Page 86 of Fumbled Love

“Maverick.” My eyes ate him up. “What are you doing here? I thought you were meeting me back at the apartment?”

He pulled the door open and helped me step out of the car. “There has been a change of plans.”

“You know how I feel about surprises,” I said, trying to come across as annoyed, but I was pretty sure he could see the smile in my eyes.

One side of his mouth hitched up in a smile. “Are you not happy to see me?”

“Of course I am.” I hit his chest playfully. “I wasn’t expecting it to be here, that’s all.”

He drew me into him and ran his hands down my back. “I have some things I need to talk to you about.”

“Okay.”

My heart started racing at how serious he sounded. It was so out of character for him, and it caused my nerves to kick up a notch.

“Hey.” He kissed my cheek. “Everything is all good. I swear.” He grabbed my hand and dragged me down the shoveled pathway. “Let’s go for a walk. “

We crossed the street and walked into the southeast corner of the park. We had some bad weather last night, so the trees and grounds were covered in snow. Kids were sledding, dogs were running around, and tourists and locals were taking in the sights. It didn’t snow often, but when it did, the park turned into a winter wonderland.

“So,” he pulled me to the side so a horse-drawn carriage could pass us, “there has been some news that has recently hit the internet.”

My shoulders slumped forward. “What is Della saying now?” I was almost afraid to ask, but I had to know, so we knew what we were dealing with.

“Actually, it’s the truth this time. She leaked something that wasn’t supposed to get out yet.”

I tilted my head up and studied him. “What are you talking about?”

“I retired.”

“You did what?” His lips were on mine before I could say anything else. I tried to break away to ask what was going on, but he held me so tight I was afraid he’d never let go.

I clenched my hands along his shoulders as he deepened the kiss. Finally, he slowed the kiss, and we both backed away to catch our breath.

“Maverick, you love playing football.”

“I do, but I love you more.” His hands went to my face. “Kinley, I thought carrying a ball and scoring passes was all I wanted out of life, but that’s not the case anymore.” A lone tear slipped from my eye, but he quickly brushed it away. “I don’t know who I am without football.” He sighed. “But I know who I am with you. You make me believe that everything’s going to be okay. You believe in me. You, the little lime growing in your stomach, this life we’re building, is all that matters to me. I don’t want to miss birthdays and holidays. I want to be there for every milestone, every celebration. So, if you still want me, I’m all yours.”

“If I want you?” I blinked in amazement. A few snowflakes gathered on my lashes. “Is that even a question? Of course, I want you. But are you sure this is whatyouwant?”

I wasn’t trying to change his mind or make him rethink his decision. He was giving up so much, and I wanted to make sure it was for the right reasons.

He got down on one knee. “I’ve never been more sure about anything in my entire life.”

Tears splashed onto my cheeks, and my throat clogged with emotion. I didn’t trust myself to speak. I just stood there while my heart fluttered in anticipation.

“I never anticipated this ending, but you were the one play I never saw coming. I’ve spent my entire life focused on getting from one point to another. I was so busy chasing titles and trying to win championships that I never paid attention to the world around me. Now I feel focused in a way I never felt before. I feel like a different man and see with a new sense of clarity. My only regret is that I wish I had noticed you sooner. Some people think it’s about finding the right person, but for me, it’s choosing the right person. And I choose you. Will you choose me too? Will you marry me?”

My bottom lip started to tremble.

“Please don’t cry,” he said gently.

That only made me cry harder because I felt his love deep in my soul. I hiccupped a sob and clung to his shoulders. “Maverick, I wanted to marry you since the first day of my freshman year of high school, when you had to help me open my locker because I couldn’t get the combination to work. I’ve loved you every day since then in some way, shape, or form. Nothing would make me happier than to finally call you my husband. My answer is yes.”

He picked me up and spun me in a circle. I felt breathless and dizzy, but never in my life had I ever felt so right.

“What are you doing?” I giggled. “Do you know how much weight I gained?”

He slid me down his chest and held my face in his hands. “I bench press more than you.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring.

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