Page 11 of There is No Try

“If you love your home, we don’t need to move. If you want to move somewhere with more space, maybe with a practice pitch to rival Leo’s, we can ask your mum about it.”

His eyes light up. “Really?”

“Of course,” I chuckle. “The only reason I’ve stayed with you so long is because I love you and Bridge. I don’t care where we live, but it’s probably a good idea to look for a bigger place.”

“I think we should. Can I ask you something?” he asks nervously, and I nod. “Why didn’t you tell her sooner?”

I should’ve anticipated this would come up. I blow out a long breath and admit, “I was scared. I love you both so much. If she didn’t feel the same for me, I was worried I could lose you. I was told I only have a little while longer before I’d have to leave, and I asked her if the two of you could come with me. I had nothing holding me back from telling her how I felt. I hope you don’t feel blindsided by it and know how much I care about you.”

“If you really love me mum, then we better pick out the perfect ring. We need her to say yes,” he states matter-of-factly.

I don’t correct him that she already has. Instead, I agree, “You’re absolutely right.”

After breakfast, we make our way to the jewellery store. Browsing what has to be hundreds of rings, varying from simple to intricate, nothing is standing out to either of us. Money isn’t the issue, Bridget deserves something beautiful and timeless. They don’t feel right.

Gavin is looking at a few with centre stones that aren’t diamonds. One in particular draws my attention. The white gold is braided along the band, and instead of a traditional diamond, the sign says it’s a blue diamond. It’s more of a dark teal than blue and absolutely beautiful. He points to it, insisting, “That’s the one.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

I flag down an associate and she tells us Bridget could have it fitted to be bigger or smaller if it doesn’t fit. Gavin pulls out a ring he swiped from his mum’s jewellery box to compare sizes. The associate confirms it’s the same size, almost as if it was made for Bridget. Once I’ve paid, I tuck the ring box into my pocket and Gavin and I make our way home.

The scent of cinnamon and vanilla fill the kitchen. Whatever Bridget is baking is absolutely mouthwatering and the last thing I should be eating. Next week’s training is going to be brutal, but there’s no harm in a small bite… or five.

“You’re back early. How was breakfast?” she asks, pulling a pan out of the oven.

“Good, great. I’m going to go read,” Gavin rushes out, sounding guilty as fuck as he scurries off, leaving Bridget and I alone.

Bridge busies herself taking the pastries out of the pan and doesn’t glance up as she questions, “Where did you go after breakfast?”

I stuff my hands in my pocket, my right hand meeting the resistance of the jewellery box. As much as I should hold off for the perfect, romantic moment to give it to her, I can’t wait another minute. “Why don’t we have a seat, and I’ll show you?”

Her eyes snap to mine, a swirl of intrigue and suspicion dancing in them. I don’t wait for a reply and make my way over to the sofa. She reluctantly sits next to me.

I take her hand in mine. Her touch has me feeling more grounded than I have in the past twenty-four hours, and can’t help pouring my heart out to her. “Gavin asked me something today. He wanted to know why I waited so long to tell you I love you. I was so damn scared that you didn’t feel this, but it doesn’t excuse it. What we are about to do is so incredibly backwards. If you’re going to be my wife, you’ll need a ring.” I pull out the box from my pocket and release her hand to open it. “I was going to wait until tonight, but I’ve waited long enough to call you mine.”

“Luc,” she sighs. “You didn’t need to get a ring.”

“Yes, I did. If I wasn’t such a fucking idiot, I would’ve moved out a long time ago and asked you on a proper date. Maybe then, we would already be married.”

Bridget cups my cheek, her eyes searching mine. “Are you sure about this? Marriage for the sake of citizenship is one thing, but this…”

“I want to marry you, pup, not just so I can continue to play for Cork. I love you and would be the happiest man on earth if you wanted to be with me until we’re old and grey.”

“Ronan’s going to kill you. You know that, right?”

“Worth the risk.” I huff a small laugh. “Is that a yes?”

“You didn’t ask me anything.” A teasing smirk tugs at her lips.

Unable to wipe the smile off my face, I drop to one knee in front of her and ask, “Bridget O’Leary, will you marry me? Be my wife because you want to be, not just because I’m an amazing hooker.”

She stifles a laugh and her wide grin matches mine as she replies, “I don’t know, if it wasn’t for those incredible thighs, I would probably say no.”

I pat my leg and glance behind me to ensure Gavin is still out of earshot. Keeping my voice low, it comes out as a purr as I tease, “Are these what you think of when you’re touching yourself?”

“Lucas!” she shrieks, then whispers, “You can’t say things like that.”

“They aren’t?” I cock an eyebrow and she bursts into a fit of nervous giggles. I fucking low how I can rile her up. “What do you say, pup? Be my wife?”

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