Page 150 of Cole

“There’s my favorite welcoming committee,” he said, his eyes finding Annie’s immediately.

She crossed the foyer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “You were amazing,” she whispered.

“Did I embarrass you?” he asked quietly, just for her ears.

“Not at all. You made me proud.”

The others called out their congratulations, and Cole acknowledged them with a nod, but kept his focus on Annie. “I meant what I said, you know. About you being the love of my life.”

“I know,” she said, reaching up to touch his face. “And I feel the same way about you.”

Cole’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen, then laughed.

“What is it?” Annie asked.

“My agent. He says my mentions are exploding online—half with congratulations on my retirement, half with people asking who ‘Annie’ is.” He pocketed the phone, smiling down at her. “Do you think your dad is going to be upset?”

“Possibly,” Annie said. “But he hasn’t blown up our phones yet, so maybe we’re okay. Plus, we knew that sooner or later, my connection to Dad might come out. We’re prepared.”

When they joined the others, Benji was scrolling through his phone. “People are trying to figure out who Annie is. There are some wild guesses out there.”

“Let them guess,” Cole said, his arm secure around Annie’s waist. “The people who matter already know.”

“Well, I’ve started dinner. Hope you’re hungry.”

“Starving,” he said, following her as she headed back to the kitchen. “Interview nerves.”

The evening unfolded with easy conversation around Cole’s dining table. Annie watched him interact with their friends and family, noting how he seemed lighter somehow, unburdened by the weight of his professional obligations. When their eyes met across the table, the connection between them felt tangible, a bridge spanning whatever distance remained.

After they finished eating, Cole caught Annie’s hand. “Want to take a walk? The sunset should be amazing right now.”

They slipped out to the backyard, which offered a stunning view of the city below and the horizon beyond. The sky was painted in brilliant oranges and pinks as the sun began its descent.

“I’ve been thinking,” Cole said as they reached a small bench overlooking the property.

“About?” Annie prompted when he didn’t continue.

“About what I said before—about not making anything official yet.” He turned to face her fully. “I don’t want to wait any longer, Annie.”

Her breath caught. “What are you saying?”

Cole reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. “I’m saying that I love you. I’m saying that whether I’m playing basketball or running clinics or doing something we haven’t even thought of yet, I want you by my side. I’m saying that I talked to your father last week.”

Annie’s eyes widened. “You did?”

“I did,” he confirmed with a smile. “He was surprisingly agreeable and gave me his blessing with only one lecture. I think he really does like me.”

“Cole…” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.

He dropped to one knee, opening the box to reveal a stunning solitary diamond set in platinum.

“Annalisa Turner, will you marry me? Will you build a life with me, share your faith with me, and help me bring hope to others?”

Annie felt tears spill onto her cheeks as joy surged through her. “Yes,” she managed. “Yes, to all of it.”

Cole slipped the ring onto her finger with slightly trembling hands, then rose to pull her into his arms. His kiss was tender, full of promise and certainty.

“I love you,” she whispered against his lips.

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