for good luck?”
I shook my head, pushing him away.
“Nope!”
“I love you,” he said, cupping my face. “Both of you.”
He kissed me
“Go be great,” I told him. “We’ll be right here. Always.”
He kissed our son’s forehead, gave me one last look, and then disappeared down the escalator to chase his legacy.