Page 215 of The Coach

Ivy lets out a long breath, spinning slowly in the middle of the living room. “This doesn’t feel real.”

I watch her, soaking in the way she moves, how sheglowseven in the dim evening light filtering through the windows.

I didn’t expect this.

I didn’t expecther.

But standing here, in the home we’re about to build together, I know there’s only one thing left to do.

My fingers brush over the ring box in my pocket.

It wasn’t supposed to be today.

It wasn’t supposed to be now.

Butfuckit. She can’t travel with the team anymore, and I need her to know that this is it for me.

I step forward, reaching for her hand, my chest tightening when she looks up at me with those big green eyes.

“Jackson?”

I don’t answer.

I drop to one knee.

Ivy’s breath catches, her hands flying to her mouth.

She knows.

Sheknows.

I open the box, revealing the ring I picked out weeks ago. Simple but stunning. A classic round diamond, nothing too over-the-top, set in a band I know she’ll love.

“Ivy,” I say, my voice coming out rougher than I intended.

Her eyes shine. “Oh my God.”

I let out a breathless laugh. “I know this isn’t the traditional way to do things. Hell, nothing about us is traditional. But I love you. I love you more than I knew I could love anyone. And I don’t want to spend another second of my life without you.”

She chokes out a laugh, already nodding.

“I want this house with you. I wanteveryhouse with you. I want all the Sundays, all the quiet mornings, all the late-night talks, and every single moment in between.”

Tears slip down her cheeks.

“I want to be your husband, Ivy. I want to be this baby’s father. I want to beyours. Forever.”

A shaky breath.

“I need to know—will you marry me?”

She drops down in front of me so fast I barely catch her.

“Yes,” she breathes, laughing as she throws her arms around my neck.

“Yes?” I repeat, like I can’t quite believe it.

She nods against me, whispering again, “Yes.”

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