Page 18 of Waltzing on Ice

I run my thumb over her knuckles, grounding both of us. “Doesn’t matter how we place tonight. I’ve already won.”

Her lips curve, eyes softening for a brief moment before her competitive streak takes over. She squares her shoulders, her fingers tightening around mine. “That’s sweet, Sullivan. But we arewinningthis thing.”

I chuckle, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. “Hell yeah, we are.”

Our routine is flawless. From the first note of the music, we’re on. Every movement, every lift, every damn second is in perfect sync, our bodies moving like one. The chemistry between us is undeniable—fire and grace, power and precision.

The world disappears. It’s just us, the ice, the music, and the unshakable trust that binds us together. I see it in Daisy’s eyes, the way she doesn’t hesitate, the way she leans into me fully. Shetrusts me, not just as her partner but as the man who will never let her fall.

The crowd is thrilling, their cheers swelling with every twist, every breathtaking moment. And when we nail the final lift—the one Daisy once hesitated on—she soars, weightless, fearless, completely trusting me to catch her.

And I do.

As we hit the final pose, the arena erupts. The noise is deafening, the energy a tidal wave crashing over us. Daisy launches herself into my arms, her breath ragged, her smile blinding.

“We did it,” she whispers against my neck, gripping me like she never wants to let go.

I bury my face in her hair, holding her just as tight. “Yeah, baby. We did.”

We watch the remaining competitors with anticipation, excitement and nerves tangled in our stomachs. My hand stays locked with Daisy’s, her fingers squeezing mine every time the scores flash on the screen. The final team skates well—really well—but as their scores appear, the numbers tell the story we were hoping for.

We’ve won.

Olympic gold.

Daisy turns to me, her eyes wide with disbelief, her lips parted in shock. Her hands fly to her mouth, trembling. Her new diamond ring glittering on her finger. Then she launches herself into my arms. I catch her easily, spinning her in the air as she laughs, tears spilling over her cheeks.

“You’re crying,” I tease, pressing my forehead to hers, my own chest so damn full it feels like it might burst.

“Shut up,” she chokes out, laughing through the tears. “I just—we did it.”

I cup her face, brushing away a tear with my thumb. “Yeah, baby. And I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.”

She swallows hard, her hands sliding up to cup my face. “You’re it for me, Finn.”

My throat tightens, my vision blurring at the edges. “Right back at you, Whittaker.”

* * *

The medal ceremony is a blur of emotion. The weight of gold around my neck, the national anthem playing, Daisy standing beside me, clutching my hand like she’ll never let go. I steal glances at her, watching the way her eyes shine, the way she holds her head high, the way her fingers shake slightly when she grips the medal.

She deserves this.Wedeserve this. I have never been so goddamn proud of anyone in my life.

After the ceremony, we’re ushered into the press room, the excitement still buzzing in our veins. We barely have time to sit before the questions begin.

A reporter grins at us, microphone in hand. “Finn, Daisy—what does it feel like to win Olympic gold?”

I glance at Daisy, at the love of my life, the woman who has changed everything for me and smile. “It’s amazing and even better with her next to me.”

Daisy squeezes my hand, her eyes shining. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

The reporter laughs. “Well, now that you’ve conquered the Olympics, what’s next? Will we see you back in four years?”

I smirk, pulling Daisy closer. “Absolutely. But first? We’ve got a wedding to plan.”

The cameras flash, the world watching, but all I see is her.

My partner.

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