Her brow lifts, a small smile tugging like she’s not sure whether to be amused or concerned.
“Oh?”
“And Sophie,” I add.
Now she sits up straighter. “Okay…should I be nervous?”
“Not unless you plan on saying no.”
Her breath catches a little. “Declan—”
I reach into my pocket before I can lose my nerve and drop to one knee. Her breath catches, eyes widening.
“Charlotte Blake,” I say, voice rough but sure. “I want this. You, me, Sophie, the twins. The life we are building, one moment at a time. And I can’t imagine a single day without you in it.”
A tear slips free before she presses her hand to her lips, a quiet sound catching in her throat.
“I want forever with you, Charlie.” I open the box, the diamond catching the light. “Marry me.”
She shakes her head, tears falling freely now.
“I can’t even—” She doesn’t finish. She just leans forward and kisses me, her hands framing my face like she’s memorizing it.
When she finally pulls back, she whispers against my lips, “Yes. Of course yes.”
The rush that hits me is even bigger than that final horn in New York.
Louder, steadier, right down to the bone.
I slide the ring onto her finger, and she looks down at it like she’s trying to believe it’s real. Then she looks back up at me, eyes shining.
The room goes quiet again, warm with lamplight.
“I love you,” she breathes, voice breaking on the words.
“You sure?” I tease softly.
She lets out a shaky laugh. “Completely.”
“Good,” I whisper. “Because you’re stuck with me now.”
I kiss her, slow and sure, and as her fingers thread through mine, I let the moment sink in deep.
Just this.
Her.
Home.
Epilogue One
CHARLOTTE
It’s been six months since Declan proposed, and life has found its rhythm. Sophie’s laughter fills every corner of the house, the season’s back in full swing, and now that I’m on maternity leave, my days are more diaper prep than player rehab.
The wedding’s on hold until after the twins arrive—our choice, simple and right. For now, this is more than enough.
The team’s on the road this week, and Declan took leave to stay close as we wait for the twins’ arrival.
