Page 219 of Check & Chase
We’re definitely inside now. I can smell something wonderful—the ocean breeze through open windows, flowers, and candles burning.
“Chase,” I begin suspiciously, “what did you—”
“Open your eyes,” he interrupts, unable to contain his excitement any longer.
I blink as my vision adjusts to the soft golden glow of what must be a hundred candles scattered throughout the beach house living room. Rose petals create a path across the floor, leading to a table set for two, with champagne, strawberries, and what looks like an envelope placed in the center.
“Oh my god,” I breathe, taking in the romantic scene. “Chase, this is beautiful.”
“Welcome to our honeymoon suite,” he murmurs softly, watching my reaction. “Do you like it?”
I turn to him in disbelief. “You arranged all this? While recovering from knee surgery and planning a wedding?”
“I had some help,” he admits with a grin. “Your brother and Tyler may have coordinated with the rental company. But the details are all mine.”
The fact that we were both planning secret wedding surprises is so perfectly us that I start laughing.
“We really are a matched set, aren’t we?” I observe, reaching for his hand. “It’s beautiful, Chase.”
The windows frame a stunning ocean view, moonlight dancing on the waves. The entire space has been transformed into a romantic retreat, with twinkling lights strung across the ceiling and flowers everywhere.
“There’s more.” He nods toward the envelope on the table. “Open it.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Another surprise?”
“The big one,” he confirms, shifting his weight nervously.
I move to the table and pick up the envelope, sliding my finger under the seal. Inside is what looks like a contract. I scan the first few lines, then freeze, my heart suddenly pounding.
“Chase,” I whisper, looking up at him with wide eyes. “Is this…”
“A contract with the Wolves,” he confirms, his smile threatening to split his face. “I’m joining your team, Emma.”
“But what about the contract with the Bears?”
“I turned it down,” he explains, moving closer. “Talked to management about my priorities changing after the injury, after the wedding. They weren’t happy, but they understood. The Wolves made an offer that worked for everyone. Jackson may have helped negotiate some of the terms.”
“You’re joining the Wolves,” I repeat, still stunned. “We’ll be working for the same team.”
“No more rival franchises,” he confirms. “Just one team, one city, one home.”
“The house,” I suddenly realize. “The one I bought while you were in surgery. That’s why it was the perfect location.”
The thoughtfulness of this plan—giving us time to settle into marriage before adding the dynamic of being on the same team, making sure his recovery isn’t disrupted—is so perfectly Chase that it makes my heart ache.
“You’re incredible,” I tell him, crossing the distance between us to throw my arms around his neck.
His arms wrap around my waist, pulling me close. “So you approve of the surprise?”
“Approve?” I laugh against his lips. “Chase Mitchell, you just rearranged your entire career to be with me. Approve doesn’t begin to cover it.”
He kisses me deeply, our bodies fitting together perfectly. When we finally break for air, his eyes are dark with desire.
“We should celebrate,” he suggests.
“Definitely,” I agree, already working at the buttons of his shirt. “Though maybe we should blow out these candles first? Fire hazard and all.”
He laughs, the sound vibrating through his chest against my palms. “Ever practical, Mrs. Mitchell. Hold that thought.”
