Page 147 of Dancing in the Rain

“There are already flowers, though,” Peyton noted, gazing around with a smile. “Spring is so lovely.”

The last four months had been a dizzying blur of ups and downs. There’d been moments of bliss and sadness—Chloe’s outbursts of anger at the world as she continued to deal with the loss of her mother, as well as her successes. They’d argued over parenting decisions, all while knowing they trusted each other completely to have Chloe’s best interests at heart. They’d coasted into a routine where they spent more and more time together and dividing up “parental responsibilities” wasn’t an issue. They’d both worked their asses off to establish their new businesses, sharing successes and setbacks, celebrating and commiserating. Drew had finished the season with some real successes—NHL players whom he’d helped increase their scoring output, half a dozen AHL clients, and more NHL, AHL, and college players he would be working with over the summer. He’d been so busy he could hardly keep up. Peyton and her partners had opened their doors and also had a growing client list that kept them busy.

He parked at the zoo parking lot and unfurled the umbrella to hold it over Peyton’s head as she alighted from the car. “Are we going to the zoo?” she asked, peering around.

“No, just for a walk.” He sighed. “Sorry about the weather.”

“We can do it another time.”

No, they couldn’t. “Well, let’s just make the best of this.”

“Sure.” She tucked her arm into his. “Oh, my God, it smells so good.”

The air carried a rich, fresh scent of wet earth, greenery, and spring flowers as they strolled along the paths toward the pond. Drew tried to keep from running, anxiety and adrenaline and the goddamn rain making him want to sprint.

There were no other people around, since everyone else in Chicago was smarter than he was and knew to go in out of the rain.

As they approached the bridge over the pond, Peyton said, “Do I hear music?”

“Hmm.” He pretended to listen. “I don’t hear anything.”

They turned a corner, and then the music was audible, soft strains drifting among the raindrops.

Peyton slanted him a curious frown. They walked farther and Peyton’s steps slowed as they neared the bridge and she saw the glow arising from the dozens of candles there. She stopped and turned her face to Drew. “What’s going on?”

He smiled. “Come on. Let’s go see.”

He tugged her along onto the bridge. The lights of the downtown skyscrapers glimmered through the drizzle, the skies darker than usual because of the low clouds, the trees in the park mounds of shadow.

Candles glowed all around them as they walked onto the bridge, arranged on the ground and on the big stone slabs at various levels. They were completely alone.

“How on earth are those candles burning?” Peyton peered down at them. “Oh, they’re not real. But they’re still beautiful.”

Good thing they weren’t real or this whole thing would have been a washout. Again, ha.

“Here.” Drew paused in the middle of the bridge, the two of them surrounded by golden candlelight and the glittering skyline. “Hold the umbrella.” He curled her fingers around the handle then released it to her. He reached for the flowers sitting on one of the flat rocks and handed them to her.

She blinked at them. “They’re gorgeous.” Blush-colored roses glowed in the deepening dusk, drops of water glinting on them like diamonds.

Dragging air into his lungs, he pulled the ring out of his pocket and went down on one knee.

Peyton’s mouth dropped open as she clutched the umbrella in one hand, the flowers resting in her other arm. The knee of Drew’s pants was immediately soaked, but what the hell.

“I love you, Peyton.” He met her eyes. Rain dampened his hair and his face. “My life was empty. I was struggling to find a purpose. Terrified of failing, but not realizing that the real failure is not even trying to get back up when you’re down. You brought so much into my life, Peyton—courage, strength, light, and love.” He paused. “You are my purpose.”

She smiled, her bottom lip quivering.

“I love you so much. I want to be the man you deserve and I’m working hard at it every day. I need you so much, but I want to be there for you, too, in all ways—protecting you, sharing your burdens, and sharing your triumphs. Peyton…will you marry me?”

“You’re getting all wet.” She drew in a shaky breath.

“I don’t care.” His hair was hanging in his eyes now, water dripping off it. He swiped it aside, his heart slamming against his ribs as he awaited her answer.

“Yes.” She blinked rapidly, eyes glowing. Her smile was luminous. “Yes, I’ll marry you. Get up here under this umbrella.”

He reached for her left hand and slid the ring onto it. “There.” Satisfaction deepened his voice at seeing his ring on her. Claiming her. “You’re mine.”

He rose to his feet and closed in against her, hands on her waist. The umbrella shook above them in her trembling hand as she lifted her left arm to stare at the ring. He took the flowers and set them aside.

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