Epilogue

ELI

The arena smells of sweat, ice, and adrenaline—a mix I’m used to after years in this game. But tonight, none of that registers. Not the roar of the crowd, not the sound of my skates cutting across the ice, not even the weight of the championship trophy we just won.

Because all I can see is my woman.

She’s in the stands, right where I told her to be. My jersey hugs her curves perfectly, the bold ‘Jackson’ on her back making me want to drag her out here and kiss her in front of every damn person in the building.

Her smile is proud, her dark eyes shimmering as she watches me skate the victory lap. I’ve been on this ice hundreds of times, but nothing has ever felt like this.

* * *

By the time the post-game ceremony is over, the ice is littered with confetti, and the crowd is still on its feet. My teammates are celebrating, but I skate straight to the glass where Eva’s still standing, looking more beautiful than anyone has a right to.

I tap the glass with my glove, and she leans forward, still grinning huge.

“Come down here,” I mouth, jerking my head toward the tunnel.

Her lips part, but before she can argue, security is already leading her to the ice.

When she steps out on the rink, clutching the hand of a staff member for balance, it’s like the entire arena fades away. My jersey’s hanging loose over her curvy frame, and her big brown eyes are wide as she looks up at me.

“You okay?” she asks when she’s close enough.

“Better now.”

I don’t waste time. My hand dips into the pocket of my pants, and I pull out a small velvet box.

Her eyes go wide as I sink down to one knee, the roar of the crowd suddenly deafening as they realize what’s happening.

“Eva Carter,” I say, my voice carrying through the chaos. “You’ve been driving me crazy since the second I saw you, and I never want it to stop.”

Her full, tempting lips part, her delicate hands flying to her mouth as I flip open the box, revealing the huge-ass diamond ring inside.

“I’m yours, Eva,” I continue, my chest tightening as I stare up at her. “Marry me.”

For a second, it feels like the entire arena holds its breath. Then she nods, her beautiful face breaking into a smile that makes my heart swell.

“Yes,” she says, her voice trembling. “Yes, Eli. Let’s get married.”

I don’t remember standing, but suddenly, I’m pulling her into my arms, lifting her off her feet as the crowd erupts around us. Her lips crash into mine, and it feels like the only sound in the world is her whispering my name against my mouth.

* * *

A week later, we’re at our place—a modern loft with high ceilings, big windows, and a chef’s kitchen my girl loves.

Eva’s curled up on the couch, her laptop open on her knees as she types furiously, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. I stand in the doorway, leaning against the frame and watching her with satisfaction.

“You’re staring,” she says without looking up.

“Always,” I reply, crossing the room to sit next to her.

She looks up, her dark eyes sparkling as she nudges me with her elbow. “I have a deadline, Jackson. Stop distracting me.”

I smirk, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and tugging her against my chest. “You don’t seem too upset about it.”

She laughs, soft and low, and the sound fills the space in a way nothing else ever could.

“You happy?” I ask, my voice dropping.

She tilts her head to look at me, her expression softening. “Happier than I ever thought I could be.”

I press a kiss to her forehead, the weight of her words settling deep in my chest. “Good.”

“You’re stuck with me now,” she teases, but her smile says she all in.

“Damn right, I am.”

* * *

Later that night, I catch Eva standing by the window, looking out over the city with a mug of tea in her hands.

“What are you thinking about?” I ask, crossing the room to wrap my arms around her waist.

She leans back against me, her warmth seeping into my chest. “How far we’ve come.”

I rest my chin on her shoulder, inhaling the faint scent of vanilla that always lingers on her skin. “Still think I’m too much?”

She turns her head to look at me, her smile soft and full of something I can’t name but feel deep in my bones. “Way too much, Jackson.”

I chuckle and press a kiss to my girl’s temple.

THE END.

* * *

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