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“Change my mind about what? And why are we having this conversation now?” She laughs, glancing out at the massive crowd and then back at me.
I pull her closer so I can speak directly into her ear. “I want you forever, Piper. I’ve wanted you since the first second I saw you standing in that kitchen. You’re the reason I’m standing on this stage because you reminded me of all the reasons I love this. But I know it’s a lot—it’sthis—and I only want to do this if you’re with me. So, this is your last chance because if you say yes, I’m never letting you go.”
Her head turns, her face pressing against my neck.
The commotion around us is like a wall of noise. I’m causing a spectacle, but I’m not focused on anything, except her and the words she whispers.
“I don’t want you to ever let me go.”
I pull back enough to see the smile on her face, then sink down onto one knee.
Piper’s hands fly up to cover her mouth, her expression more shocked than any of the times I accidentally startled her.
We’ve discussed marriage. It’s been on the table.
But I guess she wasn’t expecting forthisto be how I proposed.
I meant what I just said though. If I retire next year or in a decade, this spectacle will always be part of my life. Anywhere we go, I’ll beKyle Spencer. And it’s a lot to ask, having her be okay with that. Most of the time we spend together, tucked away at the ranch, I get to be Miles. But this part—the screaming crowd and the flashing cameras—is part of me too. I’ve finally accepted that, finally melded the two versions of myself into one. And I need her to know that. Be okay with it.
“Will you marry me?”
I keep it short and simple, aware of our audience. Everything else I want her to know, I tell her every day.
She nods and smiles, gifting me with theyesI was hoping to hear.
It feels like the stage is literally shaking.
I’ve never been in front of a louder audience, or maybe it’s just that everything is heightened in this moment. I picture Bailey cheering. Piper’s family celebrating. Mabel and John smiling, watching this in California. And my mom somewhere, looking down.
It takes a while for the cheers to die down after I slip the ring onto Piper’s finger and she walks back offstage. Thankfully, “Blue Rain Boots” is more than halfway through my set. I’m enjoying myself, but I’m also eager for the show to wrap up.
The last song ends, and I wave at the crowd, savoring this moment.
“Thank you, New York! Good night!”
And then I walk off the stage, straight toward her.
THE END
Continue reading for an excerpt from Harper and Drew’s story (Six Summers to Fall)!
Six summers. Six chances. One week spent pretending.
Ever since her younger sister’s engagement was announced, Harper Williams has been dreading the wedding. What should be a joyous, sun-drenched affair is sure to be filled with plenty of awkward moments, thanks to Harper’s strained relationship with her only sibling. Awkwardness enhanced by the wedding’s location—a lake in Maine, swimming with painful memories of their late father.
Running into Drew Halifax—her childhood crush, who grew up to be the golden boy of hockey—is a surprise. Not nearly as shocking as his offer to be her plus-one is though.
She expects him to back out. He shows up. She’s looking for a distraction from the past. He’s killing time until his season starts and he can chase the championship. She’s guarded yet outgoing. He’s easygoing yet focused.
They hardly know each other. Until one week of sharing secrets, pretending to be in love, and sleeping in the same bed changes everything. Feelings that were supposed to be fake start to feel very real.
Problem is, neither of them is looking for a relationship. At most, they’re meant to be a summer fling. Definitely not a happily ever after.
But when it comes to falling? You have no control. Once you start, it’s impossible to stop. And sometimes…it takes six summers.
SIX SUMMERS TO FALL EXCERPT
CHAPTER ONE
