Tank nudges Koa.
Finley gasps.
Chiara’s eyes narrow slightly.
“Noah, what are you doing?”
I stop in front of her.
Then I drop to one knee.
The room explodes.
“No way!”
“About bloody time!”
“Shut up, let him talk!”
Chiara’s mouth falls open.
“Noah—”
I pull the ring box from my pocket and flip it open.
Inside sits a sleek diamond ring—elegant and bright.
But beside it is a second band.
Baby blue silicone—for when she’s at work.
“Chiara Giardino,” I say, trying not to laugh at the stunned look on her face.
“I knew I loved you the moment you rolled your eyes at me in that training room.”
A few chuckles ripple through the room.
“You make me better.You make me braver.And you’re the only person I’ve ever met who could make me think life after rugby might actually be better than the game.”
Her eyes are already shining.
I lift the ring slightly.
“The diamond is for forever.”
Then I tap the second band.
“And this one’s so you can still threaten idiot rugby players while you’re fixing them up.”
The room laughs again.
But I’m only looking at her.
“Marry me, Chiara.”
Her hands fly to her mouth.
For one terrifying second she just stares at me.
