Page 68 of The Kiss Class

“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

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