Page 189 of Check & Chase
“Can’t believe you actually convinced her to put up with your sorry ass forever,” Miller laughs.
“Had to lock it down before she came to her senses,” I joke back, unable to stop smiling even as Coach Barrett pushes through the crowd.
“All right, all right, give the man some space,” he orders. “Congratulations, Mitchell. Your proposal’s all over the internet.”
I wince slightly. “Yeah, not exactly how we planned it.”
“Bears’ PR is thrilled. ‘Stanley Cup hero proposes after game one victory.’ Couldn’t script it better.” He claps a hand on my shoulder, leaning in to add quietly, “Just remember—you can enjoy being engaged after we win the Cup.”
“Yes, Coach.”
Practice ends with Coach’s reminder that game two brings a new level of pressure. The Storm will be desperate after losing game one, their forecheck more aggressive, their hits harder. I shower quickly, eager to get back to the hotel where Emma’s waiting.
My phone buzzes with a message from my mother before I make it to the car.
Mom:Lunch with your father and me. Bring Emma. Le Petit Café at one. Non-negotiable.
I grin at her directness. Typical mom, already treating Emma like family.
Emma’s waiting in the hotel lobby when I arrive, dressed in jeans and a Bears t-shirt that makes my heart do stupid things in my chest. She’s on the phone, but her face lights up when she sees me.
“Maya, I have to go. He’s here.” A pause. “Yes, I’ll send pictures. No, I’m not letting you plan a bachelorette with strippers. Goodbye!”
She ends the call and walks over to me, rising on her tiptoes for a quick kiss.
“Your mother texted. We’re being summoned for lunch.”
“So I heard.” I wrap my arms around her waist. “How many people have you told?”
“Just Maya and my mom so far. Jackson’s been practicing a lot lately, so he hasn’t been around to take a phone call.” She holds up her phone. “Though according to Instagram, the whole world knows already.”
“Sorry about that. Didn’t know the media would be there.”
“I don’t care.” She loops her arms around my neck. “I kind of like that everyone knows you’re mine.”
“Possessive,” I tease. “It’s cute.”
Le Petit Café is a small French bistro tucked away on a side street in downtown Pinewood, my mother’s favorite spot for special occasions. When we arrive, I’m surprised to find not just my parents waiting, but a crowd of familiar faces—teammates, coaching staff, even the Bears’ general manager.
“Surprise!” my mother calls, rushing forward to hug us both. “We couldn’t let you get engaged without a proper celebration!”
Emma freezes beside me, her hand tightening on mine. “Oh my god. I’m not dressed for this.”
“You’re perfect,” I assure her, guiding her into the restaurant where everyone immediately surrounds us with congratulations.
The party is perfect—casual enough that Emma relaxes after the initial shock, intimate enough that we get to speak with everyone. My father gives an emotional toast that makes my throat tight, and Coach follows with one that manages to be both congratulatory and a reminder that we still have a Cup to win.
Halfway through lunch, Emma’s phone rings. She glances at the screen, then at me, eyes wide. “It’s Jackson.”
“Take it,” I encourage her. “Tell him I said hi.”
She steps away to answer, and I watch her face as she speaks with her brother—nervous at first, then relaxing into a smile, then laughing at something he says. When she returns, her eyes are suspiciously bright.
“What did he say?” I ask, taking her hand.
“That he’s happy for me,” she explains, blinking rapidly. “That he still thinks you’re an arrogant pretty boy, but that I could do worse. And that he’s looking forward to being your brother-in-law just so he can torment you legally.”
I laugh, relieved and oddly touched. “Sounds about right.”
