Page 59 of Damsel in Defense
“Who would’ve thought a year ago you’d be attending awards shows, and I’d be cheering at hockey games?”I murmur, inhaling his scent.
“Fate has a funny way of working out,” he says, kissing my temple.“Ever think about where we were this time last year?”
“All the time,” I admit, wrapping my arms around him.“I was hiding behind fake smiles, trying to survive.Until you came along and changed everything.”
We pause, letting the moment sink in.
“Everything changed when I met you,” I whisper.“Not because you were there…but because you let me be myself.”
He cups my jaw, thumb brushing my cheek.“You’ve always been extraordinary, Victoria.I was lucky enough to see you remember that.”
Hand in hand, we move deeper into the hall.Three quick squeezes—our secret way of sayingI love you.
A lot has changed.After the Jess situation blew over, I moved into Mason’s condo permanently.The chaos of hockey schedules became our rhythm.Max and Sidney moved out, leaving us our space.We’d built a life together, day by day.Fights, flaws, makeups—we’d found our balance.
For our one-year anniversary, we celebrated where it all began, flying our families to Barbados.And at the very last sunset, Mason proposed.I’d said yes before he even finished asking.
We’ve survived grief, chaos, fake dating, and public scrutiny.We’ve fallen in love under spotlights and found peace in quiet moments.
And now?
We have it all.
“I’m ready to head home, my love.”
He grins.“Yeah?”
“Yeah,” I say, leaning into him.“Home sounds perfect.”
THE END
