Page 199 of The Head Game

“Excuse me?” Nico sputtered. “I’ve already asked you once. So far we are 2-0 for proposals, Auggie.”

“True. Though I think technically your previous proposal covered all we needed. You’re the one with the love of the dramatic.”

Nico grinned. “I will have you know I restrained myself. I thought a private engagement in a hockey-related venue would be more your speed than a flash mob dance number or sky writing.”

August grinned back. “I appreciate the restraint. And I’ll have you know, I was thinking about proposing to you as well. I hadn’t worked out all of the details yet but it—”

“Don’t spoil the surprise!” Nico yelped.

“Oh, I still have to propose again too?”

“Yes. It’s only fair. I should get my romantic moment too.”

“You’re ridiculous.” August shook his head, but his eyes were filled with love.

“And, ahem,” Nico said. “You still haven’t answered my question.”

August nodded. “The answer is yes. Every time.”

“That’s more like it.” Nico let out a relieved sigh. He’d never worried August was going to say no, but it was nice to hear. “Now, let me replace this gaudy old thing with something you’ll actually like.”

When he reached for August’s hand, August hesitated, looking down at Nico’s diamond-studded band.

“I do like this new ring. It’s definitely a lot more me. But the old one was starting to grow on me. I liked that it was something sentimental of yours.”

Nico grinned. “Well, you can wear either. Both. I don’t care. Just promise you’ll marry me.”

August rubbed his thumb across his cheek. “I promise.”

“Finally!” Nico slid the new band on next to the old. Whatever. They’d figure that part out later.

He rose to his feet and put his arms around August, leaning in for a kiss.

“Wait.” August drew back. “Was the earlier meeting with Marty—”

“Marty-Not-the-Fish?” Nico asked.

“Yes, was the meeting with my favorite hockey player a bribe to convince me to marry you?”

Nico stuck out his lower lip. “Honestly, what a rude question. I thought I was your favorite, Auggie.”

“Ehh.” He waggled his hand. “You’re alright.”

“Also rude! You love me and you know it.” Nico snuggled close, pressing his face to August’s neck. Damn, he still smelled good. That was never going to get old.

“I guess I must love you,” August whispered against his hair. “Because I sure wouldn’t have done all of this for anyone else.”

“Well, not everyone is as amazing as I am,” Nico said.

“I guess there’s that.” August opened his mouth to say something but his phone vibrated and he leaned back far enough to pull it out of his pocket.

His eyes widened as he read the message.

“Nico,” he said excitedly. “It’s go time! I just got a text. Skylar is on her way to the hospital.”

“Oh! Baby time?” Nico grinned. “Yesss! I’m about to meet my nephew. This is so exciting. C’mon, let’s go.”

He tugged on August’s hand and took off, hauling him behind.

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