AllFreeNovel
Share Us
There’s about five minutes left when Holden frustratedly steps into the bench. My heart sinks seeing I see the look on his face. I put my hand against the glass to get his attention, and he softens as his eyes meet mine.
Tap, tap, tap. I knock my hand against the glass, three times for the three words I mean more than anything. He reaches up and does the same before mouthing the word forever. I blush and nod, confirming it.
His expression changes to one of pure determination. He smiles at me once more before getting back out on the ice, skating with newfound energy. Jason nods after he says something to him and the two of them maneuver their way around the ice. Within a couple of minutes, Holden assists and Jason scores a goal, tying the game.
Jo and I cheer loudly, along with the rest of the fans here for them. Though, there are only two minutes left on the clock. If this game goes into overtime, anything can happen. Judging by the way they’ve played most of this game, it’s not very assuring.
The puck is about to drop again, and Holden winks at me quickly just before it hits the ice. The team carries out a play I’ve never seen before, and by the other team’s confusion, neither have they. Jason gets the puck into the zone, passes it to another player, who passes it to Holden. My boyfriend fakes a pass then shoots it.
The little rubber disc flies toward the net, just missing the goalie’s glove and sinking into the top right corner. The red light shines and the buzzer sounds, announcing the goal. Everyone cheers, seeing the score change to 2-1 with only thirty seconds left. Holden and Jason celebrate with the rest of the team, and I can see the glimmer in their eyes from across the rink.
At the sound of the whistle, the puck drops once more and the game goes back in play. The other team tries hard to score, but as we watch the clock count down the seconds, we know they don’t stand a chance. The buzzer goes off and the whole arena erupts in screams.
The University of Maine Black Bears have
won the NCAA Championship!
AFTER THE TEAM CELEBRATES on the ice, and the players are officially deemed the Champions, it comes time for me to present Holden with the MVP Award. I wait at the entrance, holding the small trophy in my trembling hand as I wait for them to announce it.
“Presenting Holden Rivers with the Hobey Baker Award, is his girlfriend, Kayleigh Jacobs.”
Once I hear my queue, I step out onto the carpet and carefully make my way towards Holden. He’s standing at the end, smiling happily at me. As soon as I get close enough, I hand it to him.
“I’m so proud of you.” I say, watching him take the trophy and hold it up.
He embraces me in a hug and kisses my cheek, as he sneakily passes the metal object to Jason. I’m about to walk back off the ice when he stops me. The lights dim, and I see the coach hand him a small black box.
“What is that?” I ask, my voice shaking. “Holden, what are you doing?”
He looks at me with complete fondness, but I can see he’s nervous. Just as he drops down on one knee, spotlights shine all over the ice – spelling the question ‘Marry me?’ My hand flies over my mouth as the entire arena goes silent.
“Since the first time I saw you, I knew that you were something special to me. Every day since then has only confirmed that. You’re the first thing on my mind when I wake up, and the last thing before I fall asleep. You are absolutely everything to me, and there is nothing I want more in this world, than to spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love you.” He opens the box to display a beautiful diamond ring. “Kayleigh Madison Jacobs, will you make me the happiest man in the world? Will you marry me?”
Tears stream down my face rapidly, and I nod as I sob the word yes. Holden lights up, getting off his knee and wrapping his arms around me. The crowd erupts into a level of loud I’ve never heard before while rose pedals start raining down from the ceiling. Our smiling lips press together, tears soaking both our faces. When he pulls away, he takes the ring out of the box and places it on my finger.
“This is seriously happening?!” I cry, admiring the piece of jewelry.
A wet laugh leaves his mouth. “Well, if it’s a dream, don’t wake me up.” He glances behind me and grins wider. “Turn around.” He says into my ear.
I spin on my heels to see everyone I know and love coming towards us – Holden’s family, Brandon, Emily. Then I cry harder when I see them – my mom, John, Bree, Dawson, Skylar, and Caleb. I didn’t even know they were here. Glancing back at Holden in disbelief, I can hardly handle this. Emily runs and wraps me in her arms.
“I’m so happy for you!” She screams.
Everyone else comes over to do the same, congratulating Holden and me. Even Skylar and Bree are crying as they give us each a hug. I catch Holden thanking his coach and getting a wink in return. Sneaky.
The families of other players come out onto the rink to celebrate the win, and I find myself stepping back to admire it all. I look around, seeing the rose pedals still falling and covering the ice. The diamond on my finger glistens in the lighting, but the smile on Holden’s face puts it all to shame.
It’s then that it hits me. He’s mine. We are going to get married, and spend the rest of our lives together. The future we’ve always talked about, is going to become a reality. Holden Rivers is my fiancé.
Everything is perfect.
Chapter 6
With the Hockey Championship behind us, the main focus for everyone on campus is upcoming finals. Holden is especially critical on himself, needing to ace his exams in order to graduate Summa Cum Laude – the highest possible level of honors. Even with all the stress though, he smiles every time he looks at me.
I sit on his bed, trying to study but not able to stop admiring my ring. It’s perfect, and what it signifies only makes it even more special. I turn my hand slightly, watching the light reflect in the diamond and making it sparkle.
“Having second thoughts?” He asks, looking up from his textbook.
