Lisa leans in and says something quietly to Gwen. I can’t hear the words, but whatever she says makes Gwen smile, and a tear slips down her cheek.
I glide toward the edge of the rink and motion for Gwen to come closer.
The shock is still there on her face, but beneath it, I see something stronger than her courage. That fearless part of her that I’ve always loved.
And as she stands there, looking at me, I know she sees it too.
Gwen slowly makes her way down to the rink, and this time the crowd cheers. No one is yelling boo or anything negative.
I wait next to the gate, and when Gwen reaches it, I hold out my hand.
“Follow me,” I tell her. She doesn’t say a word, but she does it. She steps onto the ice. Her grip tightens around my hand, and I notice she’s afraid of falling. I squeeze her hand back to reassure her.
“What are you doing?” she asks with a soft laugh when she reaches the center of the heart. The boys are on the side now, so it’s just Gwen and me. The light crew even shines a spotlight on us.
“I needed you to see something,” I begin. “I needed you to see that I’m proud to be seen with you. I want the entire world to know you’re mine. I want everyone in this room to know your name and to know that you’re my girlfriend,” I tell her, and another tear rolls down Gwen’s cheek.
“You could’ve just told me that,” she laughs softly.
“Isn’t this what they do in books?” I retort, making her laugh even harder. “You’re my girlfriend, and I’m proud of that. I’m proud that a woman like you would want to be with someone like me. Tell me you hear me.”
She nods as I wipe another tear away with my thumb.
“I need you to know that I love you, Gwen. I love everything about you inside and out,” I say as I pull her closer. A cheerful reaction rises from the crowd as I do.
“A lot of people are watching,” Gwen laughs as she wraps her arms around my neck.
“Well then, let’s give them something to watch,” I smile, then lean down and kiss her deeply. I’ve missed her lips every minute she’s been away, and I don’t want this moment to end. I keep her close and don’t let go until she does.
“I love you too,” she smiles softly, looking up into my eyes.
Poetically, just as she says it, the song ends, and the entire crowd rises to their feet in cheers. Gwen looks around in awe and starts laughing.
“I think he told her something really special, folks. We’ll see you at the finals, wishing the lovebirds all the best,” Greg’s voice echoes through the stadium.
“I can’t believe you did this,” Gwen says, a big smile spreading across her face.
“It was the only way I could show you how much I want you,” I chuckle.
“It’s a little dramatic, but I’ll forgive you for that,” Gwen teases.
Slowly, we skate back toward the gate as the team leaves the ice. The crowd begins to filter out of the stadium when Gwen steps off the ice.
“Did you see?” she asks proudly. “I didn’t fall on the ice this time.”
“I did. I fell for you,” I tell her just as Lisa suddenly appears.
“Ew, so cliché,” she complains, making Gwen and me laugh.
“I’m going to get changed real quick. Shall we meet at the apartment afterward and have a proper celebration this time?” I ask, and they both nod.
I skate back onto the ice toward the tunnel. Blake is still there, waiting for me.
“And?” he asks, anticipation written across his face.
“I love her, man,” I tell him as I slap a hand on his back. “It worked.” I let out a sigh of relief.
“I’m starting to understand more and more what it feels like,” Blake says softly, standing still.
