Page 352 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

She laughs again. "Absolutely yes."

My hands tremble as I lift the ring from its box.

Carefully, reverently, I slide the ring onto her finger.

It settles there as though it has always belonged.

Annette stares at it for only a heartbeat before looking back at me, then she wraps both arms around my neck.

I rise from one knee just as she throws herself into my embrace.

The kiss that follows isn't hurried. It isn't uncertain. It isn't interrupted by pain, fear, or unspoken words. It's the kiss of two people who have finally arrived exactly where they were always meant to be.

When we finally part, she rests her forehead against mine, smiling through happy tears.

"So..."

I brush one loose curl behind her ear. "So." She lifts her left hand, watching the diamond catch the afternoon light. "I think this means I don't have to keep calling you Captain."

I grin. "I certainly hope not."

She slips her hand back into mine. "Good, because I've always preferred Jamie."

I kiss her forehead gently, lingering there for just a moment. "And I've always preferred Annette."

Her smile grows brighter. She lets the moment breathe. Then the smile I've loved since the day we met spreads across her face. Together we stand overlooking the lake, hands intertwined, the ring glimmering in the late afternoon sun.

For the first time since my life changed with one devastating hit...

There is nothing left to heal.

Only a lifetime left to live.

***

Annette doesn't let go of my hand during the drive back to the cabin. Every few minutes she glances down at the engagement ring before looking back at me as though she still isn't entirely convinced this afternoon happened.

Finally, she asks, "I was just wondering something."

"What?"

"How long have you been carrying this ring around?"

"Two days."

Her eyes widen. "Two days?"

"I checked my pocket approximately every seven minutes."

"I wish I could have seen that."

"It wasn't dignified."

"I don't think I would have cared."

The road curves toward the lake. Toward home, soon our home. The thought still feels wonderfully unbelievable.

***