Page 135 of Uniquely in Love

After softly kissing my forehead, he interlaced our fingers, leading me downstairs and into the car. He was uncharacteristically quiet as we drove, and I wondered what was going through his mind.

“Owen.” My voice caught in my throat.

We pulled up to an outdoor ice rink, one that was normally crowded at this time of year but looked completely empty. Of course, it was later in the evening, but I still figured someone would be here. There were string lights hung around the edges of the rink, and it reminded me of all the times when I was younger that we’d come out here.

While we were constantly at the practice rink, Owen had brought me here for dates, too. It was one of the few times we really skated for fun, with no expectations or requirements. We weren’t practicing. It was just us, enjoying each other’s company as we circled the ice.

“Come on. I rented it out, so it’s all ours for the night.”

“You… you rented it out?”

Owen chuckled. “Ellie baby. You gotta stop being surprised when I do things like this. NHL superstar, remember? I have more money than I know what to do with.” I punched him in the arm as we got out of the car.

He interlaced our fingers after grabbing our bags from the trunk, and led me towards the gate.

A few minutes later, after he’d laced up my skates and then his own, we both stepped onto the ice.

“This is truly the perfect way to finish our time in Portland,” I said, doing a little spin before taking his hand again. “Thank you.” We started a slow lap around the rink, never dropping our combined hands. It was peaceful. Just what I needed.

“You don’t have to thank me for making you happy, Eleanor. I just want to.” He pinched my cheek.

“I know I don’t have to. It’s one reason I fell in love withyou.” I pressed a kiss to his hand. “You’re my best friend and the love of my life.”

We stopped in the middle of the ice after another loop, and Owen cupped my cheeks, kissing me softly.Tenderly. Like this, right here, was the only thing that mattered in the world.

When we pulled apart, I shut my eyes for a moment, letting my smile creep over my face.

“Look,” he murmured, tracing a line across my face.

“What?” I opened my eyes, looking in to his deep brown ones. Full of love and emotion. Pride.

His smile filled my heart. “It’s snowing.”

It was the beautiful ending to a perfect holiday.

The first of many to come.

FORTY-TWO

Owen

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Iwrapped my arms around my girl, looking out over the skyline of Seattle. It was New Year’s Eve, and the entire team was out at a party. We’d rented out a restaurant with views of the city, and it even had a covered rooftop bar, though most of my teammates—and the girls—had stayed inside.

Coach and the entire team’s staff were here as well—likely to ensure we didn’t go crazy, considering we had a game in two days. We still had half the season to play—and even though we liked where we were in the standings, anything could happen.

“This is nice,” I said, resting my head on top of hers. She fit so perfectly into my arms. In the last few days since we’d been back home in Seattle, we’d settled into our rhythm again. Ellie was still off from school for a few more days, and I loved every second of her break. We’d spent a lot of time on the couch, binge watching old TV shows and cuddling with Zamboni, who was in heaven having us both home.

We talked about our pasts. Every detail I could think of from the years we were apart. She told me about everything I’d missed with all our cousins and friends.

We’d talked about what we wanted for the future, our dreams and hopes. A big house with a yard. Kids—one day, once we were a little older and more settled. And of course, we wanted to be married first.

I just wanted her to have my last name.Ellie Harper. Just the way it was always supposed to be. I’d been crazy about it ever since she’d worn my jersey again.

She still had no idea that I’d talked to her dad, and I was glad to keep it that way. He hadn’t been surprised at all when I told him I was planning on proposing and already had a ring. I’d bought it the moment I got back from my long away game trip last month, not wanting to wait another second. Now, I was just waiting for the right moment to ask her to marry me. To be with me forever.

Ellie hummed, taking another sip of her champagne. “You guys really go all out for these, don’t you?”

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