Page 101 of Risky Match
I signal to the emcee, and he hands me the microphone.
Speaking to the crowd, I say, “First, this is not a marriage proposal. But I do have an important question to ask Princess Briana. I want you all to be my witnesses. I don’t want her to have any reason to question my sincerity. So everyone, can you do that for me?”
The crowd erupts in a collective cheer of “Yes!”
I turn back to Bri, taking her hand and staring into her eyes.
“This evening has a special meaning for us. We met at this event two years ago. Neither of us were here because we were champions but rather because we were expected to attend. You uplifted my spirits that evening and again after I collapsed in the singles match this year. You’re the sunshine in my day even when it’s raining. You make me a better person. You’re the reason I was able to return to play after being poisoned. You even make me want to play mixed doubles. Everyone knows that’s quite unusual for me.”
The crowd laughs as Bri nods.
“I want to spend more time with you so we can date and learn more about each other. I don’t want us to have a long-distance relationship. I propose that for the rest of this year, I skip my singles tournaments. Instead, if you agree, we’ll play mixed doubles at every tournament that your schedule allows. The rest of the time we can spend wherever you would like. The decision is entirely yours, and I’ll understand if you need time to decide. But I wanted to do this in front of everyone here to show you that I’m completely serious about making us work. What do you say?”
Someone in the audience yells, “Talk about a grand gesture! Say yes, Princess Brianna.”
Bri pulls the microphone toward her and says, “My answer is a definite, unequivocal, yes.”
The emcee reclaims the mic as the crowd erupts, and the music changes to an upbeat song to celebrate. Couples flood the dance floor, but we stand in the middle, embracing each other.
I say, “It was supposed to be a royal-worthy gesture. Prince Adrian suggested that a grand gesture wouldn’t be sufficient.”
“Adrian helped you?”
“Technically, Prince Adrian and Prince Stephen both helped.”
“I haven’t been speaking to them after they let Harrington withhold information from me. Maybe helping you was their roundabout way of apologizing.”
“In the spirit of honesty, I should also share that Erin, Fausto, and our parents helped too.”
“Are you joking? What did they do?”
“Fausto made your favorite breakfast to put you in a good mood. Erin made sure you showed up for it instead of eating in your room. Your parents invited mine to ride with them, so you would come here with me.”
“I’m impressed. You’ve been busy.”
“I have, and there’s one more surprise I hope you will like.”
“Don’t worry. You know I love surprises.”
The other dancers shield us from prying eyes as I press my lips to hers in a deep, claiming kiss. She’s mine now, and I’m not letting go.
EPILOGUE – BRIANNA
The Champions Dinner was perfect but exhausting. After we finally left the dance floor and rejoined our parents and coaches, we talked forever. Then we mingled with the other players, taking selfies and accepting congratulations on our win and our new relationship. We couldn’t stop smiling.
We fell asleep during the car ride back to the house. Stumbling upstairs, we went to my room for fear someone might still be monitoring the cameras in his. It wouldn’t have mattered because we immediately fell asleep in each other’s arms.
Blake woke early, kissed me, and apologized that he needed to meet his parents this morning before they headed home. Through a yawn, I offered to go with him, but he insisted that I needed my rest for his other surprise. I rolled over and slept soundly for another hour before waking up to shower and dress.
I’m putting the finishing touches on my makeup when a knock sounds at my door.
Blake calls out, “Bri, I’m back.”
I hurry from the bathroom and wrap my arms around his neck, giving him a proper welcome-back kiss.
He chuckles, “I could get used to that greeting.”
“Then don’t keep me waiting any longer. Now, what’s my surprise?”
