7. Epilogue

Epilogue

Tyler

O ne year later

I find myself in a picturesque garden surrounded by twinkling fairy lights and the sound of laughter. Megan is radiant as she mingles with her colleagues during this work weekend celebration. Her dark curls bounce as she laughs at something one of her coworkers says, and I can't help but smile.

"Tyler," Ava calls out, nudging my arm playfully as she sips her champagne. "You're staring."

"Can you blame me?" I reply, my gaze still locked on Megan. "She's incredible."

Ethan stands next to his wife, nodding. "You're a lucky man."

"Damn right I am," I say, taking a swig of my beer.

"Glad you know it." Axel slams his hand on my bad and grunts. I glance up at him and shake my head. Underneath it all, the Ruiner is a pussycat.

"Excuse me, everyone," a voice booms over the speaker system, drawing our attention to the makeshift stage near the dance floor. The MC for the night is Mr. Anderson, a middle-aged man with a booming voice that carries across the garden. "I'd like to make an announcement."

"Here we go," Ethan mutters under his breath, rolling his eyes. Ava stifles a giggle, and I smirk.

"Tyler," Megan whispers as she slips into the small space between Ava and me. "What do you think he'll say?"

"Probably something about how great the firm is," I respond, my heart swelling as Megan takes my hand. It's been a year since we faked our relationship at a similar event like this, and every time I look at her, I'm reminded of how lucky I am.

"Alright, alright," Megan's boss continues, his voice echoing through the speakers. "I just want to take a moment to recognize all the hard work each and every one of you has put in over the past year. You should all be proud of what we've accomplished together."

The crowd erupts in applause, and Megan squeezes my hand. I can't help but think about how far we've come since that first night.

"Alright, enough of that," her boss says, waving off the applause. "Now, for why we are really here tonight? Tyler."

As the music plays a soft song, people turn towards us, and I can only look at the woman I love. She's the one I want to spend my life with, and it's time to take our relationship to the next level.

"Hey, Meg?" I say, stepping away from Ava and Ethan and putting us in the middle of the crowd.

Megan bites into her bottom lip again, and stops as she knows how crazy it makes me. A nervous smile plays on her lips and I'm finding it to be all too irresistible too.

I drop to one knee, never lifting my gaze from hers. My heart pounds in my chest as I pull out a small velvet box from my pocket.

Megan's eyes widen, and I love her even more because she never once glances at the rings. She looks straight at me. I take another deep breath and push through my nerves.

"Over this past year, we've faced so many challenges, from our fake relationship," which the office now jokes about and Megan takes in great stride because as she tells me, it's how she got her man. "To continuously maintain a long-distance relationship," I start, my voice steady despite my racing heart. "Through it all, you've been my rock, Megan. You're not only the most incredible woman I've ever met and my best friend. We've shared so many memories together, and each one is special to me."

Her eyes glisten with tears, and she bites her lip without thinking as she listens to every word I say.

"Your intelligence, your independence, and your unwavering support have given me more happiness than I could've ever imagined. I know life will throw us curveballs, but I'm confident we can face anything together," I continue, my voice full of conviction. "So, Megan Foster, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

The crowd is silent, everyone's attention focused on us. Megan looks at me, her eyes shining with love and surprise. After a moment, she exhales and nods, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Yes, Tyler! A thousand times, yes!" she exclaims, her voice trembling with emotion.

I slide the ring onto her finger, relief flooding through me as I stand up and pull her into a tight embrace. The crowd erupts in cheers and applause, our colleagues and friends surrounding us with warm congratulations.

"I wondered why you were insistent on Ava, Ethan, and Axel being here. I was like, it's a work party. Why would they want to come to that?" Megan cries and holds me closer.

"Trust me, I was sweating bullets, but I wanted everybody who helped in making us a couple to be here. If it wasn't for our friends, we never would've met. If it wasn't for your work retreat, then you wouldn't need me as your fake boyfriend. Of course, they needed to be a part of the proposal."

Megan gives a little squeal and hugs me tightly again.

As we stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, I know no matter what challenges come our way, we'll face them together. And that's a future I'm more than excited about.

Thank you so much for reading Faking the Shot.

If you would like to read Axel's story, then please check out Slapshot Sweetheart .