Page 139 of Taking Sides

I skate around and back in front of him. He’s holding a small black box and looks like he’s seconds from puking or racing out of here.

“Hey.” I place my hands on either side of his face. “It’s just me.”

His hands move to my hips. “Don’t you get it? You aren’t just anything. You’re everything to me.”

“Ask me.”

He blanches.

“Ask me. There’s no universe where my answer is anything but yes. I’m a sure thing, Charming.” If it isn’t an engagement ring in that box, then I might be the one to make a hasty exit.

“Marry me?” he asks quietly.

Relief whooshes through me, followed by a giddy tingling sensation. I nod before I speak. “Definitely.”

“Yeah?” He seems so genuinely surprised that it drags a laugh from my lips.

“Yes.” I shout a little louder over the chorus of the song. It’s really blasting now, and I want to make certain he knows. I’ll happily be his wife. A million times yes.

Finally, he smiles. It’s like the weight of the world lifts from his shoulders.

“Thank fuck,” he whispers as his mouth descends on mine. From wherever they’re hiding, his friends whoop and cheer. I feel his lips curve into a smile. I wrap my arms around his neck, and he spins us in a circle, almost like we’re dancing to the music. When we break apart, he says, “I’m better on skates.”

“Me too.”

He opens the ring box and takes out the gorgeous oval-cut yellow diamond.

“Conrad Shepard!” I gasp as he puts it onto my left ring finger. It’s the most stunning thing I’ve ever seen.

“You like it?”

“No, I’m obsessed with it.” I lift my gaze to him. “And with you.”

His lips pull into a boyish grin.

“We’re getting married!” I yell, deliriously happy.

He kisses me again, then his friends’ voices grow closer. We’re interrupted by them crowding around us. Danny, Travis, Nick, Penn, and even Hannah and Ruby are here.

Each one congratulates us. I’m wrapped in hugs, and Danny dips me, showing off his dance skills before Conrad steals me back with a glare.

“I wouldn’t let her fall,” Danny says.

“You planned a proposal on ice, and now you’re terrified I’m going to fall, aren’t you?” I ask my new fiancé.

“Yeah. It felt romantic, but I think we should find you a seat over there.” He motions with his head to the bench.

I chuckle as I let him skate me off the ice. He kisses me again, then makes sure I take a seat.

“I won’t be long.”

“Take your time.” I lift my left hand. “I’m going to have a private moment or two with this ring.”

He chuckles and yells out to his friends, “All right. Who’s ready for a friendly little relay game?”

“Relay game?” I ask.

“Of course,” he says like there was no other option. “They’re your favorite.”