This was my grand gesture. My declaration. Indisputable proof of exactly what Sebastian Fitzwilliam Birch meant to me.

Sure, this manilla envelope held between my fingers, addressed to Shelby E. Ryan had already been opened and read by me. But only to confirm and, therefore, put a halt to any further discussions by my giant in regards to transferring to my college for his junior year back to our hometown of St. Louis. Just so we could be together.

This was my game changer. For us as a couple. For Sebastian's future. And more importantly, for my so-called sanity after being in a long-distance relationship with him for over two years.

I sat on the edge of Sebastian's bed, my eyes darting to the closed door every time his room mate, Clay, strode past. Ten minutes ticked by, and then another twenty or so.

The ceiling of my giant's dorm room was white. A stark contrast to the slate gray walls and hardwood flooring. His bedspread, a deep navy, was the only splash of real color within his bedroom's confines. Just like back home, Sebastian kept everything orderly--functional. A desk sat in the corner with the right amount of books and enough electronics to keep a twenty-year-old guy occupied. Too bad that wasn't the case for me at the moment.

My phone buzzed in my hoodie front pocket. I snatched it from the confines and my eyes instantly slitted once I read the message.

Trina: Did you know about this and forgot to tell me?

I huffed to myself. Lord knows what my best friend, Trina Matthews, had inferred this time.

Shelby: Tell you what?

A few seconds later, she responded with a website link. I clicked it, and biting my nails as the video loaded.

The camera focused on Sebastian, and the black background made his golden hair and grayish eyes pop. He flashed that famous, cocky grin of his that turned my insides to goo, looking as gorgeous as ever. On the lower right hand corner of the screen was the ESPN logo proudly displayed.

A female reporter with long brown hair and brown eyes smiled. "Hello, everyone. I'm Sharai Vasquez, and I am here with Sebastian Birch, star forward of the championship winning Dalton men's basketball team." She turned in her seat to face my boyfriend. "Thanks for joining me today, Sebastian."

"Thanks for having me, Sharai." The smile on his face stretched a bit.

For the next few minutes, the reporter asked my giant about the current season and the upcoming National Championship tournament. Every response had him in his element; being his genuine smartass-self. Sebastian was made for the limelight, and this here, had him basking in it.

The conversation shifted to the subject of Valentine's day, which was only a week away. "So, Sebastian," Sharai said with a glint in her eyes. "I hear that you have a special someone." She exaggerated a wink at the camera. "Pretty much dashing all the hopes of your fans across not only the nation, but most of the female population of Dalton University?"

My giant chuckled, running a steady hand through his tousled hair. "Yeah. I do. She's pretty amazing, actually."

Within seconds, a picture of the two of us from prom senior year appeared on screen. My boyfriend's mirth filled eyes shifted to the side, exuding his feigned innocence. Did he know they were going to talk about me?

I squinted my eyes as the flutters in the pit of my stomach started. Too bad Sebastian had that effect on me in person or not. Although, if he was here with me now, I'd more than likely throttle him--for discussing me! On ESPN of all places.

"From what I understand, she, Shelby it is, right?" Sharai paused for my giant to nod his approval of my name. "Is more than just amazing. Her resilience and determination has shaped her into the person she needed to become after the accident."

Almost instantaneously, the newspaper front page clipping with the headline: Drunk Driver Kills Basketball Star and Parents. Cheerleading Sister Fights For Her Life occupied the entire screen. The picture of the charred and mangled remains of my mom's old silver minivan became front and center. I took a deep breath, ignoring the cold sweat prickling my exposed skin.

Sebastian looked to the makeshift ceiling and cleared his throat. "That it did. Shelby." He flashed a smile after saying my name. "Is the strongest person that I know."

"Well as you stated, she'd have to 'pretty amazing' to go through not only losing her parents, and her twin brother--who was also your best friend, is that correct?" Sharai's mouth formed a sobering straight line.

"Yes." Sebastian now darkened eyes didn't leave the reporters. From the hardened expression, jaw locked and brows furrowed, he gave her, there was no possible way my giant was expecting her to ask about my family.

"But also had to have her left leg amputated below the knee as well?" The silence after Sharai's words lingered for a few of my racing heartbeats.

I held the phone closer to my face, awaiting Sebastian's response. He was always so protective of me. Not like he ever acted embarrassed or ashamed that his disabled girlfriend had to use a prosthetic leg to walk.

Sebastian sat spine straight in his chair, a sly grin settling on his perfect lips. "She did." A slight head shake before staring straight at the camera. "But none of that matters. I was in love with Shelby Ryan long before that ever happened, and I'm more in love with her now than I even thought possible." The not so subtle wink he added at the end wasn't intended for anyone other than me. No doubt in my mind whatsoever.

I couldn't help but smile like an idiot at my phone. Good thing I was alone, here, in Sebastian's room, where no one could witness my swooning over the six-eight giant. Just like I had that night we first kissed at the Chicago Bulls' game over two years ago.

Sharai released a tense giggle. "Yes. It's apparent that you're quite smitten with your girlfriend, Sebastian. But I heard something rather adorable about you, though?"

Sebastian shrugged. "Okay?"

The reporter shuffled the papers in her lap. Hesitating first, she finally raised her eyes to his. "Did you send your girlfriend anonymous messages claiming to be Prince Charming to win her over?"

He forced a strained chuckle. "Oh, wow. Ummm." Sebastian bit his lower lip and wagged his head a few times. "How did you even find out about that?"

Busted, and on television of all places. I'd never witnessed my giant squirm as much as he was right now. I never even thought it was possible.

Sharai threw him a genuine smile and glanced over her shoulder. "Well, I am a reporter, Sebastian." She laughed. "Let's just say I have my ways."

To be continued

______________________________________________________________________________

We are back and we are ready to give you story #2 in the TPC series. Have you wondered what the heck we have been up to all these months?

Check us out! We are still the goofy girls we have always been.

Our website https://www.pattycarothersandamybrewerbooks.com/

Instagram: Princess4life_999

Twitter:

Facebook: 99princess4life