“You won,” she says. “You were incredible.”
“Come here.”
She walks to me, and I pull her into my arms. I hold on to her, and for a few seconds, the arena noise fades, and it's just us.
I pull back and reach into my pocket, then I get on one knee and open the box. “Jasmine Bennett. I've loved you since I was seventeen years old. I let you go once, and I spent years regretting it. I'm not spending another day without knowing you're mine forever.” I hold the ring up. “Will you marry me?”
Her hand flies to her mouth. Tears spill from her eyes. “Yes, Logan, I will.”
I slide the ring onto her finger, and then Jasmine grabs my face with both hands and kisses me. Everyone around us claps and cheers. I wrap my arm around her, and we walk out to the concourse. The families are gathered near the family entrance.
Lorraine sees the ring first. Her hand goes to her chest, and her eyes fill. “My baby. Congratulations. Both of you.”
Sarah hugs Jasmine and then hugs me. Nolan, still in his Runners jersey with his hair dripping, barrels through the group and wraps both of us in a hug that lifts Jasmine off the ground.
Jasmine’s friends join us, and congratulations and hugs are exchanged.
Dad approaches. He shakes my hand firmly with both of his. “Congratulations, son. Your mother and I are proud of you. Both of you.”
Mom is last. She stands in front of Jasmine and looks at the ring on her finger. She's quiet for a moment, then she takes Jasmine's hand in both of hers.
“Welcome to the family, Jasmine,” she says.
Jasmine squeezes Mom's hands. “Thank you, Cat.”
Lorraine appears beside Mom. “I think this calls for a celebration. Let’s all go for dinner. My treat.”
“I know a place,” Mom says. “Italian. Near the waterfront.”
“Lead the way,” Lorraine says.
Mom and Lorraine walk toward the exit together, discussing the restaurant, with Dad, Dom, Sarah, and Nolan following behind.
Jasmine takes my hand. “I love you, fiancé.”
“I love you more, future Mrs. Shaw,” I say, smiling so hard it hurts.
THE END
