Page 93 of Body Checked By the Defenseman

“How did you forget to tell me something so important?” I ask. I’m not mad but I want to know what she was thinking.

“I didn’t want to disappoint you if I didn’t get it,” she confesses.

“Well, congratulations. Does it sound like a place that you would enjoy working at? Because I don’t want you to settle for me. I told you we can figure things out. I’m okay with New York too.”

“You’re sweet but I kind of loved everything about the company,” she says. “They even have a daycare in their building, and they’re family oriented.”

“That sounds perfect, Periwinkle.”

We dig into our meal. “I’ve never had such a fancy meal before,” Ruby says as our waiter stands off to the side. He keeps coming by to fill our glasses with water and wine.

“Well, get used to it because I plan on spoiling you,” I assure.

“It feels weird.” She scrunches her nose and she looks adorable.

We start talking about the beautiful view of the marina. The sun has set and the sky is so clear here you can see so many stars.

When dinner is finished, the waiter asks if we’d like dessert but we are so full, I tell him to put it in the fridge for later.

When the waiter cleans the upper deck and puts all the stuff we used away, he bids us a good night.

“Are you ready to take this baby out on the water?” I ask as anticipation rises inside me. We are reaching the climax of the evening, and it is something I’ve waited a long time to do.

“I’ve never been on a boat before.” She worries her lower lip.

“It’s really nice and relaxing. We’ll take things slow,” I assure.

We move up to the area where all the driving stuff is. Shane taught me how to drive the boat. I don’t plan on going too far out. Just enough so we can see the city from the water. It has so many beautiful lights and an amazing view. I want Ruby to experience it.

We head out onto the water. There’s a light breeze that brushes my cheeks. My stomach is doing summersaults, and I just want to get this part of the evening over with. I think it’s because I’m so anxious to make her mine.

I stop the boat and anchor us. Then we head down to the main deck. Shane has some killer speakers and I play “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.

“May I have this dance?” I ask Ruby.

Her eyes fill with tears and her lower lip quivers. By the look in her eyes right now, she has caught on to what is about to happen.

We dance under the stars to the soft melody. I hold her in my arms and fantasize about the life we will build together.

As the words of the song about bravery and waiting for so long resonate, Ruby and I are looking into each other’s eyes. Our love feels like a warm blanket covering us. Shielding us from a world and a life neither of asked for but we’ve both embraced.

When the song ends, I take a step back and take the ring out of my jeans pocket. I open the box and drop to one knee.

Ruby’s inhale is sharp and she begins to tear up.

I got her a beautiful two-carat diamond. Hayden was kind enough to give me a loan for tonight, which I plan to pay back very soon.

“Ruby, I’ve loved you for a thousand years. Ever since we met, I was drawn to your light, to your bravery, to your strength.You go after what you want, and you have the kindest heart I know. Will you marry me and make me the happiest man alive?”

She bursts into laughter through her tears. “Yes, Mack. I love you so much.”

I stand up in order to put the ring on her finger but she lunges, hugging me and kissing me before I have a chance to put it on her finger.

When we break apart, I slip the solitaire diamond on her finger.

“This is gorgeous, Mack.” Her blue eyes sparkle in the night just like the diamond on her finger.

“Now to plan the wedding.”