Page 266 of Steeling Her
“Like I said, I trust your decision and will be beside you with whatever you choose. I just want you to be happy, to be that happy freshman in college with that beaming excited smile. I miss that side of you. I haven’t seen her in a very long time, Carter.” I feel my eyes welling up as I look at my brother as he gives me his best advice.
“It’ll take time,” I whisper before I whimper and embarrass myself.
“I know, baby steps.” He removes his hand from the gear stick to hold mine before returning to the previous position to start driving again. “You need to make yourself happy. Nothing comes first except for your own happiness.” He winks as we take off again and turn on the last street that leads directly to the stadium. I wipe my eyes and gather myself together.
I clear my throat and sit upright to keep myself from getting upset again.
“So, what about you?” I ask, continuing to fix my face.
“What about me?” He flicks his attention momentarily to me.
“I mean you and Danielle?” I ask once more, as any sister would do.
“What about me and Danielle?” He laughs as he drives into the car park of the stadium with stewards lining the parking facilities on either side of the car, escorting us to the parking space for players around the back.
“Come on, you know what I mean! When are you going to propose?” I ask the bold question that my family members have avoided asking because they all know I’m the only one he won’t get annoyed at. “Don’t you think it’s time?” I lean over to get closer to him.
He stares at me in the eyes with a deadpan expression before smiling and shaking his head at my attempt.
“Do you have to get in my face?” He places his hand on my face and pushes me back down to my seat, ruining my makeup in the process. Now I have to fix my face once more.
“Yes.” I dab my face as best as I can to fix it before going inside for the game.
Once he finishes parking the car, he keeps the engine on, unbuckles himself, and leans closer to my face, reaching over to the glove compartment to open it. All the while, maintaining eye contact with me.
“That’s for another car ride,” he smartly says, but I look towards the glove compartment and see a small black velvet box. Before I could say something or scream, he shuts it.
“Chris!” I whine because I wanted to see it.
“Nope, you’re not allowed. I want her to be the first one to see it, nobody else.” I pout but understand that.
“Fine.” I sulk playfully.
“Don’t even say anything to her about it. Don’t even hint about it,” he warns me before reaching to the back to get his bag.
I zip my lips together playfully to tell him that his secret is safe with me. I’m honored he told me, and I’m excited for it to happen.
“I appreciate everyone being pushy about it, but I wanted to do it when I wanted to do it, not because people felt I should. I take my time with her to appreciate her. I also know that I don’t need to marry her to know she’s my life partner, but I know she wants it, and I’ll do anything for her.” I rest my hand on my heart as a sign of respect for him and Danielle. I was hoping this day would come sooner rather than later. Danielle is already like a sister to me ever since we met in college, and I’m glad he’s preparing for this.
“When are you going to do it?” I inquire.
“Now that’s a secret that I’m not willing to share, Carter. Come on, let’s get you inside and seated for the game.” He pushes himself out of the car and I eventually follow suit after staring at the glove box. Chris’ “don’t even think about it” message is what got me moving out of the car.
I wanted to see it, is that so wrong?
“Well, whenever you actually do it, congratulations.” I link my arm around his once he locks the car and we head towards the stadium together.
“Thanks.” He kisses the crown of my head just before we part ways. He goes down the player’s entrance that’s surrounded by the media and has cameras flashing. I leave him to go and find Haley. I know she’s in the bar area waiting with Danielle and Taylor.
As I scan my ticket and make my way up the escalator towards the bar area where only family and friends of the players are allowed, I get an overwhelming sense of happiness for Chris and Danielle. After I get off the escalators, I show the security guard my pass and he lets me through the protected doors. I just wish I could help him out with the planning, even though he wants to do this on his own for her. I just want to be there because I know she’s been waiting so long for it to happen.
“Aunt Carter!” I know that little voice from anywhere. I turn around to see Taylor hanging out of her mother’s arms to try to wave at me.
“Hey there, sweetie!” I greet her with open arms. I soon realize it’s not just Haley and Danielle here. The whole Jackson family is here too. “Hi,” I greet them one by one in a daze. I never thought I’d see the day, but I’m glad they were invited to the game.
“How are you all?” I ask them. It’s a pleasant surprise. Even Mr. Jackson gave me a hug as a greeting. Lynn swooped me up in her arms like always. I haven’t seen Ellie in quite some time though. She’s getting taller and more beautiful as she gets older. I know Lynn and Ellie visit Haley every so often, so I sometimes see them. “It’s good to see you.” I nod at Mr. Jackson.
“Oh, we are just so excited to be here. The place is humungous, right? My gosh, no matter how many times I come here, if Haley didn’t know the way, I’d be still lost!” Lynn chuckles as she clutches her pearl necklace in her left hand as she holds a handbag in the other.
