Page 49 of Winner Takes All

“I love you,” he whispers. I squeeze a little closer to him.

I close my eyes as I take it all in. “I love you,” I murmur.

Yes, I want to marry this man, but for now, this is enough. I let all thoughts of wedding and what-ifs drift away on the gentle ocean breeze, choosing to live for the moment. Laughter and music surround us, and it’s all enough. What’s important is I’m content and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be with exactly who I’m supposed to be with.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Victor

The morning sun creeps into the bedroom, casting a warm glow on the walls of the room, waking me up with one thought burning in my mind — today is the day. This is the day I ask Nikki to be my wife. It’s been burning inside of me for a very long time.

I’ve been planning this for months, and I’ve roped in half the town to help me out. I didn’t want to do this when we were busy or stressed. Our marriage will be about love and commitment, not stress. Having the town help me hasn’t made this any easier though. This town has a very difficult time keeping secrets. Trying to keep one is like holding water in your hands. It will seep through.

Amazingly enough, we’ve managed to keep it from her. That tells me how supportive the entire community is for the two of us. It’s great when you have a whole town behind you. They’ve been nothing but supportive for our business venture, and they’re the same when it comes to our relationship. It’s why we’re here, somewhere we matter, somewhere people care. I wish the whole world felt this same sense of peace and community. We’re all people, and we should always lift one another up, instead of pulling people down.

It’s so much harder to rise than it is to fall. That’s why so many people fall. That’s why evil reigns. That’s also why it’s important to choose wisely when making friendships and entering relationships. A person can be pulled under so much easier than they can be lifted up.

I slip out of bed quietly so I don’t wake Nikki. She stirs when I leave the bed but doesn’t wake. I look at her as a soft smile plays on her lips while she reaches for me. She frowns, but then settles back down to sleep. Damn, I love this woman more than I ever thought it possible to love anyone.

I take a quick shower, get dressed, then slip from the house. I head straight to the Mermaid Café, where our secret-keeping committee is gathered. I smile as I walk in the doors. It’s early, and yet I’m still the last to arrive. When something good’s going on, the townspeople get excited.

Eileen, Vivian, and Martha — Seaville’s self-appointed matchmakers — are here, along with Robert, Dale, John, and Chief Mitchel. John’s holding a huge, beautiful bouquet of wildflowers that I bet he and his wife picked together. It’s so much better than anything I could get from a florist and Nikki will love them.

“Today’s the day!” I say with a booming voice that has everyone instantly clapping. I beam at them. “You all know your parts?” I’m nervous. I don’t know why I’m nervous but I am. I have no doubt this is what we both want, but whenever you’re asking an important question of someone you’d be a fool not to somewhat fear the answer won’t be what you want or expect.

Eileen’s the first one to step forward, a gleam in her eyes. “Of course we know, darling. We’ve been waiting for this day for far too long.” She gives me a disapproving look, making me laugh. “Everything’s all set. We’ve got you.”

Vivian scowls at me. “I lost fifty bucks on you, Victor. I thought you’d propose six months ago. You took far too long. But yes, we’re all set now... even if it’s far past time.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Good to know my love life is now a betting pool.”

Dale chuckles, leaning back in his chair. “You know everything in this town is a betting pool,” he tells me. “You also brought this on yourself. You should know better than to ask for help in this town. You’ll get more than you ever wanted or need. We’re all ready to make this the best proposal to ever happen here. We have your back.”

I beam at all of them. “I really do appreciate all of you. I couldn’t do it without you.”

Martha nudges me and sends a wink my way. “You just make sure you get down on one knee, handsome. I don’t like this new age crap. Some traditions shouldn’t be broken,” she demands. “We came for a show, and we demand one.”

“You have nothing to worry about. There will be a beautiful show with a very happy ending.”

My plan is simple yet grand at the same time. Nikki thinks we’re hosting a small celebration at our restaurant. She believes it’s a thank-you to everyone who’s helped make our restaurant a success. She has no idea this celebration is all about her. She works harder than anyone I’ve ever known, and we should have far more celebrations in her honor.

As I head back to the restaurant to put the finishing touches on everything, I feel my heart pounding in my chest. I’ve faced a lot in my life — combat, injuries, isolation, losing my way and finding it again, loss. Even with all of that, nothing has ever made me this nervous. I love this woman with all of my heart, and while I truly believe there will be a happy ending to all of this, the spike of fear is overwhelming. I don’t want to walkthrough life without Nikki at my side. I can face anything with her. We have so many more adventures to take together.

Luckily, the day flies by in a blur. I managed to send Nikki to the city on a shopping run so she wouldn’t come in. She’s not a big shopper unless it comes to the restaurant. She absolutely loves buying for this place, which works to my advantage.

The restaurant is soon filled with flowers and twinkling lights. I have live music setting up, and the entire town has pitched in to help. By the time evening falls, the place is packed with friends, family, and half our community. Everyone’s buzzing with excitement, waiting for the big moment.

Nikki arrives, looking radiant as always, her eyes lighting up as she sees the crowd. She laughs as she makes her way toward me. I lean down and kiss her, my nerves out of control. Damn, I didn’t think it possible but my love for her continues to grow.

“This is a lot of people for a small celebration,” she says. “Then again, it’s Seaville so there’s no keeping people away from free food and drinks.”

I laugh with her. “You know how information flies here. One person gets an invite and three others tag along,” I say.

“You’re right, of course. It’s perfect anyway. This place is here because of our community, so it’s only fitting we have them all when we celebrate. You did amazing. If I’d known this many people were coming, I’d have put off shopping and stayed to help.”

“You do more than enough. Enjoy the party tonight,” I tell her.

The music begins and people start dancing. I can barely focus as I try to keep my body from shaking. My eyes are for Nikki only, who moves over to chat with Sasha and Sia, completely unaware of what’s about to happen. I nod to Eileen who gives me a thumbs up and a wink. She starts shushing everyone, getting their attention.

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