Page 52 of Dreams on the Ice

FORREST

Standing out on the back patio, a beer in my hand, a brandy in Whitaker Greene’s hand, I clear my throat. “Already know what you want to ask me, son,” he murmurs.

“You do?” I ask.

He hums. “Part of me wants to tell you to kick rocks. Neither of you are old enough or ready. The other part of me wants to tell you yes because I can see how much you care for my daughter, and I watched this whole scenario play out. You handled it well, maturely, and never once buckled under the pressure.”

I chuckle, flicking my gaze to the side. “I know that I made the right choice,” I begin. “It wasn’t easy, though.”

“Of course it wasn’t,” Whitaker states. “The easy roads aren’t always the right ones.”

I suck in a deep breath, then let it out slowly and look into this man’s eyes. Then I ask the question. “Mr. Greene, will you allow me to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage?”

He shifts his gaze from mine and looks out at the dark yard. I know there is a pool out there, a gazebo as well, and a small pool house. There are also gardens, roses in particular. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to provide a home like this for Brooklynn. I want to say that I will, but the reality is that my finances are uncertain.

“I won’t be able to give her all of this, but I will be able to give her all of me.”

Whitaker’s lips curve up into a smile. I can see it in his profile before he turns his attention to me. “The fact that you are worried about it means that you will give her everythingshe needs and some of what she wants out of life. This house wasn’t something I could afford at your age. You work your way into something like this, and if you’re lucky enough, you have a partner by your side to share in all the triumphs and tribulations.”

My heart races, slamming against my chest as I wait for his answer. He’s right. I will do everything in my power to be whatever Brooklynn needs. I will give her everything. And work my entire life to make her happy.

“You have my blessing,” Whitaker murmurs, “on one condition.”

Holding my breath, I press my lips together and wait for that condition. Whitaker’s lips smile, and he clears his throat. “Have a good long engagement. Make sure you’re both secure and on track. Don’t get married tomorrow.”

Letting out a chuckle, I rock back on my heels before I respond. “Brooklynn probably wants, and without a doubt deserves, the wedding of her dreams. I know planning those takes time. I’ll wait as long as she wants.”

Whitaker jerks his chin and lifts his hand, clamping it down on my shoulder, squeezing gently before motioning toward the house. “Let’s go back inside before they get suspicious of us out here.”

“Thank you, Mr. Greene,” I say.

“Whitaker, we’re about to be family.”

And that is that. I’m welcomed into the Greene family. We leave shortly afterward and head back home. But not before Brooklynn packs her things, and I load them into my car. My woman is home.

We may not have everything figured out yet. Kiki is embarrassed, but she may attempt to retaliate. Hopefully, she will slowly disappear and find whatever she needs to make her a less miserable person.

With Brooklynn by my side, I head out of her parents’ neighborhood and toward Willow Creek and home, but I detour before I reach our street. Guiding the car toward the lake, I park so that my headlights shine on the water.

“Forrest?”

“This is premature. But I asked your father’s permission, and I can’t go another second without asking you.”

“Forrest?” Brooklynn’s voice rasps.

Turning to face her, I give her a small smile. Then I reach into the center console of my car and take out the small box. I bought the ring after the first time I haphazardly suggested we get married.

“I love you, Brooklynn. I want to give you everything you deserve. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to live up to that promise, but I want to try. For the rest of my life, I want to try to make you the happiest woman on earth.”

I watch her. I don’t look away. My gaze is fixed on hers before I continue. I’m not a man full of flowery words. She makes me want to be that kind of guy, though. The way she is looking at me, I wish I could be more romantic for her.

“You already make me the happiest man on earth. Will you marry me, Brooklynn?”

Epilogue

BROOKLYNN

GAME DAY

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