Page 137 of Cold Feet
He turned to Cam, his expression deadly serious. "But if you hurt her, I'll still bury you in the equipment shed."
Cam nodded solemnly. "Understood."
The two men exchanged a look and Zayne surprised everyone by pulling Cam into a quick, fierce hug.
The press conference shifted into a more structured Q&A after that. I stepped back up to the microphone, my PR instincts taking over despite the emotional whirlwind of the last few minutes.
"We'll take a few questions now," I said, my professional composure returning. "Then we'll issue a follow-up statement later today."
Hands shot up around the room. I pointed to a reporter fromHockey Today.
"Is this going to affect Cam's decision regarding the Montreal offer?"
Cam stepped up beside me. "My agent and the teams are still in discussions, but I'll say this: St. Petersburg has always felt like home. Now more than ever."
I nodded to a journalist fromNHL Tonight. "Lana, will you continue as PR Director now that you're in a relationship with a player?"
"Great question," I said. "The Slashers organization has protocols in place for situations like this. I'll be working with Marcus and the executive team to ensure there's no conflict of interest while maintaining the highest professional standards. The team comes first – that will never change."
"Is that the actual engagement ring?" shouted a reporter from the back.
I looked down at the sapphire on my finger, then at Cam. He raised an eyebrow, leaving it up to me how to answer.
"As Cam stated earlier, I believe he's, quote, 'still working up the courage to ask'. Let's not ruin his big surprise. Next question."
The room laughed, and Nana Decker blew me a kiss from the back. I fielded three more questions with professional ease, keeping the focus on the facts of the situation while acknowledging the emotional aspects that had captivated the hockey world.
When the press conference concluded, reporters rushed forward with follow-up questions, but I directed them to contact my office for follow-up. As security began clearing the room, I felt a hand on my shoulder. My mother pulled me into a tight hug.
"I've never been prouder," she whispered. "You handled that like the queen you are."
"Thanks, Mom," I said, returning her embrace.
My father was next, his hug brief but firm. "I told you that you belong here," he said gruffly, emotion evident in his voice despite his attempt to hide it.
Nana Decker pulled me into a hug and kissed me on the cheek, whispering, "The stars have all aligned for you two, darling. "
I laughed, turning to findCam engaged in what appeared to be a serious conversation with Zayne and Logan. As if sensing my gaze, he looked up, his smile immediate and warm. He excused himself and made his way to me.
"You were amazing," he said, taking my hand. "Professional Lana is soooooo hot, by the way."
I rolled my eyes, but couldn't stop my smile. "That was quite the entrance you made."
"You know I love to make a splash." He squeezed my hand as we headed towards the door.
The heavy glass door of the media room swung shut behind us with a definitive click, muffling the continuing roar of questions and camera clicks. Cam's hand found mine, warm and solid, as we escaped down the service corridor toward my office.
Chapter 25
We walked hand in hand from the press conference to my office, both of us shell-shocked but in the best possible way. The hallway seemed to stretch endlessly, and I was acutely aware of every person we passed – their eyes widening, whispers following in our wake. Cam's hand was warm and steady in mine, his thumb occasionally brushing over my knuckles in a silent reassurance.
Once inside my office, I closed the door and leaned against it, finally letting out the breath I felt like I'd been holding since Cam crashed the press conference. The adrenaline was wearing off, leaving me slightly shaky but strangely calm.
"So," I said, meeting his gaze across the room. "That just happened."
Cam's smile was soft, a little uncertain. "Yeah. I kind of went off-script there."
"You think?" I laughed, the sound bordering on giddy. "Cam, you just declared your love for me on national television."
