“I’m glad it’s me, too,” I finally manage.
She squeezes me harder, then pulls back and looks between us again. “Can I tell Sophie? And Cory? And everyone at school?”
“Maybe wait a little bit,” Heather says gently. “We want to keep it just between us for now, okay?”
“Okay.” She nods solemnly even though she’s practically bouncing out of her chair with excitement. “I can wait. But this is so cool. I’m going to be a big sister!”
“You’re going to be the very best big sister,” Heather says. “Now, how about some carrots and peanut butter for a snack while you tell us about this space movie?”
I clear my throat before April can launch into a conversation about the cosmos. “Actually, there’s one more thing I want to show you both.”
They both give me a nearly identical questioning look. “What?”
“Come with me.”
I lead them upstairs and down the hallway to a guest bedroom that I’m pretty sure has never seen a single guest. I open the door and step to the side, letting them walk in first.
Heather gasps, and both hands fly to her mouth.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve completely transformed the room, sneaking away in the early mornings and mid-afternoons whenever I’ve found the time. The walls are painted a soft sage green, and I’ve stenciled elephants along the border near the ceiling—dozens of them in different sizes, marching in a gentle parade around the entire room. There’s a white crib in the corner, already assembled, and a rocking chair by the window. Shelves line one wall, waiting to be filled with books and toys.
“Grant.” Heather opens her mouth and then closes it again, turning in a slow circle to take it all in. “When did you do all of this? How did you keep it a secret?”
“I’ve been working on it for the past couple of weeks,” I say. “Every morning after practice, while you were at work and April was at school.”
“The elephants,” she whispers, running her fingers along the wall. “This is exactly what I would’ve picked, but better.”
“Good. Do you really like it?”
She turns back to me and nods. “This is perfect. It’s absolutely perfect.”
April rushes over to the wall, pointing at different elephants as she passes them. “Look at this one! And this one has a little hat! Wow, this is so cool!”
Part one of the reveal has been a success. Now for part two.
I take a breath, and my heart starts pounding so hard it feels like it might crack through my ribs as I reach into my pocket andpull out the small velvet box I’ve been carrying around for the past several days.
Then I drop to one knee.
Heather’s eyes go wide, and I can see the exact moment she realizes what’s happening.
“Heather, before I met you, I didn’t know what I was missing. I had hockey, and my routine, and this big empty house, and I thought that was enough. But it wasn’t. Not even close.”
Her eyes are locked on mine, and they’re bright with all the same emotions I’m feeling.
“You walked into my life and turned everything upside down. You and April. You made me realize that all the control and routine and perfection I thought I needed was just a way to avoid actually living.” I open the box, revealing the diamond ring inside. “My life wouldn’t be complete without you and April in it. Without this family we’re building together.”
April is watching with her hands clasped together like she’s afraid to move.
“I want forever with you, Heather. I want every messy, chaotic, beautiful moment. I want to raise April together, and I want to hold our baby when they’re born. I want Sunday morning pancakes and goodnight kisses and everything in between.” I look up at her, hoping she can see how much I mean every word. “Will you marry me?”
For a second, she just stands there. Then she nods, fast and desperate. “Yes. Yes, of course, yes.”
I stand and slide the ring onto her finger, and the second it’s in place, she throws her arms around my neck. I lift her off her feet and kiss her, deep and thorough, pouring everything I feel into it.
April squeals and starts jumping up and down, clapping. “You’re getting married! We’re all going to be a real family!”
I set Heather down but don’t let go, keeping her close while April rushes over to hug both of us at once.
