Page 71 of Heartfelt Goals

An inspirational love song, one she’d sung to herself a hundred times, one that had carried her through lonely nights and quiet moments of longing. One that meant something, inspired some of her books, and put her mentally in the mood to write something sweet, something emotional.

The team moved like a well-rehearsed symphony, Salas sweeping forward in a wide arc as he took the lead, belting out the next line to Jamie. Then Coeur to Irene, then Savage to Ashley, then Acton—each player adding their own flare, their own energy, their own voices as they sang to their wives.

And then?—

Dustin.

His voice was rich, deep, carrying over the roar of the arena, reaching into her chest and squeezing her heart in his grasp. He skated toward the boards, towardher, his eyes locked onto hers as he sang.

Kendall nudged her. “Go.”

Laurel couldn’t move.

Kendall nudged harder, laughing under her breath. “He’s all right, you know?”

Oh,sheknew.

She knew exactly what kind of man he was—knew it in the way he loved her, in the way he protected her, in the way he hadalwaysbeen there, even when she hadn’t realized how much she needed him.

So, she moved.

She stood, making her way down to the boards, her pulse hammering as Dustin slowed in front of her, a boyish smile tugging at his lips.

“Hey, wife,” he murmured, still slightly out of breath.

“Hey, husband,” she whispered back.

His eyes twinkled. “Give me your hand.”

Her breath hitched.

Because the last time he’d asked her that?—

She knew that look.

That teasing, knowing, slightly wicked glint in his eyes. The last time he’d told her to give him her hand, he’d pulled her close, pressed her against the wall, andcompletelyobliterated the axis of her world with a kiss that had left her breathless for hours.

And judging by the flicker of awareness that crossed his face, he knew exactly what she was thinking.His lips curved into a slow, decadent smile.

“That’s for later.”

Oh,mercy.

Still, she lifted her hand.

Dustin frowned, shaking his head. “Other hand.” Confused, she held out her left hand instead.

And then?—

He slid a diamond ring onto her finger.

Her heartstopped.

She stared at it breathlessly, before snapping her gaze to his. “Oh… oh,Dustin. What is this?”

His expression softened. “I’m so glad you chose me long ago,” he whispered, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “And I’m sorry it took me so long to get here. But Iloveyou, Laurel. And I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure you know just how incredible you are.”

Her throat tightened.

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