15. Ronan

CHAPTER 15

RONAN

SEVEN MONTHS LATER

I played the best game of my life. With six games left, and the press hounding me for answers, I’m ready to announce my retirement. I can’t officially divulge that I’ve been offered an assistant coaching position with Cork FC until the season is over, but Nora promised me she’ll hide her excitement when I do finally share with the media.

We won, and I only scored one of the three goals, but I’m able to still have time with the reporters to announce. I sit at the table, cameras flashing, and I use my hand to shield some of it. Thankfully, they settle quickly and when my vision adjusts I don’t see Nora. I scan the room and my stomach drops.

Where the hell is she?

In the back of the room are three men who definitely don’t belong—my mates Will, Lucas, and Russ. I don’t have time to figure out why they are here, and Nora is still nowhere to be found. The journalists are getting restless, so I begin my statement

“I have been with Cork Football Club since I was old enough to play. In no world would I ever imagine playing for another club. We’ve had an incredible season playing in the new league, and I am grateful for every moment I’ve had on the pitch. That said, this will be my last season. Thank you.”

I take several questions from the reporters, none of which I can answer since they involve my new coaching position. There’s movement in the back of the room that pulls my attention. My mates move to reveal Nora holding a large white poster with black writing.

Will you marry me, Mr. O’Leary?

Beside her is Leo whispering something to Lucas, making him laugh. There’s also Bridget and Gavin, Lettie, and a blonde woman I recognise from pictures as Nora’s friend, Elle. With all eyes on me, no one sees Nora’s adorable gesture but me.

As if I would say no.

I pull out an engagement ring I’ve kept in my pocket every day for the past month, and slap it onto the table. Nora’s eyes are wide as her hand flies to her mouth. Leaning into the microphone I speak mostly to her when I tell everyone, “Also, since my favourite reporter isn’t here to berate me, you are the first to know that I’ll be announcing my engagement this summer.” There are gasps and murmurs, with no less than a dozen hands raised. “No more questions at this time.”

Taking out my phone as I stand, I send a quick text to Nora.

How dare you try to ask me first, my devious little night owl.

Nora

Is that a no, Mr. O’Leary?

It’s a yes and you fucking know it. But I planned on asking you tonight.

Why are my mates here?

I told Elle I was going to ask you to marry me. She said she was meeting with Will when she got the text. He told her you’re good friends, and he said he wanted to be here for it. Apparently, he called Lucas and Russ.

I was as surprised as you were.

Meet me at my place with Leo. I want you two to myself tonight so I can properly get down on one knee like I planned.

Not a chance, everyone’s coming.

I love you and hate you for this.

See you!

I grab my bag and sprint to my SUV, unable to get to my flat fast enough. When I arrive, I’m greeted by Leo opening the front door. He gives me a tight hug and I never want to let go. I’ll never replace the father he lost, but I love him as if he were my own son.

“Where’s your mum?”

I close the door and the noise level is louder than it’s ever been in my flat. Booming laughter comes from the kitchen and Leo and I walk towards it. Nora is sitting on the counter with a glass of whisky, sipping it as she nods at something Bridget is telling her. I want to sneak up on her, but Lucas alerts her of my presence, “There he is. Took you long enough!”

Nora hops off the counter and runs to me, leaping into my arms and wrapping her legs around my waist. “Hey, beautiful. Couldn’t let me have my day, could you?”

“How was I supposed to know you had a ring?” she laughs, taking my face in her hands and kissing me with abandon.

There are shouts and snickers as I set her back on the counter and take out two small boxes—a jewellery box and a thinner, small rectangular one. I call over Leo and hand him the second. “When I moved here, I was a single man with no intention of getting married or having children in the near future. Then, I met your mum and you. Months ago when we were on one of our walks, there was a beautiful home tucked away with land to ride bicycles, a garden, and enough space that not only would you have your own room, but we could create a quiet space for when things get too loud for us. We can decorate it however you like. We could have a practice pitch, too. I bought the house two months ago, and I finally got the keys this morning.”

Leo opens the box to find his key and gasps. “You bought a new house? That’s so awesome! When do you move in?”

“When would you like to move in? I bought the house for us, Leo. The three of us.”

He looks to Nora and back to me. “Are you serious?”

“I love that you and your mum came to the post-match interview, but I’ve had this planned for months.”

“Hey!” Nora swats my chest. “I planned this for months, too! Didn’t I, Elle?”

“Sure did.” Elle lifts her glass of wine in a cheers. “Will and I flew all the way from New York for it, but Lucas and Russ have us beat.”

These three. Fuck, they’ve been my rock for over a year, and we’ve never even met in person until today. And they’re here? For me? Because this amazing, feisty woman wants to spend the rest of her life with me? It doesn’t feel real.

I turn to my girl, open up the ring box I’ve been carrying around for months, on the off chance the right moment presented itself. “Nora, I?—”

“I already proposed, and you said yes. I don’t need this. It’s been you and me since the moment I stepped foot in Ireland. I’d marry you today, if I could.”

Russ chimes in, raising a finger. “I’m an ordained minister, but we’d have to fly to BC to make it happen.”

“You’re a what?” Will laughs. “We’ve known you for a year and not once have you told us this? Can you perform divorces, too?”

“That’s not a thing,” Elle grumbles, elbowing Will in the side. “Besides, you’re enough of a PR nightmare without adding a marriage and a quickie divorce to the mix.”

Will has mentioned on a few calls that he can’t stand Elle, but based on the way he’s looking at her, there’s something more at play. Either they’ve shagged, or they’re going to.

Ignoring their obvious flirtation, I rest my forehead on Nora’s and whisper, “Will you be my wife, Nora, my little night owl who has consumed my every thought? Marry me and make me the happiest man who ever walked the earth?”

“I still stand by it being my idea first,” she chuckles.

I slip the ring onto her finger and wrap Leo and Nora in a tight embrace. While I love my siblings, Nora and Leo are the family I never knew I was missing, the family who chose me.