Page 132 of Hate You Most

“What did I say when I asked you to marry me?”

Dakota grinned. “I asked you, you idiot.”

“Really? You asked me to marry you without a ring?”

“Umm, yeah?”

“And I said yes to that? Viktoriya folded her arms. “Dakota, even Beyoncé said if you like it, then you should put a ring on it.”

For a moment, Dakota just stared at her.

Then she laughed. So hard that she lost her balance for a moment and nearly fell forward. Her arms flailed around in the air for a moment as she steadied. “Did you just quote Beyoncé at me?”

“She made a valid point.”

Dakota shook her head, still smiling. “You are so annoying sometimes.”

The smile on Dakota’s face softened, and for a second Viktoriya just looked at her. At the woman who had remembered every version of her—even the version of herself that Viktoriya had spent years trying to erase

Before she could overthink it, Viktoriya leaned forward and kissed her.

“I love you so much that it physically hurts in my chest sometimes.”

Dakota blushed even brighter. “I love you too. I don't even have the words for how much I love you.”

Viktoriya smiled softly. She still wasn't used to hearing those words without fear attached to them. Without wondering what they would cost her. But maybe that was the entire point. Maybe she didn't have to spend the rest of her life waiting for something to be taken from her.

They were both older, but Dakota still looked at her with the same wondrous look in her eyes. A teenager in love, as if Viktoriya was still the most impossible and beautiful thing she'd ever seen. She knew she was going to spend the rest of her life with this woman, so maybe it was time to think about that future together, and what they both wanted out of life.

“We could do it now, you know,” she said and realized Dakota had no clue what she was talking about. It was her idea, even. “The rink,” Viktoriya clarified. “Or training center, or whatever the word is. We could open up our own, and train small kids.”

"You’d do that? Really?”

“Yeah… I mean, it wasn't a bad idea back then, I was just terrified. We could do it for real, if it is still something you'd want.”

“And you'd want to do it?” Dakota asked.

“Yeah…” Viktoriya smiled. “I—yes. Yeah, I would”

Dakota searched her face for a moment. “You're sure?”

“I am.”

“Because I only want to do it with you.” She reached for Viktoriya's hand. “Without you... it wouldn't be the same. I don't think I'd want it at all.”

Viktoriya smiled brightly. “I don't want something big, though. It is not some insane project with sponsors breathing down our necks and businessmen that decide which kids deserve time on the ice. Just… we'll make something good.”

Dakota listened.

“Maybe with a few different coaches, maybe a program for kids who can’t afford the fancy stuff, maybe with room for some adults too, because honestly, I think everybody deserves to feel what it’s like to move freely on the ice.” She made a slow, graceful turn, then looked back at Dakota. “Something where everyone gets to fall in love with the ice like we have fallen in love with it.”

It was obvious that this was something Dakota had always wanted to build toward, even before they had the life they shared now. Viktoriya was more than happy to do that together with her. A place that could belong to them and to the children who needed it.

“That’s…” Dakota started, but her voice cracked in the middle. “That’s beautiful.”

Viktoriya looked at her, smiled. “I know.”

Dakota threw her head back and laughed loudly. She nearly lost her balance again. “Oh my god!”