Page 84 of Blade
He dropped to one knee and took her hand, causing a round of gasps and exasperations from the small crowd that had gathered.
“Oh my God,” Amber whispered, her face now pale with shock.
“Amber, you’re my best friend and the love of my life. Will you marry me?”
Amber’s lips parted but she didn’t say anything, and her gorgeous periwinkle eyes filled with tears making them shimmer like amethyst. It was quiet as everyone waited for her to answer. One tear slipped out of her eye and trickled down her cheek, and then her mouth opened into an illuminating smile. “Yes.” It was barely a whisper, so low that Robert didn’t know if the cameras picked it up, and she covered her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks.
He stood and wrapped her in his arms while she hugged him around his neck so tightly she practically choked him.
Cheers rose up from the crowd, and the journalist announced, “She said yes!”
“I can’t believe it,” Amber whispered in his ear. “I love you so much. Did you plan this?”
I’m such an idiot!His head dropped onto her shoulder as he realized that he got so bogged down with nerves that he forgot to take the ring out of his pocket. “I did, but I messed up. I’m sorry. Let me do it again.” He got down on one knee again and hoped this was recorded instead of broadcast live. This time, he pulled a small velvet box out of his pocket and held it up to Amber. Her fingertips covered her lips, but it wasn’t enough to hide the smile that spanned her cheeks.
He opened the box and repeated, “Amber, you’re my best friend and the love of my life. Will you marry me?”
She nodded, and this time shouted her answer. “Yes!”
Cheers rose up even louder than before.
Her hand shook as Robert placed the huge diamond on her finger. She stared at it, shaking like a leaf in the wind. “It’s gorgeous, Robert.”
“You’re gorgeous.” He stood up and kissed her, feeling like the luckiest guy in the world.
“I believe congratulations are in order,” Coach’s husky voice said, before he wrapped his arms around the both of them.
Amber looked at her father, surprised by his presence. “Dad. What are you doing here?”
“I heard there was a proposal on the table,” Coach answered, smiling profusely.
“We’re all here, honey,” Amber’s mom added, kissing her cheek. “Congratulations.”
“We weren’t going to miss it, either,” Robert’s mom said, in her sweetest voice, standing next to Robert’s dad who added, “Congratulations. We couldn’t be happier for the both of you.”
The rest of Robert’s family approached and offered their well wishes.
“Everyone’s here,” Amber said with wonderment as her gaze moved to Tommy, Angel, Jessi, and the kids, who were jumping up and down and clapping.
“Don’t forget about me!” Hope called, running toward the group.
“And me!” Manny added, running behind her.
“Oh my God!” Amber shouted as she hugged her best friend, while Robert received a bro-shake from his best friend.
Hugs and happy congratulatory smiles were exchanged all around, and the camera picked up every minute of it.
“Is it OK that I’m here?” Coach asked Amber. “I wasn’t sure, so I hung back and watched. Robert nodded, which was our sign, but if you’re uncomfortable being seen with me, I’ll step back. I won’t be upset. I promise.”
“Of course not, Dad. You’re my father, and I’m proud to be your daughter.”
“Emotion, something rarely seen—if ever—covered Coach’s face, and his throat bobbed. He kissed Amber’s cheek. “Thank you, sweetheart. And I’ve never been prouder of you.” The two hugged, and it caused their little circle of family to react with a mixture of joy and teary-eyed smiles.
“Well, this is really turning into an emotional day,” Angel said, fanning his eyes.
“I’m so happy for you, brother.” Tommy squeezed Robert in a big bear hug, so unlike the unruly chest bumps and back slaps they usually shared.
The sound of the journalist’s voice filled the air as he spoke to the camera. “Congratulations to the happy couple. Not only are we here with NFL great Robert Blade, but we’re joined by his rock star brother Tommy Blade and singer Angel Garcia,andthe famous Coach Victor Gaston of the New Jersey Bucks!”
