“My dad does have a hard time letting go.”
“Could be a control thing.”
“Yeah. I get that. But what about a job? A career?” Then, an idea pings in my mind. “I’m very organized. I know a lot about the off-ice side of the Knights operation.”
“You’d be great at the job.”
“I love the Christmas Market and would hate to see it end.”
“You could even set up a stall with some drawings.” Pierre winks.
“It’s something to think about,” I say with a sigh.
“Listen, I don’t know who I am anymore either. But I am certain of one thing. I want to be with you,amour. You could hang up a shingle in town. Save the Christmas Market. Work for the Knights and travel with us. Be my wife.”
I blink a few times. “What?
Our gazes lock as both our eyes widen.
“That’s life,” Pierre stutters.
“That’s not what you said.”
“Words,” he blurts.
“You said aspecificword.”
Drawing a deep breath, a smile blooms on his lips. “You’re right. I said what I said. Be my wife.”
“Just like that? We’re in a gear closet. No fancy proposal?” I ask, barely processing what’s happening.
“Do you want one of those?”
I tell him how Kangaroo Jack proposed to Ilsa in Vienna and Calvin asked Anna to marry him at the peak of their favorite hiking trail.
“Romantic. I could propose on the ice after we win the game for the world to know. Never mind. I can’t copy Hayden.”
“It doesn’t need to be in front of the world, but?—”
“But would you say yes?”
“I wouldn’t say no.”
His flirty eyes sparkle. “Really?”
“Really. I love you, Number Seventy-four.”
“I love you too. Seems like our game of fake-it turned into a make-out. I mean make-it.” And at that, his lips land on mine.
I’ve lost count, but I think this is my favorite kiss yet. Or the one yesterday, then again, it could be the kiss we share tomorrow or next year. Maybe in ten.
Pausing, I say, “All I know is you are my first and forever kiss.”
He smirks. “And you are definitely mine. All mine.”
I admit, I love the sound of that . . . and Pierre, too.
EPILOGUE 1