Page 175 of Unraveling Rain
“I’m here to escort you all to the ice.”
I look around to see who’s coming with me. His parents and Gramps are already heading for the door.
“I think we’ll just wait for him here,” Mama says, and Merlin’s shoulders sag.
“Are y’all sure? I know he’d love to see you,” I say, glancing at each of them.
They all nod.
Gio and Ruin come to hug me.
“Please congratulate Xander on our behalf,” Gio says. “We’ll have to host a party for him in Azalea Creek.”
I nod as I kiss my niece and nephew on their sleepy heads, then head out with Xander’s family.
On the ice, I walk carefully, grateful I decided to wear my Docs instead of heels.
I scan the sea of skaters and staff, trying to find Xander.
Sam grabs my hand and points toward the far end. I give him a thankful smile and dart off in that direction.
I don’t care if I slip. I know he’ll catch me.
When I finally reach him, I jump, and he picks me up swiftly. His helmet and gloves are off, so it’s much easier to kiss him.
“I’m so proud of you, Hotshot. You’re the star of the game.”
I press my forehead to his, beaming.
I kiss him because I can’t find the words to express everything I’m feeling. My heart is too full.
His hands move behind me, but I’m still lost in our kiss, not caring about anything other than showing him how much I love him.
When we come up for air, he kisses the tip of my nose and gently lowers me to the ice.
I’m about to tell him again how proud I am when he drops to one knee.
I gasp. My hands fly to my mouth. Tears spill before I can stop them.
“But tonight’syournight,” I whisper, overwhelmed. “What are you doing?”
“Tonight isournight, Cherry,” Xander says, opening a small velvet box. “I’ve won on and off the ice.
“The moment I set foot in Serene Lookout and saw you, I knew my life would never be the same. You’ve helped me become a better man, and nothing would make me happier than calling you my wife.”
He lifts a gorgeous round solitaire diamond ring and slides it onto my finger.
“Will you marry me?”
I don’t wait. I lean down, wrap my arms around him, and kiss him hard.
“A thousand times yes, Xander.”
Cheers erupt around us. Flashes go off, and I know the media is all over us, recording every second. But I don’t give a damn.
Because when I let go of the past and finally allowed Xander in—let him unravel me piece by piece—I found the kind of happiness I thought I’d never have.
I found home.
