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“You okay? Say the word and we’ll leave.”
“No, I’m okay. I need to do this.”
We stand and make our way over to the rink. The air gets colder the closer we get, by the time we’re right in front of the ice, we can see our own breath. My body starts shaking, not because I’m cold, but because I'm terrified.
West steps onto the ice and reaches for my hands. “Just remember, the ice isn’t even an inch thick, and underneath is just cement.”
“You’re right. I can do this.”
I squeeze my eyes closed, and step onto the ice slowly, one foot at a time. I’m gripping West’s hands so tight I’m probably cutting off his circulation. I take a slow steadying breath then open my eyes.
West is smiling at me. “Look at you, facing your fears. I’m so proud of you.”
My eyes blur with tears and a breathy laugh escapes my lungs. West begins to skate backward, pulling me along with him.
My heart is beating so fast. I’m half scared and half excited. But I feel so safe with West by my side.
He continues to pull me around the ice until I feel more at ease. I let go of his hands and stand there for a moment, looking at the wide expanse of the rink. I breathe in the cold air and start to glide on my own.
West skates up next to me with a big smile and the lights begin to dim. One Direction’s first album starts playing over the sound system and I burst into laughter.
“You’re never going to let me forget my One Direction phase, are you?”
“Never.” He laughs.
We continue skating hand in hand, belting out the lyrics to the songs. The longer we skate, the calmer I feel.
“Thank you for this. I don’t think I could’ve done it without you.”
"You could have, because you’re strong and amazing.” He squeezes my hand. “But thank you for trusting me.”
He stops and spins to face me, pulling me toward him easily. He bends down and smiles against my lips before kissing me. His warmth enveloping me completely.
I don’t think I’ll ever be cold again with this man by my side.
EPILOGUE, 7 MONTHS LATER
WEST
My heart booms in my chest as I drive down the long, winding driveway toward the cabin I purchased last week. Nervous excitement is making me jittery… or maybe that’s the five cups of coffee I drank this morning.
I’ve never looked so forward to the off-season, but the past seven months, I’ve been counting down the days.
Do I still love hockey? Yes.
Am I excited to start training camp in a few months? Of course.
But am I going to soak up my summer off and all the time I get to spend with Melanie? ABSOLUTELY.
Usually, Mel would be hard at work campaigning with Madden Windell and his team, but he decided not to run for reelection. Knowing how difficult it has been for him to be away from his family so much, she understood. But was still disappointed.
I’m sad for Mel, I really am. I know she loved that job. But this gave us both the opportunity to have the summer off together. Which means, perfect timing for me to put a ring on her finger. A wide grin spreads across my face at the thought.
Driving past a row of long pine trees, the large, two-story cabin comes into view. Cabin is an understatement for this grandiose property. Mel will probably tease me relentlessly about how ostentatious it is. But we need room for all the kids we’re going to have. My heart pounds again when I picture a cute little girl with pigtails and big blue eyes, just like Melanie.
Okay, you’re getting a little ahead of yourself, man. Propose first.
I park my vehicle and pull the black velvet box out of my shorts pocket. Opening the box, I stare at the ring I’ve been carrying around all day. A ring so perfect for Mel, I couldn’t resist purchasing it only a month after we started officially dating. I saw it in a store window and stopped in my tracks. The large emerald-cut diamond is gorgeous, but it’s the side stones that drew my attention. Three small sapphires on each side, almost the same color as Melanie’s eyes.
