Page 58 of Gamechanger

The back door creaked open, and Finn's voice drifted out. "Moose? You out here?"

"Yeah," I called back, trying to keep my voice steady. "Just finished setting up."

Finn appeared on the deck, a platter of marinated chicken balanced in one hand, and a six-pack of our favorite local IPA dangling from the other. His curls were damp from his post-practice shower, and he wore nothing but a pair of cargo shorts riding low on his hips. The sight of him, relaxed and at home, never failed to make my heart skip a beat.

"Looks great out here," Finn said, his eyes sweeping over the yard. "Though I still think we should've splurged on that fancy grill you were eyeing."

I chuckled, moving to take the platter from him. "Baby steps. We've got plenty of time to turn this place into our dream home."

Finn's lips quirked into a smile. "Yeah, I guess we do." He set the beer down and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me close. "Can you believe it's been over two years since that first crazy season? Sometimes it feels like yesterday, and other times..."

"Other times it feels like we've been together forever," I finished, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "In the best possible way."

Finn laughed, the sound bright and clear in the summer air. "Wouldn't have it any other way, big guy." He pulled back, giving me a playful swat on the ass. "Now, let's get this chicken on the grill before we both melt out here."

I watched him saunter over to our modest charcoal grill, admiring the way the fading sunlight played across his shoulders. Two years together, and he still took my breath away.I settled into the Adirondack chair, the wood warm against my skin from the late afternoon sun. The air buzzed with the sounds of summer—cicadas droning, a neighbor's lawnmower rumbling in the distance, the gentle tinkle of wind chimes. I breathed in deeply, savoring the scent of freshly cut grass mingled with the aroma of Finn's famous grilled chicken wafting from the barbecue.

"Hey," Finn called out, his voice carrying easily across our modest backyard. "You want another beer?"

I grinned, watching him navigate the uneven grass in bare feet, a sheen of sweat glistening on his chest. "Nah, I'm good. But I wouldn't say no to a kiss."

Finn rolled his eyes, but I caught the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. He jogged over, leaning down to press a quick kiss to my forehead. "You're incorrigible, you know that?"

"It's part of my charm," I quipped, reaching out to snag his hand before he could retreat. "Sit with me for a bit?"

He hesitated, glancing back at the grill. "The chicken—"

"Can wait five minutes," I finished, tugging him gently onto my lap. He let out a surprised laugh, settling against me.

"Moose, what's gotten into you?" Finn asked, his bright eyes searching my face.

I shrugged, suddenly feeling a bit sheepish. "Just... happy, I guess. Can't a guy want to cuddle his boyfriend on a perfect summer evening?"

Finn's expression softened. He ran his fingers over my buzzed head, his touch soothing away the last of my nerves. "Of course he can. Though I have to say, you've been acting a little strange all day. Everything okay?"

I nodded, my throat suddenly dry. This was it—the moment I'd been planning for weeks. Quinn helped me make sure I didn't forget anything. I shifted, reaching into my pocket. "Actually, there's something I wanted to ask you."

Finn's brow furrowed in confusion, then his eyes widened as I produced the small velvet box. "Moose..."

"Finn Novak," I began, my voice wavering slightly. I took a deep breath, steadying myself. The weight of the moment pressed down on me, but Finn's warmth in my lap grounded me. I looked into his eyes, those bright, expressive eyes that had captivated me from day one.

"These past two years have been the best of my life. You've seen me at my worst, helped me through my darkest days, and somehow still look at me like I'm the best thing since composite hockey sticks."

Finn let out a chuckle, his eyes shining with unshed tears. His hand found mine, fingers intertwining.

I continued, my confidence growing with each word. "You make me laugh, you challenge me to be better, and you love me fiercely and without reservation. I can't imagine spending another day without you by my side."

A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the scent of summer flowers and distant rain. The fading sunlight painted Finn's face in warm hues, highlighting the constellation of freckles across his nose that I loved to count on lazy mornings.

"Remember that first Christmas, when we were both so scared and unsure?" I asked, my voice softening. "I never told you this, but that night, holding you, I knew. I knew you were it for me. Every day since then has only confirmed it."

Finn's breath caught in his throat, a single tear spilling down his cheek. I reached up to brush it away, my touch lingering on his skin.

"I love you. Not just the hockey star or the guy who can make me laugh until my sides hurt. I love all of you—your stubbornness, your insecurities, the way you hog the blankets and sing off-key in the shower. I love the life we've built together,and I want to keep building it, every day, for the rest of our lives."

With trembling fingers, I opened the box, revealing the simple platinum band nestled inside. The metal caught the last rays of sunlight, glinting with promise.

"Finn Novak, will you marry me?"

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