I wanted everyone important to us to be here when I ask her to marry me.
Eve’s mom calls her from the kitchen. She presses on her toes to kiss my cheek, then goes to help.
Benson comes up behind me, massaging my shoulders. “You good, man?”
“Hanging in there,” I mutter.
“Relax. You’ve got this.”
I nod, turning to him. He slips me the ring box and pats my chest.
“From the heart.”
“Right.”
He snickers with glee. “You look like you just took the biggest hit.”
“Thanks, asshole.”
“Do I need to get Dad to tell you to skate it off?”
I roll my eyes. “How did you survive this when you asked Jess?”
“Bro, I couldn’t remember a damn thing. She ended up asking me.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose, shoulders shaking with amusement. “That makes sense.”
“Don’t worry. She’s going to say yes.”
I rub at the burn tingling my chest. “I hope so.”
“Say yes to what?” Eve leans around me from behind. “What are you two plotting? And before you say impromptu ski trip, no. I can’t hit the slopes until I finish my new collection for my Valentine’s Day launch.”
Benson shoots me the same look he used to before our hockey games in high school. It’s his way of silently wishing me luck.
This is it.
“I know. We’re not planning a ski trip. Come here for a second?” I draw her to the center of the room.
A slow smile stretches across her face. “What?”
“Just—this.”
I kiss her. She returns it. When I pull back, I’m overcome with how much I love her.
My gaze softens, eyes bouncing between hers. When I lower to one knee, her features slacken in surprise. She glances around, then refocuses on me with a shimmer in her gaze.
“Oh my god. Is this happening right now? Are you really?—?”
A laugh huffs out of me. “I haven’t said a word yet. Can I?”
“Right, okay.” She mimes zipping her lips.
I offer a hand and she slips hers into it. My thumb sweeps her fingers and I bring them to my lips.
“Evie…”
Every word I practiced for this moment leaves my head. I’m always reminding her it’s okay to be imperfect and embrace it. I draw in a shuddering breath, then let my heart do the talking.
