Page 89 of Falling for the Pucking Grump

“Says who?”

“Me.”

I snort my response when a chant begins with something about saying yes and do it being exuberated throughout the stadium. White confetti tumbles from the ceiling between Reid and me, and that’s not the team’s color.

I have a feeling that Reid put more thought into this than I expected.

“How badass would it be to be The Reaper’s wife, Shorty?” Reid transmits, still with that alluring smile. “You know you want to do it.”

“I’m still thinking about it.”

Reid cocks his head to the side because he knows I’m being a brat. “It's like that, huh?”

“Yeah. It’s like that.”

“Bullshit,” he scoffs. “Don’t make me take this up a notch in front of everyone. I tried to keep my secrets to myself, but if you want me to show every woman in here how I’m going to convince you to be my wife—”

“Don’t you dare,” I retort with a semi-soft glare. “You’ll have a damn fan base based on that alone.”

“I probably already do.”

I slap his chest—hard—and earn another laugh from him.

“Yes, Reid Pierce,” I reply with a lifted chin and teary eyes, “I’ll absolutely marry you.” He stands up and stares into my eyes. “From the moment I saw you, I knew you were special. I can’t live without you. I can’t wait for the rest of our lives together.” Tears started welling up in his eyes. If I don't say something soon, we will both be a puddle on the ice.

“Shut up and kiss me.”

He grabs my neck softly—in front of everybody—and bends forward, bringing his mouth closer and dangerously on the verge of doing something not kid-rated. “I’m going to do more than that, my soon-to-be wifey. You’re going to give me more of a moaned yes by the time I’m done with you, and then, maybe then, you’re going to be a little more cheerful about your answer.”

Now, it’s my turn to lift my lips into an arrogant smile. “I’d love to see that, fiancé.”

“Baby, I’ve got no problem doing that for you.”

And then he kisses me, erupting the arena into a fit of celebration.

Tonight will be one I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.

EPILOGUE

REID

She looks like something out of my dreams as she floats down the aisle of the small chapel. Wells leans into say, “Dammnnnn, she’s fucking hot.”

“Shut up, you’re talking about my soon-to-be wife. Don’t make me knock you out in front of all these people,” I whisper back.

He steps back, and Graham grabs him to hold him in place. I hear him scold him. “Knock it off you dumb fuck!”

My eyes are fixed on my bride. Her red hair, which usually falls down her back, is tightly pulled back under her veil.

As she reaches me, I catch my breath and whisper how beautiful she is. She smiles and turns toward the officiant.

We say our vows and promise forever to each other.

My vows included always making sure Hollyn was fed and ordering her a fruity drink whenever we were out. I also promised to not to bother her while she was reading.

Her vows consisted of not bringing any of her books on our dates, continuing to be the good cop to my bad cop, and she promised only to wear my jersey number.

I’ve never been so happy.

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