Page 65 of Marring an Athlete

She pulled away. “I said it once. I’m not going to again.”

He grabbed onto her and crushed her to his chest, picking her up and spinning her. She shrieked and giggled as the world spun around her. When he finally set her down, he put up his hands as if he wanted her to stay put.

She took a deep breath and watched as he knelt in front of her. He took her left hand and pulled out the ring he’d given her. The one she’d given him back earlier that afternoon.

“Anna Short, will you make me the happiest guy in the world and really marry me?” He glanced up at her.

Anna took a breath. She didn’t want to ever forget this. Everything in her life had led up to this moment. Michael loving her back. Wanting to spend the rest of his life with her.

“You sure?” she asked. “No more running away from me?”

He shook his head. “No more running away. I’m here. Forever.”

She smiled and nodded. “Then of course I’ll marry you.”

Michael slipped the ring onto her finger and was up next to her faster than she could blink. He pulled her to his chest, dipping down to press his lips to hers.

As the sound of the lapping water filled the air, Anna lost herself in the feeling of Michael holding her. It was everything she’d ever wanted. In this moment, she was complete. And she never wanted him to let her go.

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