Page 71 of Wrapped Around My Heart
“I’m sure. She’s gonna love this just as much as her daddy.”
“Dada!” Clara yells just as the access gate is opened. A couple employees roll out a red carpet for us and Dean skates up next to the door.
Clara practically launches herself toward him and he laughs, reaching out to take her as I start walking out beside them.
The announcer overhead bellows our introductions, making special note of the two awards Dean was given at the end of last season, followed by a quick call of Clara’s and my names. She soaks up the attention, waving at the crowd and cameras. When we reach the end of the carpet, I easily scoop her back from Dean so he can go stand across from the Yetis’ goalie.
It was easy enough for Coach James to convince Dean to participate today, spewing some line about how they didn’t celebrate goalies last year and want to make sure it happens this season.
What Dean doesn’t know is just how special tonight will be for hockey goalies everywhere.
“We have a special guest of honor with us tonight to drop the first puck of the season. Here at SweetHeart arena for the first time in ten years,” the announcer calls out, going on to list his many accomplishments and awards while I make sure to watch Dean’s face as the anticipation builds. “Everyone, please put your hands together for Declan Travers!”
The crowd erupts with excitement as the infamous goalie steps onto the red carpet. A woman and three little girls surrounding her all stand back at the gate entrance, clapping and cheering after Declan.
Dean’s head snaps in the direction of Declan, mouth hanging wide open as he stares in shock at the approaching man.
Giggling, I tighten my hold on Clara and lean forward in Dean’s direction. “Surprise.”
His eyes bounce between me and his idol, struggling to process that this is happening.
“You did this?”
I grin, pride swelling in my chest. “Yup. Remember that company from up north I told you reached out about branding?” I wait for him to numbly nod before continuing. “It was his new local ice rink and girls’ youth hockey team.”
“Holy sh—” Dean stops his swear before it slips out, knowing Clara will try to repeat it. “I can’t believe you did this.”
“Coach James helped.” I shrug, but Dean doesn’t accept it. He bends down and kisses me senseless. It takes someone clearing their throat to break us apart.
It’s amusing to watch Dean interact with Declan, trying and failing to hide the fact that he’s excited. They go through the motions of the puck drop, pausing for a picture that I have no doubt will be framed and put in our house somewhere. While Declan shakes hands with the other goalie, Dean bounces on his skates in anticipation.
By the time Declan turns in our direction to shake hands with Dean, I’m almost surprised that he didn’t put a hole in the ice.
Declan glances at me and smiles, stretching his hand in offering. “Thank you for getting me to come down here. It was…long overdue.”
“Trust me, it’s me who should be thanking you,” I tell him, taking his hand. “You just made me the coolest girlfriend in the world by helping me out with this.”
He glances behind me, his eyes widening before he points. “Yeah, about that ‘coolest girlfriend’ title…”
My eyebrows furrow as I turn around, and I don’t even fully process the fact that my mom appears beside me and pulls Clara from my arms.
No, the only thing I can focus on is the sight of Dean down on one knee in all his hockey gear in the middle of the rink. His gloves are on the ice beside him, resting by his helmet and leaving his hands free to hold the black velvet box.
What Declan says now makes sense because if what’s happening is real, I won’t be a girlfriend anymore…I’ll be a fiancée.
With my hands now free, there’s nothing to stop them from flying up to cover my mouth.
“Dean?” I choke out his name, eyes pinging between his face and the box.
“I feel like there’s no better moment than right now to do this, and you pulling off bringing my hero in without me knowing only solidifies it. Only the two of us would plan a surprise for each other at the exact same time.”
I laugh, but it’s clogged with all the emotions coursing through me.
Disbelief. Happiness. Excitement. And of course, a smidge of anxiety.
“I have loved you for longer than either of us knew. I love the way you bring out the best in me, how you push me to never give up. You’re always helping me learn new things and I know without a doubt that we can face whatever challenges come our way. You’ve given me the gift of being a father while allowing me the honor of loving you every single day.” Dean pauses to open the lid on the box and my breath catches in my throat at the sight of the oval diamond. I never gave an engagement ring much thought, but if I had, this would be it.
“Arianna Sinclair, will you make me even luckier than I already am by marrying me?”
