I reach them just as he pulls back, my hand settling at her waist as I turn her slightly toward me.
Her eyes flick to mine, wide, a little overwhelmed, but steady underneath it.
“Hey,” I murmur, softer than everything around us. Then I kiss her. Not rushed, not for the crowd, but not hidden either.
A claim.
Clear.
Deliberate.
Let them see it. Let themunderstandit.
When I pull back, the noise has somehow gotten even louder, if that’s even possible. Movement at the edge of my vision pulls my attention.
Elijah. He is stepping onto the ice now, his gaze locked on her, on us, on everything happening in front of him.
There’s no hesitation in him.
No uncertainty.
Just control.
“I think that’s enough,” he says, his voice calm but carrying just enough edge that it cuts through the moment. “I’m not having her slip on the ice.”
His gaze flicks between us with a pointed look.
It’s not just about balance, he is worried about the baby.
Message received.
Jackson huffs a quiet laugh, still holding onto her.
“Relax,” he says. “I’ve got her.”
He looks down at her then, something softer threading through his expression.
“I’ll always catch you.”
Her breath catches slightly.
And I see it, that moment between them.
Private.
Familiar, before it settles again. Elijah steps in, his hand coming to her back, steady, guiding.
“Come on,” he murmurs.
She lets him take her, but not before her gaze flicks back once, to both of us.
There’s no going back from this.
As I skate away, pulling my mask back on, the noise of the arena still roaring behind me, I feel it settle fully in my chest.
The statement’s been made.
Public.
