Page 98 of Drew
No, that honor is directly tied to Abby.
I remember it as if it were yesterday…
I’d insisted on meeting for breakfast early that morning. Wanting to keep as much normalcy as I could manage, I’d asked for breakfast at the diner. She had no idea what was in store for her.
We came in and sat in our usual booth. Vanessa took our order, and I did my best to keep our conversation casual. Abby could clearly tell I was anxious about something, but I was sure she suspected it was likely about the game. So, she prattled on about meaningless things to distract me. God, she was adorable.
As we waited for our food, I noticed my parents and Aunt Kathy slip in behind Abby. But I ignored them, keeping Abby none the wiser. When Sydney and Chloe walked in with two people who I assumed were Abby’s parents, I knew it was time.
We’d spoken on the phone, but with the tournament going on, I’d never actually met them. After explaining my plan, they were leery but on board with everything. After all—it wasn’t them who needed to agree with me.
It was now or never. My palms began to sweat, and my heart raced out of my chest.
Had I ever been that nervous?
Of course, Abby noticed. “Everything okay, Drew?”
Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I exhaled slowly. Then I began what was likely to be one of the most memorable experiences in my lifetime.
“Abby.” I waited until she looked me in the eye, so I knew I had her full attention. “I love you more than anything in this world, you know that, right?”
A beautiful blush spread over her cheeks that I’d never tire of. “Of course. I love you, too. Are you nervous about the game?” Her concern for me was etched across her features.
I reached out to take her hand in mine from across the table. “I’m not nervous about the game…” I drew out. “I’ll either win or lose, but I’ll leave it all on the court.”
Her confidence in me was astounding as she squeezed my hand and nodded silently in understanding.
I looked to my family and hers again, as I gathered up my strength to lay my heart on the line.
“Winning another championship would be amazing, but at the end of the day, it’s just a game. I’m actually hoping to have another reason to celebrate this day for many years to come.”
Confusion morphed across Abby’s features. Her eyebrows pulled together in the most adorable way. I just wanted to kiss that look off her face. But I couldn’t let myself get distracted. Instead, I took a stroll down memory lane.
“Abby, when I walked into that classroom, little did I know the partner I scouted for would be the one I’d want in life.”
“Okay…” she drew out, clearly not seeing where I was going with this.
“You were strong, independent, and let’s be honest—called me on my shit. But you were also the first person besides my family to see the real Drew Jacobs.”
“Oh, Drew…” she started to say with tears building up behind her lashes.
God, I hoped she didn’t cry before I could finish, or I might be bawling right alongside her.
I stood and came to her side of the booth, where she turned to face me. I was sure she thought I was just coming to comfort her, but when I dropped to one knee, she gasped.
Her beautiful brown eyes were wide and filled with questions.
“Abby Angelos, I think I’ve loved you from that very first day I annoyed the hell out of you. You’re the most kind, loving, and stubborn woman I’ve ever met. Would you do me the honor of not only being my partner in school, but in life?”
I pulled out the box that had been burning a hole in my pocket since my mother gave it to me the night before.
Immediately, I noticed Abby’s hand tremble as she brought it to cover her clearly shocked expression.
“This was my grandmother’s wedding ring. And if you don’t like it, I’ll work hard to get you one you deserve. But in the meantime, will you answer one important question?”
Abby nodded repeatedly. I wasn’t sure if it were to get me to keep going, or if it would be the answer to my prayers. But I forced myself to continue.
“Abby, will you make this the happiest day of my life and agree to be my wife? I love you, Abby Angelos. Marry me?”
