“Not in this weather, it’s not. You might’ve been born and raised for the tundra, but I’m cold and wearing ten layers of clothing. There's no way that you're getting your dick inside me out here.”
I gesture to my thick parka, the oversized hat that’s covering my head, gloves, and the fleece sweatpants Boone lent me, which are tied at the waist with a hair tie because they’re so comically large.
He chuckles, gliding closer.
Unlike me, he’s only wearing a long-sleeved Henley and a beanie, like the freezing temperatures don’t even faze him. “You’re adorable if you think I wouldn't find a way to fuck you in the ice, or the snow.”
His hands settle on my hips, and we skate together in a clumsy kind of rhythm that probably looks ridiculous. Lucky for us we’re completely alone. I let him guide me, his steady presence at my back as we make a slow lap around the pond.
“You never told me what you’re going to do,” I say, leaning into his warmth and letting him hold me.
“Hm?” His nose brushes the back of my neck before I feel him take a soft inhale.
“About the Mayhem’s offer. Three more years on your contract is incredible.”
He’s quiet for a moment, his hands tightening slightly on my waist. “What do you think I should do?”
I don’t have to think for long. “Whatever your heart tells you. If your passion is still with hockey, you should go for it.”
He exhales slowly, his breath warm against my cheek. “You’re my heart, Rosie. You know that, right?”
I turn my head just enough to meet his gaze. “I know.”
I really do.
“We can do both, you know. You don’t have to give up your dreams for love,” I respond with a smile.
“Ain’t that the truth,newest senior partnerat her daddy’s law firm.”
I grin as Boone spins me around, his hands steady on my waist while he guides me across the ice. I let him push me, trusting him completely.
“I wish I’d been there for the celebration.”
“I think we’ve celebrated enough this weekend, don’t you?”
He drops his lips to mine and kisses me softly. “I’ll never tire of celebrating you, Rosie.” And then he continues guiding me around the pond.
My gaze drifts to the rolling fields surrounding us, blanketed in snow and framed by the tall pines dusted with white. It feels magical out here. It’s different from skating on the lake in Brookhaven but no less enchanting to me.
Boone’s family property is a true winter wonderland, even in early March. His mom’s house sits off in the distance, smoke curling from the chimney of the fire that we’d lit before heading out here.
“I love it here,” I murmur, my voice soft but sincere.
“I’m glad you do,” he replies, slowing us to a stop in the middle of the frozen pond. His eyes meet mine, warm and full of affection. “I love you, Rosie.”
“I love you too.”
I tilt my face upward, and when his lips find mine, the kiss is slow, deep, and filled with so much passion it leaves mebreathless. His hand tangles in my hair, tipping my head back just enough to deepen the kiss, as if he can’t get enough.
When we finally part, I’m still catching my breath as his expression shifts to something even more serious. There’s longing, resolve, and maybe just a hint of nerves before he drops to one knee right on the ice.
“Boone…” I gasp. My voice falters, my heart racing as I watch him pull a small leather box from his pocket. His free hand grasps mine.
“Rosie,” he begins, his voice steady. “Our love started in the most unconventional way, in a dark club where you rocked my world. I think I fell in love with a stripper that night, just like T-Pain says.”
I laugh despite myself, covering my face with my hands. “No, you didn’t fall in love with me that night.”
“I sure as hell did,” he counters with a crooked grin. “And then it got even more unconventional when we were forced to marry each other. But you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Nothing about us is conventional, and nothing about our love will ever be normal. And I don’t want it to be. So, with that said,” he continues, opening the box but not revealing the ring just yet, “will youstaymarried to me? Let me date you for real this time, through an actual engagement period. Let’s say the vows we didn’t get to say before, the ones we both deserve to hear. Will you commit to a lifetime with me? Because I’m committed to you. Forever.”
