Page 34 of If You Need Me

“How did you manage that?” That place is usually booked weeks in advance.

“Connections. I have lots.” Flip winks and heads for the showers.

I get additional back pats and hair ruffles as my teammates pass me, whooping it up. Nothing says celebration like booking one of the most expensive restaurants in town for the entire team.

I take my time getting undressed, and so does Ash. Neither of us says anything until we’re alone.

“When we talked about the time being right, I didn’t actually think the time would be tonight,” he murmurs as he unclips his pads.

“I wasn’t planning on it, but then I saw Willy’s face when Sean and Brooklyn appeared on the Jumbotron.” She looked like she wanted to throw down, which is something I’d pay to see.

“So you proposed,” he finishes.

“Yeah.” Was it a little impulsive? Sure. But fuck those two and their insidious behavior. I see their passive aggressive comments. I’ll protect Wills however I can, whatever it takes. This is my penance in a diamond ring.

He purses his lips. “Think it might be a good idea for you to tell Hemi the truth about what happened back then?”

I’ve considered that several times recently. “She wouldn’t believe me. Not yet. But hopefully I can change that between now and the reunion.” If I’m being honest, I also can’t force her to listen. Why would she trust my words now over my actions then?

“If that’s what you think is best…” He sighs and claps me on the shoulder. “We should hit the showers. I’m sure your parents are freaking out. I’m sure Hemi is too.”

An hour later, we’ve taken over the Rose Room, where an inordinate number of bottles of champagne are chilling. Wine, beer, and mixed drinks have been poured, appetizers served, and orders for dinner have been taken. The bill for this will besomething else. Flip usually isn’t an extravagant guy. He’s the one who stops at the LCBO to pick up a six-pack of beer—always ultra-light—so he doesn’t have to order room service when we’re hanging out after a game.

Willy is across the room, holding a glass of champagne—although it could be club soda with a splash of something to make it look like champagne—surrounded by the girls. Shilpa is at her side, and has been the entire night. They’re smiling and laughing, but I see the tension in Willy’s shoulders. I wonder what kind of punishment she’ll dole out for this major infraction. I’m already on the docket for kids’ camp check in, the farmer’s association prized pig ceremony, and another balloon animal rotation. I’ve been practicing for the last one.

It isn’t until we’re about to sit down for dinner that Willy enters my orbit again. Her hand slides up my back and curves around my shoulder, nails pressing into the skin through my shirt. She pushes up on her toes until her lips brush my ear. I can feel her breath on my neck. If I turned my head, my lips would touch her forehead.

“I hope you enjoy this party, Dallas, because it will be the last one you ever have,” she murmurs.

I pry her fingers from my shoulder and link my arm with hers, leaning down so I can whisper to her while also breathing in her shampoo. “Careful, honey, you should know by now that threats just turn me on.”

“Did you do this just to piss me off?”

I meet her stormy eyes. “I did itforyou.”

Her brow creases in confusion, but she doesn’t have a chance to ask more questions because my mom approaches. She’s over the moon. I’ve never seen her happier. If it were possible, her eyes would turn into hearts.

Her hand is at her chest. “You two are just the cutest.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Bright. I can’t believe this is happening,” Willy says through a tight smile.

“Dallas is so smitten.” Mom pulls Willy in for a hug,whispering something I don’t catch. When she steps back, she takes Willy’s hands in hers and inspects the ring. “It’s the perfect fit. Do you love it? It was Dallas’s great grandma’s ring, passed down from her mother. I think it looks beautiful on you.”

“It’s stunning,” Willy agrees. “I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful ring.” Her smile matches my mom’s. If I didn’t know Wills better, I would think she meant it. And maybe she does, but suddenly I’m hit with regret. I authentically want that ring on her finger, and I wish she did, too.

“When I gave it to Dallas yesterday, I had no idea he planned to propose right away, but I’m thrilled we were here to see it.” Mom turns her smile on me. “Now, I know the credit card you gave me is supposed to be for Christmas presents and emergencies, but with your dad and me in town, we thought you and Wilhelmina would want a little privacy tonight. So I took it upon myself to book you a room at the Ritz. They have a beautiful honeymoon suite.” She turns to Willy. “I know you work tomorrow, but maybe under the circumstances they’ll be understanding, and you can go in a little late? That way you two can have a proper celebration.” She winks and giggles as her cheeks flush. “Anyway, you don’t have to worry about your dad and me. We’ll be fine on our own.”

“You really didn’t have to do that,” Willy says, a smile still locked in on her beautiful face. Although this one looks slightly manic.

If I’m alone with her tonight, I might die.

There are worse ways to go.

Mom shakes her head. “This is such a special night. And a once-in-a-lifetime occasion! Go out with your friends, have fun, and celebrate your love.”

“Thanks, Mom. That was super cool of you. And thoughtful.” It’s her way, always thinking about other people, always wanting the best.

“So thoughtful,” Willy agrees as her nails dig into my forearm.

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