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I catch Kendra’s eye and smile at her. She smiles back. I was so angry when I found out what was going on behind the scenes, but after we talked it out the other day, and I found out what she was going through—I feel bad that I wasn’t there for her because her life was in complete turmoil—we hugged it out, and all is forgiven.
Kendra is looking forward to her future with Dane, and they have big plans to open a bike and cheese shop. Dane’s parents weren’t happy at first—they wanted him to make the NHL—but I think they’re warming to the idea of a future filled with all the surprises Dan and Kendra have in story for them.
As for Jesse and me, we’re taking it slow. We both have time at college before he goes off to the NHL. He wants me to get a nursing job with the team, because he can’t stand the idea of being apart. We still have a couple of years to figure things out. I’m not too worried about it. As long as Jesse is by my side, I know our future will be happy.
I grin, still unable to believe the jersey he gave me for Christmas, or that I’m his number one. My parents and grandparents liked him when I introduced them just last week. But what’s not to like? He actually really hit it off with my dad who loves hockey. Who knows, maybe Jesse will bring my family closer.
Christmas music fills the room and I sit back and sip on my hot chocolate. Conversation is lively as everyone rips into their presents, and I just smile and soak it all in.
“Oh look, there’s one more under here,” Jesse says, and pulls out a big box. He holds it out and my body warms as I take in his mussed hair and low-slung pajama pants. “It’s for you, Josie.”
I frown. “I already opened my presents.”
“You didn’t open mine,” Jesse informs me.
“Yes, I did. On the boat.”
“Can’t a guy get his girl two presents?” My heart swells. I love when he calls me his girl. He sets the box on my lap, and the room goes oddly quiet.
“What is it?”
“Open it and see.”
I rip into the paper, and open the box, only to discover a smaller box inside. “Nice, Jesse,” I say and roll my eyes. I open the next box to find another box, and everyone laughs. I keep this up until I find a very small box, and I’m sure I’ve reached the end until, once again, there is a smaller box inside. “This better be the end of it,” I warn.
Jesse shrugs. “I guess you’ll have to open it and see.”
I turn my attention back to the box. I open it, and gasp. I lift my head and find Jesse on his knees in front of me. Tears instantly flood my eyes. Is this really happening? Just a few months ago I was nervous and anxious to hang out with Jesse now he’s asking me to—.
“Marry me, Josie. Make me the happiest man in the world.”
I glance around and take in all the smiles. Never in my life have I felt so loved or cherished. I belong here, with Jesse and his family. I always thought an engagement was a private affair, but Jesse is proposing in front of our loved ones, to show me his family is my family. Just when I thought I couldn’t love him more, my heart overflows with everything I feel for him.
“I know it’s fast,” he begins as I struggle to find my voice. “But I know what I want, and what I want is you, forever.” His eyes are full of warmth and love as they move over my face. “I want you to be my wife. I want you to be Josie Campbell, but if you don’t want to take my last name, you don’t have to. We can do a hyphened name, or you can keep your own name, or I don’t know, I can take Carver as mine.”
I put my finger to his mouth to stop him from rambling. “I…I want you too, Jesse.”
He takes the ring and slides it on my finger. As I admire the gorgeous diamond, he picks up the small box and sets it aside. “That was the end of the boxes,” he says softly. “And the beginning of us.” He leans in and kisses me as everyone laughs and claps. His head suddenly jerks back. “Wait, you didn’t officially say yes.”
I laugh. “Yes, Jesse. I will marry you and make you the happiest man in the world.”
“Now you get to call me your fiancé and I get to call you my fiancée. That sounds—”
Memories from an old conversation jump to the forefront of my brain and I cut him off and say, “Not so bad.”
“Hey,” he shoots back laughing.
I playfully roll my eyes as everyone stares at us, not getting the inside joke. “I mean, it could be worse.” He pulls me to my feet and wraps his arms around me. I laugh and say, “It sounds amazing, Jesse and any name will do, other than Mrs. Soup...”
