[tsallen89]

Monday August 19th, 2019
Love's Travel Plaza
Dodge City, KS
11:37am

Ryan Blacwood still couldn't believe what was happening. This last month had run the gamut of emotions. The utter depths of losing Molly and RJ on one end and the crazy highs of Molly's last gift and how he was now looking at the opportunity to follow his dream of coaching college football.

As he was gassing up the RV, Ryan laughed as he listened to Frankie and Britney trying to help Macy get Paw Patrol to play on her iPad. Ryan was so glad that the stipulations for using the blessing of Molly's extra insurance policy didn't specify that the "house" couldn't be on wheels. In fact, Mr. Rickson had thought buying an RV was a great investment for Arizona State University's newest offensive quality control coach.

Ryan once again offered up a quick prayer of thanks. He knew that somehow in some way Molly was pulling unforeseen strings for him. Reaching out to Danny Gonzales had gone great. ASU had space for one more coach but no money left in the budget. When Ryan offered to pay his own way Danny and ASU head coach Herm Edwards gladly brought "Coach Blacwood" on to the staff.

Sure he'd be fairly low on the organizational chart, but Ryan's foot was in the door. Macy jumping on the skype interview definitely didn't hurt things either. Ryan had yet to find anyone who didn't fall under his baby girl's charming personality.

Frank and Britney were excited for Ryan's new adventure but also quite sad to see little Macy go. They had generously offered to go along for the ride as part of this new adventure team. They still couldn't believe that Ryan was going to be a part of a division one football coaching staff. Their worries about Macy's childcare arrangements were quickly reassured when they learned that the coach's wives had arranged for part of the football offices to include a daycare for the youngest members of the "ASU Family."

As for Ryan, he was all over the place. Excited about the opportunity. Terrified he was making a huge mistake. Still dealing with the pain in his heart that was always in the back of his mind, and so incredibly thankful that he'd married an amazing woman who loved making detailed plans.

He had made a promise to Molly's memory and to himself that he would give it everything he had to reach his goals. He also promised to give it 5 years and then go back to a regular job if things didn't work out. In 5 years Macy would be 7, still young enough to jump in and make new friends at school.

As he finished topping off the RV's gas tank and making sure his Blue (Molly's favorite color) FJ Cruiser was secured in the correct towing position at the back of the RV; Ryan took a deep breath, smiled, and looked at the western horizon.

"It's go time..."