Page 128 of Lucky 22

It’s so quiet. After an evening full of laughter, music,conversation, and the general hum of celebration, the silence somehow feelslouder. I drop my wrap on the sofa and slowly look around, once again remindedof the night of the World Series. There was this magnificent trophy, andnowhere proper to put it.

So, I place it on the old coffee table. My hands feel emptywithout it already, but I smile lovingly at it.

Welcome home, Emmy!

“I think we need to add a display shelf to our list ofimprovements to the apartment,” Christian teases. We’ve made some changes sincewe made this our primary residence, but nothing major. Mainly because we’re onthe go so much, and we’ve made what we have work.

However…

“I wouldn’t say no to that.” Turning my head, I smile athim, happy tears stinging my eyes again. “I think I’m still a little in shock.”

Nodding, he slowly makes his way over, his smile full ofpromise. Reaching up, he brushes a loose strand of hair from my face, hisfingers lingering at my cheek. I lean into his touch. He gently cups my face inhis hands, and when our lips meet, it’s slow, tender, and achingly sweet.There’s none of the camera glare or roar of applause—it’s just us. A victoryall its own. A quiet celebration of long nights, hard work, and finally beinghere together. I press closer, feeling the warmth and steadiness of him, thegentle rise and fall of his chest, and in that kiss, all the noise of the worldfalls away. It’s just Christian, me, and a triumph that belongs only to us.

We’re finally having our moment.

When he lifts his head, I let out a dreamy sigh. “I’ve beenwaiting all night for that.”

He chuckles. The low, masculine kind that sends a thrill upand down my spine. “All night? I know I’ve kissed you multiple times tonight.”

“Not like that.”

The tips of his ears turn a little red as he takes both ofmy hands in his. “Do you remember the day we got engaged?”

The giggle is out before I can stop it. “Of course, I do.What made you think of that?”

“We walked around the resort grounds, making plans for ourfuture. We made career goals—another World Series title for me, and an Oscarfor you. But you said you’d accept an Emmy.”

“I remember.”

“And now you have one.”

“And you got your second World Series title. Look at us.Making things happen.” I say it lightly, but his expression is a little morethoughtful.

“You have no idea how proud I am of you. My heart felt likeit was going to burst right out of my chest when I watched you walk up ontothat stage. I’ve always said you were beautiful, but up there, you lookedluminous—like you were lit from the inside. You took my breath away.” He givesme that boyish grin I love so much. “You’ve always taken my breath away. Idon’t know how I ever got so lucky.”

“I’m the lucky one. Everything in my life changed the momentwe met. I always believed in wishes and dreams and luck, but you are everysingle wish and dream wrapped up in one incredible person.” I swallow hard,emotion clogging my throat. “You are my everything. And winning that awardtonight with you right there beside me was just…” My heart’s racing, and myvoice catches. I pause because I’m overwhelmed by how I feel.

Christian steps in close, closing the distance between usagain. The warmth of his body soothes me. “I know,” he whispers. “I knowexactly how you feel because it’s the same for me. Getting an award is such apowerful experience. But when the person you love most in the world is there tocelebrate the win with you? There’s nothing better.”

All I can do is nod before he kisses me again. I clutch thelapels of his tuxedo, even as his arms go around me, steadying me. Groundingme. Within moments, I’m boneless, and the exhaustion of the day catches up withme.

This time, when we break apart, I smooth the fabric of hisjacket where I wrinkled it. “It’s going to take me an hour to get this makeupoff,” I tease. Jen came over earlier to make me glamorous, and while she outdidherself, it’s definitely going to take some work to wash it all off.

He chuckles again, gently turning me around so my back is tohim. “Let me get you unzipped so you can do what you need to do. Would you likea cup of tea?”

“Ooohhh…that sounds perfect. Thankyou.”

He gives my waist a quick squeeze once my gown’s unzipped.“I’ll make it for you, and you can drink it in bed while we watch some TV. Iknow you’re tired, but…”

“I am, but it’ll take me a while to fully unwind, and teawill help.” Looking over my shoulder, I can’t help but gaze up at him lovingly.“Thanks for being my date tonight and for being the absolute best husband ever.I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Reaching up, he caresses my cheek. “You’ll never have tofind out because I’ll always be here for you. Always, Ella Rose.” He leans inand kisses me one more time. “Go. I’ve got tea to make.”

That’s all the prodding I need.

I lovingly caress my Emmy as I walk away.

By the time I get to the bathroom, I’m seriously dragging. Ijust want to shower, crawl into bed, and drink my tea while Christian holds meas we watch some TV.