There’s a hint of uncertainty in his voice. Dexter’s determined gaze—so masculine and in control—mixes with the slight hesitation of his sweet offering. Like he’s not sure I’m going to like his gift.
There’s no reason to worry on that front. He could have a candy cane in that box, and I’d still count myself the luckiest woman in the world.
How did I go from someone who felt like an interloper to the person with whom he wants to share his life?
“A ring didn’t even occur to me when we eloped. You kissed me in that courtroom, and I don’t think I would have noticed if you put a crown on my head.”
He chuckles. “I wasn’t going to pass up the chance to kiss you for the first time. Gotta impress my wife.”
“Is that what you were doing?”
“It’s what I’m always doing. Now open your Christmas gift so you can be impressed, already!”
With shaky hands, I open the box. The diamonds on a tennis bracelet sparkle.
“Oh, Dex, it’s beautiful. Thank you. It’s the most amazing thing anyone has ever given me,” I gush. And then I add, “Except for a beautiful home with a fireplace and patio. This is definitely a close second.”
He laughs and runs a finger over the back of my hand, urging me to wear his gift. He secures the elegant bracelet around my wrist.
I notice a detail. “What’s this?”
“I had the clasp custom-made.”
“Two connecting hockey sticks? Oh my god, that’s incredible!”
Just when I think the moment can’t get any better, Dex falls on one knee.
“What are you doing?”
“Proposing to my wife.” His smile is wide and his eyes are sparkling. “Sabrina Ramirez Whitby, I love you. Will you marry me, knowing I want to spend the rest of my life with you?”
I fall on my knees in front of him and grab his hands so we’re linked.
We’re two people proposing to each other after we already got married. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Yes, Dexter Whitby. I love you so much. I would marry you every day for the rest of my life.” I scoot closer to wrap my arms around his neck. “I’m yours forever, if you’ll have me.”
We share a hot, greedy kiss.
When we finally part to catch our breaths, Dex speaks with his mouth still against mine.
“I’m yours, too. It’s always been you.”
Epilogue
Sabrina, About one year later . . .
In our living room, a military campaign is in full swing. That’s my approach to holiday decorations: organize, strategize, deploy. Around me are neat piles of ornaments separated by color and material. At the corner of the room, strings of lights are neatly unrolled. I’ve ensured the fragile ornaments are separated from the unbreakable, the sentimental mementos distinguished from the purely aesthetic.
I’m excited to decorate our dream home this weekend.
Now that I’m the office manager at Columbus Physiatrists Rehabilitation Center, my days are packed. I had started out as a patient of Dr. Kyle Lane and his army of physical therapists, but soon after I realized that the time I spent there wasn’t only good for my physical recovery. Something about the environment of intense physical dedication and commitment to healing appealed to me, similar to how hockey inspired me most of my life.
Brilliant doctors, motivated athletes, and the best in sports medicine surround me every day. I love my new career.
In this direction lies a future where I’ll make a difference in the lives of the injured. I’m part of a team ensuring people feel empowered even when their bodies are most vulnerable.
Dexter has supported my recovery and my life choices ever since I moved to Columbus.
