A/N Happy Memorial Day Weekend! I know that makes many of us in America happy, because we're off work tomorrow. A shout out to all the military and their families. My dad served in the Air Force for 26 years, and I'm forever grateful to those that do. Say thanks to a vet if you can. Do you have any big plans to commemorate? Today is also apparently International Tiara Day, which works since E&B are going to have a little princess.

I forgot to mention that the house is in my FF profile, so if you want to take a look, you can. As well as see a link for what's coming next week. The sad isn't going to continue past this chapter, at least not much.

I love how many of you feared for Rainbow after my warning last chapter. Silly, she's directly part of E/B, so she wasn't part of the warning. But the love for her is heartwarming. As is the love for the character that many of you feared for as well. Trust me, I love him as much as you do, and it sucked writing what I did, but at the same time, I feel like what Edward does makes it worth doing. I've seriously never been prouder of one of my characters than I was him in this chapter. So, hopefully you'll agree with me.

Again I issue a TISSUE WARNING! You have been warned, so no yelling at me, please! I elected to leave that note last week so nobody would be blindsided (except those that skip AN's). Virtual hugs all around and I'll see you next week with some happier times. I promise!

Getting Blitzed Chapter 37

"There's nothing like a good ass-kicking to get me in the mood," Sammy said, laughing as we got back into the locker room.

I rolled my eyes. He was right, though. We had kicked ass. Thirty-four to thirteen, and it hadn't even been that close. The Bears had gotten a garbage TD right before the end of the game to make it look a little better.

"Sure it isn't the pretty teacher that has you in the mood?"

Sammy's grin lit up his whole face. "Do you think she liked the game? I was fucking awesome today, right? She has to be impressed and want me."

"Why ask me when you can ask her? They'll be meeting us right outside shortly, so get your ass in gear."

I took a shower, enjoying the way the spray loosened my tight muscles. I hadn't been hit much today, but the couple of shots I'd taken had been good ones. I cleaned up and got dressed, grabbed my wallet and phone out of my locker, and slid my ring back on.

While Sammy finished up primping, I checked my phone for messages.

Great game, Edward! You were really good.

I smiled at Danny's message, firing off a text of thanks and telling him I hoped to see him soon. Only one game left in the season, and then we'd have some free time to move and relax a little bit.

Our offer on the gray house had been countered, which we'd countered back, and finally we'd agreed to one point six five million. We'd take ownership in thirty days. I couldn't fucking wait. Neither could Reed Girl. There were piles of catalogs on the coffee table, with little Post-its marking the shit she liked. She was having the time of her life planning where things would go in the house, and I loved watching her do it.

"I'm ready. Let's go."

I laughed as he looked at himself one more time. "Are you sure? Perhaps you should fuck with your hair one more time."

"Why? Does it look bad?" He glared at me when I snorted. "Ass. Just because you got your girl all locked up doesn't mean you can't take pity on the rest of us. It's been a long time since I've liked a woman this much."

"Clearly she likes you, too. How many hours have you spent on the phone since you two met?"

He smiled.

"Exactly. Chill out and be yourself. You'll be fine."

We headed out of the locker room, and there they were. I smiled when I saw Reed Girl wearing my jersey over a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of jeans. New jeans because her old ones didn't fit anymore. She looked hot as hell, showing off those new curves of hers. Emily was outfitted similarly in Sammy's jersey. He let out a little moan next to me. Fucking hilarious.

"Hey, baby." I kissed my wife. "Aren't you cold?"

She shook her head. "My jacket's right there." She pointed to a couple of coats on the floor by the wall. It was too hot here. "Great game." She smiled at me, but I noticed the smile didn't meet her eyes.

"What's wrong?" I cupped her face in my hands. "Did somebody fuck with you in the stands or something?" I'd worried about that shit, that someone would recognize her and say something. I should have put her in the owner's box.

"No, nothing like that." She took my hand and edged us away from where Sammy and Emily were talking animatedly.

I gave her a look, willing her to get to it. She took a deep, shuddering breath, and I saw tears appear in her eyes. Shit. Whoever had made her cry was going to get their ass kicked, unless it was me. Fuck, I hoped it wasn't me.

"What is it, Bella? You're freaking me out."

"I know. I'm sorry. I just don't know how to tell you-"As she broke off, the tears started to flow, and I went into instant panic.

"Is it the baby? Is something wrong with her?" I reached out to pick her up and run to the team doctor. He was the closest medical personnel I could think of.

"No. Edward, she's fine."

Relief filled me at those words.

"I'm sorry. It's Danny."

Danny? But I'd just talked to him. He had to be okay. "What's wrong with Danny? He just texted me."

"His mother called me a few minutes ago. He's not doing well, baby. They don't think…" She trailed off and wiped at her tears. "He's not going to make it."

Fuck. My heart dropped. I knew, at Thanksgiving, I knew that he seemed too little, too frail. But he was going to fight. Danny was a fighter. He had to be okay. "What did she say?"

"He's too weak for anymore chemo or a bone-marrow transplant. They're out of options." Reed Girl put her arms around me, and I clutched her to my body. "She wanted to know if you'd come by the hospital to see him."

Like they had to ask? "Can we go now?"

"Yeah, for a little bit. Visiting hours end at eight, I guess."

Fuck that noise. I'd leave when I left. "Let's go."

"We have to tell Sammy and Emily we're not going to dinner," Reed Girl reminded me gently before I could tug her down the hallway.

Yeah. That's right. Five minutes ago, we'd had plans to go to dinner with friends. Now I was going to a hospital to watch a cool little kid die. The world was a fucked-up place.

"Sammy."

He looked over at me from his conversation with Emily.

"We can't do dinner. You guys will have to go on your own."

"I drove, so could you take Emily home?" Reed Girl asked, squeezing my hand.

"Sure." Sammy narrowed his eyes at us. "What happened? Is everything okay?"

I just shook my head. "It's Danny."

"Fuck." He knew instantly. "Where is he? Can I come? Is he still…"

"If you want." Reed Girl gave him the hospital information since I didn't have it.

Poor Emily looked confused, but I didn't have time to enlighten her. Let Sammy do it.

"We have to go." Then something occurred to me, and I ran back into the locker room to grab a game ball before hurrying back out. "Okay, let's go."

We got to my car, and I input the hospital on the GPS. Luckily it was close by. We didn't talk on the way; Reed Girl just held on to my hand and stroked it with her thumb.

Reed Girl had the building information, so she directed me where to park and what room we were going to. I honestly didn't need the room number, though. I heard a football game playing and headed that way. Sure enough, it was Danny's room.

I saw his mother first. Joyce had red eyes, but a smile stole over her face when she saw us standing there. Steve was sitting next to the bed with Danny, holding his hand. And Danny…Danny was so tiny and pale in that fucking hospital bed, hooked up to beeping monitors and shit. It was so fucking wrong. A part of me wanted to rip out all the wires and then punch the wall. He was too young for this shit. It shouldn't be happening to him.

On the TV, Dallas scored a TD with that little blond receiver of theirs. Sammy called him Baby Thor.

"Darn. We need them to lose, right, Dad? So we can go to the playoffs?"

"That would be a good start, but we need a lot to happen," I said.

Danny's head whipped around and his face lit right up when he saw me.

"Edward! You came to see me."

"Where else would I go after a big win?" I asked, walking over to his bedside. It was then that I noticed Chelsea, who was on the bed with her brother. She looked up at me with the saddest blue eyes I'd ever fucking seen. Fuck.

"I had to celebrate with my best supporter, didn't I?"

He pointed to himself. "That's me."

"Of course it's you." I held out the football I'd grabbed from the locker room and handed it to him. "This is one of the balls we used in the game. I thought you might like to have it."

He lit up even more as he reached for it. "Wow! Thank you. It's awesome."

"It's a very cool present, isn't it, son?" Steve held out a hand to me, and I shook. He looked wrecked. They all did. Of course they did. "Thanks for coming, Edward."

"Nowhere else I'd rather be."

He nodded sadly as he stood. "Take my seat. I…we…should take Chelsea down for something to eat. Will you be okay sitting with him for a little bit?" he asked softly.

"Of course," Reed Girl answered while I just nodded. "You guys take all the time you need."

He gave her a smile. "Thanks. Chelsea, let's go get some dinner. Edward and Bella are going to stay with your brother."

"I'm not hungry," she muttered, taking her brother's hand in hers.

"I know, baby, but you have to eat. We all do." Her mother held out a hand. "We'll just grab something quick in the cafeteria and come right back."

Chelsea shook her head. "I'm not leaving my brother."

"You need to-"Joyce started, at the same time that Danny spoke.

"Could you bring me back some fries? I really like them." He looked at his twin. "You know the kind I like best."

Chelsea nodded. "The squishy ones. Okay, I'll bring you some." She slid from the bed and pointed at me. "You take care of him until I get back."

Christ. "I promise."

She nodded and left the room with her parents.

I took the seat Steve had vacated, and Reed Girl sat next to me.

"She wouldn't leave unless I gave her something to do." I didn't know what to say to that, but Danny continued. "You threw four touchdowns today. It was really good."

"Thanks. Cutler helped, giving us a short field so many times."

He laughed. "Yeah. Three interceptions. Not good for them, but good for us."

Sammy showed up then, and I was surprised to see Emily in the doorway. She waved but stayed back.

"Hey, little man. Are you voodooing Dallas for us?" At Danny's confused expression, he clarified. "Bringing them bad luck so we can get into the playoffs."

Danny nodded. "I'm trying, but they're winning right now. Maybe with all of us, they'll start losing."

"We can hope. Hey, I brought you something." Sammy handed him one of his gloves. "I caught that second touchdown wearing this."

"Cool! Thank you!" Danny took it and set it next to the football on the bed with him.

We sat and watched the game for a while before he spoke up again. "Can I talk to you alone?" he asked, addressing me.

Sammy nodded at my look. "I've got to head out anyway. You stay tough, Danny. I'm going to visit you again soon, okay?"

"Okay. Thanks for coming to see me, and for my glove."

Sammy fist-bumped him before heading out.

Reed Girl stood. "I'm just going to find some water. I'll be right outside." She said that for my benefit, I knew. I was holding on by a fucking thread at this point, and I really needed her.

"What's up?" I asked Danny once we were alone.

"I'm sorry," he said, and a tear dropped down his face. He wiped it away.

"What could you possibly be sorry about?" I was baffled. And I didn't know what I'd fucking do if he cried any more. It would kill me.

"You told me to be strong, but I'm not."

Fuck. "Danny, you're very strong. I don't know many people who could go what you're going through and be here, smiling and laughing and being strong for their family." He shook his head, but I went on. "You pretended you wanted French fries to get your sister to go get something to eat. That's being strong and helping your family, putting them first. Strength isn't about health or muscles. It's about doing the right thing, even when it's hard."

He seemed to be thinking about what I'd said. He nodded slowly. "Will you make sure they're okay? After…" He trailed off, not saying the words, thank fuck. "You're the only person I can ask. My other friends are too young to do it."

Fucking hell. I was going to lose my shit all over the place. "Of course I will. They'll be fine. And so will you." It was a lie, but I had to say it, even though he shook his head.

"I know. I can tell." And he did. I could see it in his eyes. "It's okay. Someone needs to look out for my sister. She's tough, but she's really sad. Say you'll do it, and I'll believe you. Miss Bella says you keep your word."

And this kid doubted his strength? Please. He was incredible. I took his hand. "I promise. I'll look out for your family, especially Chelsea. She may not appreciate it, but I'll do it."

He laughed. "She will. She just won't say that she does. Don't let her kick you, though. It hurts."

Dallas scored again and caught his attention. "I won't get to be like you and play for FSU and the Giants."

Fucking hell. I had to do something.

"That's okay. I'll watch you. Maybe you'll win the Super Bowl for me one day."

"I will." His eyes cut to mine, and I nodded. "That's another promise I'll make you."

He smiled. "Good. I like that."

Not long after, his family and Reed Girl came back in. We hung out for a while, but his eyes started drooping, so I knew it was time to leave. I gave Danny a light hug and promised to come back the next day. Joyce and Steve both hugged us and thanked us for visiting. I shook off the thanks. I didn't need it.

As we stepped into the hallway, I took Reed Girl's hand in mine again. I needed to hold on to her. Before we could get too far, Chelsea came out.

"Edward."

I turned and stooped down so that I'd be on her level.

"Hey, Chelsea."

She came to a stop in front of me. "My brother's going to die."

Fuck. I looked at Reed Girl, and she nodded at me. "I know. I'm sorry."

"You're his favorite player."

"It's an honor to be his favorite player. He's a great person."

"He won't be able to root for you anymore, except from heaven."

I had no idea what to say to that, so I just nodded.

"So, I'm going to root for you for him. You're my favorite player now."

That fucking did it. The little blond girl destroyed me. "That's…thank you. That's just as great an honor." I opened my arms, and she walked into them. She cried, then, long and hard. And yeah, I cried a little, too. It was impossible not to. One look at Bella confirmed that she was in the same boat I was.

Eventually, Chelsea calmed down and stepped back, wiping at her eyes. "Thank you."

I just nodded.

"Maybe you could bring me one of your jerseys next time you come."

She floored me. "I'd be happy to."

"I have to get back to my brother now. See you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'll be here."

"Okay. Bye." She kissed my cheek and gave Reed Girl a hug.

I stopped her before she went back into Danny's room. "Chelsea?" She turned and looked at me. "We're having a baby girl, and I want her to be just like you when she grows up."

That made a ghost of a smile appear on her face. "I'd like that." Then she headed off into her brother's room.

I stood up, and Reed Girl wrapped her arms around me, burying her face in my chest. "Oh, God. Edward."

"I know, baby." I held her for several minutes, just breathing her in and letting her cry. My tears were gone, but my mind was whirling. I fucking hated that that awesome little boy was getting robbed of the life he deserved. I had to do something.

"I'm sorry. I'm supposed to be strong for you." Reed Girl pulled back, and I wiped away her tears.

"You are strong for me. I needed you, and here you are." I took her hand, and we headed out of the hospital.

"What did he say to you?" she asked as I drove us home. I told her, which of course made her cry again. "We will be there for them. I promise that, too."

I kissed her knuckles. "We're a team. Where I go, you go, and vice versa. I want to do something for him, something in his name."

His name. That hit me like a ton of bricks. I parked the car in our slot and turned to look at Reed Girl. "I want to name our daughter after him. Danielle. We'll call her Dani, the girl version."

The tears started to flow again, but she nodded. "I think that's a great idea. A lovely tribute to him."

It was a start. I wanted to do more. I would do more. But what?

Xoxoxoxoxox

Tuesday's practice sucked. It was long and tiring, especially because I'd spent almost all of Monday in Danny's room. Sammy had called the guys, and Danny's hospital floor was a revolving door of New York Giants. Sammy, Colin, Brady, and Paul had all stayed the longest, but even guys who hadn't met him, like JPP and Jennings, stopped in to say hi and make him smile. Eli came and made Chelsea happier, but she reiterated to me that I was now her favorite player. It wasn't how I'd wanted to win her affections, but it still meant a lot to me.

Danny's wistful words about not being able to play for his dream teams stayed with me. There was nothing I could do to completely make his dream come true, but I had an idea. First I went to Coach, who loved the first part of my plan and promised to go to the GM and get it done. He wasn't as enamored with the second part, because he feared I might get suspended, but I was going to put Alec on that.

Alec made some calls, as did Mr. Mara and Coach. While they were doing that, I called Jasper and Coach Fisher. Jasper immediately agreed, and Coach promised to talk to the Georgia staff, who we were playing in our New Year's Day bowl game. It took a lot of doing, but we got the permission we needed.

"You're going to have to pay a big fine for uniform violation," Alec told me. "They won't suspend you, but they can't just waive the fee. Otherwise they'd have players wanting to do the same thing every week."

That wasn't a problem. I'd pay whatever fine they levied. It was totally worth it.

Our families understood when Reed Girl and I explained to them that we wouldn't be doing a big Christmas celebration this year. We wanted to be there for Danny and his family, and honestly, we didn't really feel like celebrating. I cancelled my planned trip to Miami for the bowl game, as well. I hoped that Danny would be around to watch the game with me in his room. And if he wasn't…well, I wouldn't want to be there then anyway.

During my Thursday visit with him, I made Danny promise that he'd watch the game on Sunday. He knew I wouldn't be by until Monday, since our final game was in Arizona against the Cardinals. Leaving was hard, not knowing if he'd be there when I came back, but his parents assured me that the doctors had given him a few more weeks.

Sunday came, and I got my usual text from him, wishing me a great game. I replied, thanking him, and fought the pang, knowing that it would be the last time he texted me before a game. Next year-no. I couldn't think about that now. I had a game to win.

I put on my jersey, and Sammy managed a smile when he saw it.

"That's awesome, man. He's going to be floored."

I shrugged. "It was the best I could do. He can't play, but…"

"But you can play for him. It's awesome. He'll love it."

I hoped so. I stood in the gangplank, wearing the special jersey I'd had made for the occasion. The announcers had all been prepped, and much to my pleasant surprise, the Cardinals had suggested giving me an entrance, even though I was on their field. My team was introduced and ran out en masse.

"And now, playing today for a very special boy, quarterback Edward Cullen." I walked out of the tunnel, smiling into the camera that was zoomed in on the number nine that I wore today instead of my usual seven. They did a shot of my back as I walked by, as requested. Instead of my name, it said Prentice. Maybe Danny couldn't take the field, but I could in his name.

The game ended up being a tight one, but in the end, Danny and I prevailed. I threw a last-second touchdown to Sammy to win twenty-eight to twenty-four. We officially finished the season nine and seven, just out of the playoffs. But when I got to the locker room and checked my phone, I didn't feel like I'd missed out on anything.

I had a voice mail from Danny, along with his pre-game texts wishing me luck.

"Edward! You're wearing my name! It's like I'm out on the field! Oh, thank you! Thank you so much! This is so cool! My friends can't believe it. They keep calling my room! Dad taped the game. This is so great! It's like I'm playing! Oh, look, you threw a touchdown! I'm pretending I did! Mom, I'm not going to fall out of bed. Sorry, I got a little excited. Thank you again! I can't wait to see you!"

I couldn't wait to see him, either. I saved his voice mail, knowing that I'd want to hear it again one day, after he was gone. The smile on his face when I went into his room the next day and presented him with his jersey was priceless. Later that day, when Coach gave him a signed contract, making him a New York Giant, he about burst with pride and excitement and joy. And the following week, when I sat next to Danny and watched Jasper, wearing his own 9 Prentice jersey, take the field at the Orange Bowl, I got to see the wonder and happiness that had been on his face when I'd done it.

It was that that I held to me when we got the call a couple of days later. Danny had passed away in the middle of the night with his family by his side. I did my best to hold on to that image as I watched the far-too-little coffin get lowered into the ground, Bella's hand in mine. My entire team and coaching staff had turned out for the funeral, along with Alec and the Maras. He was a New York Giant, and they all came to support him. He was buried with his jersey, my jersey, and the game ball I'd given him. Just the thought of that nearly brought me to my knees.

"I never thought anything could make me smile today, but you all did. He would be so thrilled that the entire team came for him. Thank you for what you've done." Joyce hugged me tightly. "You made these last few months the best of his life. That's more than we could have hoped for, under the circumstances."

"I hope you don't think that's the last you're going to see of us," I told her, holding on tightly to Reed Girl's hand. She was my lifeline today. "I made a promise to your son that I was going to look after you, and I intend do that and more. He won't ever be forgotten."

I put my free hand over Bella's baby bump. "We hope you don't mind, but we'd like to name our daughter Danielle and call her Dani. There's nobody we'd like her to emulate more than both of your children."

"Oh, God." Joyce put her hand to her mouth, and her husband held on to her as she cried and nodded.

"Yes. We'd like that very much," he supplied, shaking my hand. "Thank you for being there for my son. You meant the world to him."

"He means a lot to us," Reed Girl told him. "We know you probably need some time, but know that we're here for you when you want us."

"Thank you."

They moved away, on to accept more condolences. It was a cold, crappy winter day that seemed fitting for a funeral. And that was a fucked-up thought.

"They mean it, you know. You did a lot to make Danny happy, when not much could have. You can't discount that, now that he's gone."

I focused on my wife. She was so sad and beautiful in her black dress. "I don't. But I want to do more. Nobody should have to go through this."

"So, we'll do more." She touched my face. "We'll keep his name alive." She touched her belly. "She'll keep his name alive, and we'll honor him with our new charity."

Danny's Dream. I was establishing a football camp in his name, all proceeds going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We'd have sick kids, healthy kids, kids who could pay, and kids who couldn't. Everybody would be welcome.

"You'll make more dreams come true, just like you did with Danny. He would want that."

Yeah, he would. He'd been taken from the world way too soon, but I was going to see to it that he lived on forever, like he should have.