Henry rose from the restaurant table where they’d had a celebratory dinner and held his hand out to Maia.“Would you like to walk around the waterfront?”
“I want to go,” Levi said.
“Let your brother go with Maia,” Megan said.“We’ll walk after we eat our dessert.”
Henry sent Megan a grateful smile before leading Maia outside.Despite his deep affection for his family, he craved time with Maia.He didn’t want to live alone, frightened something might happen to her as it had to Jenny.Maia had told him she’d prefer to spend time with him and enjoy every moment given to her.
His woman was brave and wise.
He’d been holding himself apart, too terrified to fully live and love again because of something that might happen.He no longer wished to live in fear.Jenny hadn’t deserved to die, but he had to take a chance and keep living.Fate had given him this opportunity and placed Maia in his path.
“Where are we going?”Maia asked.
“I thought we’d cross the pedestrian bridge and walk to the Wynyard Quarter.We can stop for a drink if you want.”He also wanted to give her the ring in his pocket and make their engagement official.While Maia was with her team, doing interviews and taking photos, Henry went ring shopping.The instant he’d seen the ruby-and-diamond ring, he’d known it was perfect for Maia.
He savored her hand in his, just being with her without glancing over his shoulder or worrying about someone shooting at them.A ferry nudged into its berth while a bus full of commuters lumbered down the road.
“I’m proud of you.You played well today.The Black Fern selectors would be crazy not to pick you for their team.”
Maia’s phone rang, interrupting.“Talk about coincidences.It’s the selector.”
“Answer it.”
“Maia Jacobs,” she said, and Henry caught her trepidation.
“Maia, I’ll keep this short because I have a long list of people to call, but we’d like you to play for the Black Ferns.”
“Really?”Maia said.
“Really,” the selector said, laughing.“Your play has impressed us, especially since we know you’ve had background drama.We’ll email you the training details and our program for this year.Okay?”
“Yes.Thank you so much!”
Henry heard both ends of the conversation and squeezed her biceps in silent congratulations.
Maia hung up in a daze, her grin slowly widening and excitement spreading over her face.“Henry, I did it.I made the team!”
“You did.They’d be fools if they ignored you because you’re a fantastic player.”He hugged her hard, pressing her firmly against his chest and breathing in her scent.His mate.He was a damn lucky man.
After a long moment, he pulled back and fumbled in his pocket.He opened the green box and extended it to her.“Maia Jacobs, I am crazy about you.Please accept this ring to make our engagement official.”
“Henry.”She held out her hand.
He pushed the ring onto her finger with a sense of satisfaction.“I love you, Maia.Thank you for persevering and making me realize I was an idiot.My life is so much better with you in it.”
“Aw, Henry.”Maia smiled at him, one of her big, bright smiles that always made him feel at peace.It shone in her eyes and lit his world.Maia accepted his grumpy arse and made him a better man.A better wolf.He held out his hand, and she took it as they continued to meander along the waterfront, savoring the sea air, the city noises, and the lights.
He had his dream woman, his lady, by his side.Life couldn’t be better.
Living the dream!
Chapter 37
WhensheandHenryreturned to the hotel, they found London, Gerard, Jacey, Megan, and Levi loitering in the lobby.
“Did she say yes?”Levi demanded.
She exchanged a glance with Henry and extended her left hand.Megan and London pounced, seizing her to study the ring.
