Page 80 of Peach Blossom Hollow

She nodded, then shook her head. “Not too soon to get engaged. Too soon to get married. We’ll need a date at least eighteen months to two years out.”

“That long?” She heard the surprise in Leo’s voice. “But…didn’t you hear about the big deal I’ve sealed with Family Zone? I’m financially ready for all of this.”

It was true that his career was looking better with each passing day, and he was carefully setting up investments, preparing for his future, his retirement, his family.

But to get engaged at this point in his life was still a big step for him. She also knew it wasn’t a step he’d take lightly. Only if he was ready.

Her heart swelled.

“Wait. Did I just say yes? You haven’t even asked me properly!”

He got down on one knee. “Then I’ll ask you now. Violet Granger, the woman who taught me so much about love. Will you marry me? Be my romantic partner who sticks with me through thick and thin, and tells me off in her sweet, angry panda way?”

“I can’t believe you worked ‘angry panda’ into your proposal. Why don’t you talk about your belt buckles, too?”

“What do you think I’m giving you as a ring? Untraditional, I know…but theyarepretty awesome.”

She stared at him for a long moment, unsure if he was being serious or not. She really didn’t want a belt buckle.

Grinning, Leo pulled something out of one of hislong, knitted hockey socks. A ring box. She let out a breath of relief.

“Apparently I am traditional, after all.” He grinned. “Will you take this gift as a token and symbol of my unending love?” He opened the box and revealed the most beautiful, intricate ring she’d ever seen. She reached for it, but her dragon hands were too big and fuzzy to be of any use. “Argh! Get me out of this costume!”

Leo laughed. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes! Yes! Get that ring on my finger now, buster.”

He unzipped her costume, and she shrugged it off her shoulders and arms, her left hand extended as soon as it was free. “Ring me, Leo.”

He complied, sliding the gorgeous yellow-gold band with its tiny sculpted floral design onto her finger. It was beautiful. Perfect. She gave a little squeal and danced, nearly tripping over her discarded costume.

“Did I ever tell you that you’re the best?” She threw her arms around his shoulders.

“Maybe. Better tell me again to see if it rings any bells.”

But before she could, he kissed her long and slow, a promise of all the beautiful things still to come in their life.

“Vi?”

“Hmm?”

“One word.”

“What?”

“If I had only one word to describe you and this moment, it would belove.”

She laughed, her heart bursting with happiness.Maybe it hadn’t been a curse that had plagued her all these years. Maybe it had actually been a guardian angel of true love sitting on her shoulder, helping to bring her to where she was today—in love with the man she knew without a single doubt that she’d spend the rest of her days with, enjoying all the wonderful moments that true love would bring them in Peach Blossom Hollow.

EPILOGUE PART 2

Back in December…

Louis Bellmore believed in second chances. However, he didn’t quite know what to think of the multitude of second chances the universe had been delivering to him recently. His gratitude overflowed not just for the new NHL team, the Dragons, of which he was head coach. But because the team’s owner, Miranda Fairchild, was all about second chances for him, for the players and their careers. Including one of his favorite players of all time, and his team captain, Maverick Blades.

Louis had a chance to give these players a revitalized career, and as a bonus, he was just a short drive from his hometown of Sweetheart Creek and his family and friends.

And sure, there was a lot of work to do with the Dragons. They were a new NHL team, and weren’t exactly doing amazing, but as the season progressed,so did they. They’d actually secured a W or two and were gaining fans.

---