He winks at me. Arm in arm, we make our way through the crowd for some dessert to celebrate our engagement.
“What do you think of getting married here, Cinderella?” Declan asks.
“I’d like that, Printz Charming,” I reply.
Lifting onto my toes, I plant a kiss on his cheek.
EPILOGUE
There used to be television commercials post-championship football game win, when a reporter would ask the MVP, “What’s next?” Then they’d enthusiastically shout, “I’m going to Disney World!”
I was in one as a child star and got to pop the question once.
Speaking of popping questions, after Declan proposed, we remained at Disneyland, getting VIP treatment on all the rides. And guess what? I didn’t fall into a single fountain.
However, we didn’t go to Disney World for our honeymoon. I’ve had enough theme park excitement for a lifetime.
Not wanting to wait a second longer to say I do, Declan and I got hitched the next weekend. We had an intimate wedding ceremony with Etta Jo and Giselle as my bridal party. Coach Hammer gave me away and passed off the rings. No, my parents didn’t show up, but that’s okay. I didn’t want to have to confiscate their phones or kick out their ever-present cameraman.
We decided not to host a formal reception because the First Annual Boston Bruisers Charity Ball is coming up fast. However, we did a mini reception at a fancy steak house, rented outa movie theater, and then went bowling. It was a blast and reminded me of the kinds of things Declan and I used to do when we were in high school.
Were there pranks? Not on our big day, but I did hear two Bruisers giggling as they ran out of the bathroom at the bowling alley. When Brandon came out a few minutes later, there was some strongarming.
In the meantime, our honeymoon took us to sea on Declan’s yacht, where it was just the two of us for two swoony and blissy weeks.
When we got back, we attended the ball, and then I eagerly started my mobile cupcake business while Declan jumped into the season. So far, things are pretty sweet.
So that’s my status update and if you ever want to try a corn chip-inspired cake with chocolate frosting, look for a pink van with a cupcake on top outside football stadiums nationwide.
In fact, I’m parked outside one right now. Usually, on game days, I feature chocolate cupcakes with blue frosting—Bruiser themed.
But today I added a little something inside and I made enough for the entire stadium...with a little help. Okay, it was a herculean effort, but it’s a big game and I cannot wait to see my husband and best friend’s face on the Jumbotron when everyone bites into their cupcake at the same time.
Declan can go big, dropping into the courtyard at Etta Jo’s apartment by parachute, whisk me off to Los Angeles in his private jet, then propose to me at Disneyland.
But I have a surprise of my own up my sleeve, er, in the oven. Wink, wink.
Etta Jo bustles around, nervous for me. Giselle is as cool as a cucumber as she sets the cupcakes for the team on a platter.
“This was genius,” she says.
“Are you sure you want to do this at halftime? What if it throws Declan off his game?” Etta Jo asks.
“He’s laser-focused no matter what. I think this news will only be fuel to fight harder.”
“You mean play harder?” Etta Jo asks.
“It’s always a fight on the field for the ball,” Giselle says with a laugh, because her boyfriend’s team is the rival today.
“But not for your heart,” Etta Jo teases.
“Well, I make Garrison work for it a little bit. For instance, I don’t go to all his games. Don’t want him to get a bigger head than he already has.”
“Do you mean he has a special helmet?” Etta Jo asks, extremely concerned about player safety lately.
“No, I mean his ego. Any man who owns a yacht needs a good woman to keep him in check,” Giselle says.
“This is true,” I add.
