Page 99 of Endurance
Silence.
“Last night,” I add.
Nothing.
“In…erm…the photo booth thing at her charity event. It was rather romantic.” Still nothing so I add, “She said yes.”
Vi is the first to break the silence.
“She did?” Her eyes blink wide with disbelief.
“Yes!” I exclaim defensively. “Is that so hard to believe?”
“I’d say,” Gareth’s deep voice booms. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing, Belle?”
“Thanks a lot,” I grumble.
“You can’t blame him, Tan. This is just a bit of a shock,” Booker adds helpfully. “You have a reputation of being…ridiculous.”
“Well, I love her and she loves me, so we’re getting married. Sod all of you. You’re not invited.”
I shove a hand through my hair, turning my back on them, agitated that their shock isn’t over the fact that I proposed, but that she said yes.
“I know it’s fast,” Belle adds, tension high and tight in her shoulders. “But as insane as this is, it’s real. I love Tanner.”
Her words sooth my soul just as Camden speaks next. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.”
I turn to look at him. “I didn’t plan it.”
“So it was spontaneous?” Booker asks.
I nod.
“Well, I’m happy for you,” Indie peals—the only bloody voice of reason in this God forsaken room. She adjusts her yellow glasses and adds, “You guys are crazy, but I think you’re meant to be.”
Hayden pipes in his rosy opinion next. “Tanner marrying a doctor. I never in a million years would have guessed that.”
They all break out into laughter, and I’m two seconds away from launching into a proper pout. Belle’s hand creeps up my arm and she nudges me with encouragement.
Vi moves toward us, her hands outstretched to Belle. “You are perfect for Tanner. I’m thrilled for you both.”
“So am I,” Camden confirms.
I look over at Dad, whose stoic face is marred with apprehension. We lock eyes as Indie and Vi begin hugging and asking Belle about wedding plans already.
I walk around them to approach Dad. “You okay with this?” I ask him cautiously.
“You just got your game back, Tan,” he replies, his brow furrowed with concern. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
I purse my lips. “I think Belle helps me play well. I feel grounded with her. Focused.”
“Well, surely you didn’t propose because of football.” His concerned eyes turn grave.
“Never,” I defend, pushing my hair out of my face and trying to find the right words to prove this to him. “Dad, I love her. It was like…it felt like…” I stammer. “Like…marry her or quit breathing, and I chose to marry her. Football wasn’t even a factor.”
His eyes soften. “You really love her.”
I huff. “More than I even knew I could.”
