Page 123 of Cross-Check

“Sit. Let’s eat.”

I do as he says, taking my seat. My mind is running a million miles a minute.

If he asks, will I say yes?

Of course I will. I love him and want to marry him. At the same time, I’m not ready for that step.

“Hey, beautiful. Calm those thoughts. How was work?” he murmurs, kissing the back of my hand.

I take a bite of the perfectly cooked chicken while I think about my answer.

“It was rough, but I like the work. I shadowed a caseworker who had to remove two children today. One of them got into their parents’ coke stash and ended up in the hospital.”

He frowns. “That’s fucked.”

“Yeah. The kids were crying, but so were the parents. It was heartbreaking. The parents seemed remorseful.”

“I don’t understand how they can choose drugs over their kids. I hope they get their lives straight.”

“Me too. What about you? How was your day?”

“Good. Hockey season is officially over. Tomorrow is the passing of the torch. Coach will crown a new captain, and the hockey house will be back up for grabs.”

“Who do you think it will be?” I ask.

“Brett. He’s been Coach’s assistant all year. He’s the best choice,” he tells me.

“Makes sense. How do you feel about that?”

He eats in silence for a minute, and I let him work through his emotions. He’s not perfect. He messes up sometimes, but he is trying, and that is all that matters.

“I’m disappointed it won’t be me. It was what I wanted, but then I realized that maybe it’s for the best. If I’m not the best option, then I don’t want it.”

I nod, understanding what he means.

“If they think you are the best option?” I ask.

He smiles. “I would be grateful for the opportunity and do everything I could to prove they made the right choice.”

We continue to chat as we eat. Once we finish, I smile when he brings out the apple crumble I love from a place down the street. It only has me more nervous.

“Why are you being extra sweet tonight? It feels like you are trying to make it special.”

He swallows hard and nods. “It is. Well, I’m buttering you up at least. I have a question for you, and I’m afraid of the rejection.”

My heart starts racing in my chest.

Oh god. This is it.

“Cora, can I stay here for the summer with you?” He looks down at his lap like he is waiting for the sting.

A laugh bursts out of me, making him look up at me with confusion on his face.

“Oh fuck. I thought you were proposing. Jesus, Kellan. What the hell?”

His eyes change to those of shock.

“I mean, I want to. Don’t get me wrong, but I don’t have the means to get a ring, and I thought you wouldn’t want to this early, so I’ve been holding off, but I mean, yes, it can be that if you want me to. Let me go buy a ring first though. Please?” he rambles.

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