“I hope this is a yes…” Tate grinned.
“Heck yes, it’s a yes,” she exclaimed, emotional beyond words as he slowly disentangled her from him with obvious regret.
“I hate doing that,” he beamed, his eyes glistening. “Someday, you can climb me like a tree and never let go, but for now?”
And then, to Nettie’s astonishment, Tate sank down onto one knee.
The world seemed to slow, her pulse thundering in her ears so loudly she could barely breathe. He reached into his pocket, his big hand trembling, and drew out a small black velvet box. Her stomach flipped violently, her whole body humming with the weight of what was happening.
He flicked the lid open, and Nettie’s breath caught. Inside, nestled against the velvet, was a ring so exquisite her vision blurred instantly with tears. The band itself gleamed, delicate and strong all at once, with diamonds set in the shape of Xsand Os—like tiny, whispered love notes carved into eternity. It sparkled in the low light, catching and scattering it until the edges of her vision blurred further.
Tate’s fingers shook as he plucked the ring from its cradle. She’d never seen him look this way—nervous, vulnerable, and yet utterly certain all at once. His smile was soft but determined, his dark eyes glowing as he lifted his gaze to hers.
“Sticks, my heart, my soul, my everything…” His voice cracked ever so slightly, and she nearly broke with it. “Will you do me the honor of putting up with me for life?”
Nettie pressed a trembling hand to her mouth, her heart lurching in her chest. This man—this impossible, infuriating, beautiful man—was kneeling before her, asking her to share forever.
Her throat worked uselessly before words tumbled out on a laugh that was half-sob. “Longer than that, I hope.”
Her hand shook as he slid the ring onto her finger, the cool metal sliding into place like it had always belonged there. Nettie stared down at it through a blur of tears, then back at the man she had loved through heartbreak, anger, and longing.
“I love you, Cujo…” she whispered brokenly, overwhelmed, her voice thick with joy.
“I know,” he breathed, rising to his feet and pulling her into his arms. His lips found hers in a kiss that tasted of salt, of tears, and laughter and forever.
CHAPTER 29
TATE
Call Nettie – NOW – I’m heading to practice.
Three tix are waiting for you, my fiancée, and Shannon at the window for tonight’s game.
Friday morning dawned brighterthan Tate could ever remember. The sunlight slanted across his dashboard as he sat parked outside the rink, fingers drumming the steering wheel, heart thumping in a rhythm that had nothing to do with hockey and everything to do with Nettie.
He had called his parents first, unable to hold back the news from them, and had been met with the kind of joy that made his chest ache in the best way. Now, his thumb hovered over his sister’s name in his contacts, but before that, there was one more call he needed to make. Emil.
He could barely contain the grin tugging at his mouth as he hit the button, his pulse racing with excitement. The line rang, and when Emil’s voice finally came through, it was full of dry skepticism.
“Interesting occurrence. It’s ten in the morning, and I thought for sure that vampires slept during the day. I’m assuming there is a problem?”
Tate’s laugh burst out of him, genuine and unrestrained. He leaned his head back against the seat, shaking it in disbelief that Emil could always meet his enthusiasm with such bone-dry wit.
“Well, that’s one way to respond,” Emil said smoothly. A moment later, the FaceTime request blinked across his screen. Tate accepted without hesitation. The sight of Emil, perfectly composed with a coffee mug in one hand, filled the screen. Tate’s grin widened until his cheeks ached.
“Good news?” Emil asked, his brows rising in mild curiosity.
“The best,” Tate replied, and for once, those two words felt like the understatement of his life.
“And you couldn’t wait to tell me, I take it, because you are in your car.” Emil chuckled knowingly. “What is going on?”
“I’m actually happy,” Tate admitted, marveling aloud as though he still needed to convince himself it was real. “And I wanted to thank you for everything because I think I have a new outlook on life, my job, my home… everything. I’m honestly content with this incredible life I’ve been given—and Nettie has agreed to become my wife.”
The words sent a ripple through him, powerful and grounding. Saying them aloud made everything feel more permanent, more undeniable.
“Ahhh.” Emil’s smile softened his sharp features. “I’m very happy for you, Tate. You deserve this happiness, this contentment, but our friendship doesn’t have to end.”
“I don’t want it to,” Tate said quickly, realizing how clumsy his earlier words might have sounded. “I’m not calling to cancel or end things—but rather to tell you that I recognize how much I need to have a person on my side, part of my team, that is there to help me when I stumble or fall… and I will.” His chuckle came easily, without shame. “And if I do, it’s okay—because I have people like you, Nettie, Thierry, and even Coach Côte to set mestraight or put me back in my place. I don’t feel so helpless, so out of control. I feel stronger—because I’m not alone.”
