Page 113 of Interference
Today she will get both.
The door opens, and I turn to see my beautiful girl walking through the door. She is wearing a long sundress that covers her down to her ankles, her breasts spilling out the top a little. They have grown so much. She hates them, but I secretly love them. I hope she doesn’t lose them all after birth.
Grace, Peyton, and Cora lead her down to the edge of the ice as Emery looks at me oddly. I’m dressed in a three-piece suit, looking more put together than she has ever seen me.
“What is going on?” she asks, looking around.
It’s only our friends here. No one else.
“Come here.” I stride toward her, taking her hand as she steps onto the carpet.
I walk her down to the arch while our friends move so that we are the only ones there.
“Emery Monroe, you tore into my life at a time when I was sowing my wild oats. I was lost and drifting, but you brought me back to shore, anchoring me to you without even realizing it. I pined for you for three long years before you gave me a shot. I might not have put that baby in you on purpose, but this baby will always be a miracle to me because he or she helped open your eyes. It helped you see me standing here begging you to love me. I know it’s too soon. I know you have goals that you want to complete, and I promise you, I will be by your side the entire time as you do it. I will care for our child, and we will both be cheering for you as you go for gold, buttercup. These are all promises I make to you, and I only ask for one promise in return.”
I fall to one knee, bringing out the luxurious diamond ring I bought for her. It’s not the five-carat ring I would have chosen to show my love, but it is one that fits her more than anything else, and that is what matters. It is a dainty thing, but still beautiful nonetheless.
“Be my wife.”
She looks down at me, tears in her eyes. “Yes. Of course, I will marry you,” she cries out.
I stand, pulling her into my arms as I kiss her. She hugs me tightly, and our friends cheer around us as we embrace.
“We don’t have to get married now. Whenever you are ready,” I promise her.
“Anytime, Brett. I am already yours.”
I go to slip the ring on her finger, but it doesn’t fit. I frown.
“I can get it resized,” I promise her.
“Don’t bother. My hands are swollen from the pregnancy,” she says. “I’ll wear it around my neck in the meantime.”
“I love you.”
She laughs. “I love you. You sneaky man, you. How did you set this up?”
“With some help from our friends.”
We turn and look at the group that has become our family. I wish Clay and Beckett could have been here, but they both ended up in the playoffs. There’s no rest for the best after all. Still, I can feel them here with us. I know they are happy for us.
“So, should we go get food to celebrate?”
“Ooh, food sounds good,” Emery says as she takes a step forward.
She winces, stopping in place.
“What’s wrong? I ask her.”
She shakes her head. “Braxton Hicks. I’m fine.”
I let out a relieved sigh. “This kid is going to take years off my life.”
She laughs. “You’re not the one who can’t breathe because of the weight I’m carrying.”
She takes another step, then pauses, her eyes widening.
“Are you sure you are okay?” I ask her.
