33. Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Cat

I peer over the edge of the wicker basket, my stomach doing a weird flip-flop thing. The Connecticut landscape spreads out below us like a patchwork quilt, all rolling hills and tiny houses that look like they belong in a model train set. "Holy shit, we're high."

Leo chuckles behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist. The warmth of his body against my back is a stark contrast to the cool air whipping around us. "Having second thoughts about agreeing to this?"

I elbow him lightly in the ribs, trying to play it cool. "Please. It'll take more than a glorified picnic basket to scare me."

Lies. All lies.

My knuckles are white from gripping the sides of the basket so tight, and I'm pretty sure I left fingernail marks in the wicker. I glance over at the pilot, who's calmly adjusting something on the burner.

How is he so chill? We're floating in a freaking basket, thousands of feet up, with only hot air keeping us from plummeting to our deaths. Maybe I should've suggested a day trip to France when Leo brought up this idea. At least planes have seatbelts.

But I have to admit, the view is absolutely insane. It's like someone took an Instagram filter and slapped it on the whole world. Everything looks soft and dreamy, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.

And Leo?

He's smiling and relaxed in a way I haven't seen in weeks.

I got worried for a moment during the second round of playoffs. The Minotaurs went to game six, and the tension in the house was palpable. Even at Nora's place, it felt like everyone was on eggshells.

Let's just say, during that round, we went out with the kids. A lot. Like, "Sorry about your dad's mood swings, let's go get ice cream for the fifth time this week" a lot.

And while the team lost in game six, their season ending, Leo actually rebounded faster than I expected. I prepared myself for weeks of brooding and ESPN reruns, but after a few days of grumbling and being stoic, he moved on.

Probably had to a lot do with Wyatt.

I pat Leo’s forearm still wrapped around my waist. “You never told me how Wyatt asked you to be his best man. And he wouldn’t spill that time I went over and saw him hiding shit.”

Leo groans, his breath tickling my ear. “Asshole decorated the locker room with balloons, had a box of cupcakes that spelled out ‘Be My Best Man?’, and the worst part . . . he shot me with a confetti cannon.”

I can’t contain the laughter, even when I snort. “He’s really not ever going to let you live down your nickname. Nora says he’s turning into a real bridezilla.”

“Don’t remind me. He’s been sending me texts about napkins. Fucking napkins. At four in the morning.” Leo shakes his head. “Should’ve said no when he asked.”

I lightly slap his forearm. “Bullshit. He’s your best friend.”

“Rethinking that too.” But there’s a slight chuckle to his words.

We fall into a comfortable silence, but not for long. Leo clears his throat behind me. “So, your apartment will be ready in two weeks, huh?”

And there it is. The elephant in the balloon, so to speak.

I sigh, fiddling with the zipper of my jacket. "Yeah. Crazy how time flies, right?"

He hums, but I feel the tension in his body. "You excited to have your own space again?"

I should be. I should be thrilled to have my independence back, to walk around in my underwear and eat ice cream for dinner without worrying about scarring Leo's kids for life. But the thought of leaving the chaos and warmth of Leo's house . . . it makes my chest ache in a way I wasn't prepared for.

Biting my lip, I stay quiet for a moment before finally answering. “I don’t know. It’s going to be weird going from all the chaos to absolutely none, especially being the school year is over now.”

“That all?”

I roll my eyes and huff. “No, you knucklehead. I’m going to miss you and the kids too.”

He pulls away from me and I instantly miss his warmth. I turn around to face him and his brows are furrowed, lips pressed into a tight line. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

"It's just... I've been thinking. You know, when I lost Wendy, my whole world had been shaken. Wasn’t sure if I’d ever be happy again. And then you came along, with your smart mouth and your big heart. These past few months with you . . . they've been the happiest I've had in years. You've brought light back into my life, into my kids' lives. And the thought of you moving out . . . It's killing me.

My heart is pounding so hard I'm surprised the balloon isn't vibrating with it. "Leo . . ."

"I know this might seem fast, but life's taught me that you can't take time for granted. Everything can change on a dime, and I don't want to waste another minute not being fully committed to us, to our future." He takes a deep breath, then suddenly drops to one knee in front of me. My brain short-circuits as I realize what's happening. He pulls a small black velvet box from his pocket, opening it to reveal a stunning ring. "Catharina Rafealla Alonso, will you marry me?"

For once in my life, I'm speechless. My hands tremble, and I reflexively clasp them together to steady myself. Part of me wants to scream, yes, immediately, to tackle him to the ground and never let go. I love Leo, I love his kids, and I love everything he does for me and my grandmother.

But another part hesitates. This is fast. We've only been together a few months. We haven't even lived apart as a couple yet. What if we're rushing into this? Then I look at Leo, really look at him, and I see the hope in his eyes.

I also see the man who's been through hell and come out the other side, who's opened his heart to love again despite the risk. He's right. Life can change in an instant. We've both learned that the hard way.

My gaze drifts down to the ring nestled in the velvet box. It's breathtaking—a delicate band of rose gold, intricate filigree work adorning its surface. At its center sits a brilliant princess cut diamond, flanked by two smaller sapphires, reminding me of Leo's eyes.

"Yes," I say, nodding as tears streak down my cheeks. "Of course, it's a yes."

He smiles so wide that the tiny crow's feet at the corners of his eyes deepen, and his cheeks lift, creating dimples I've never seen before. His eyes, always expressive, now radiate a joy so intense it's almost palpable.

I extend my left hand, fingers splayed, and watch as he gently slides the cool metal band onto my ring finger. Then he stands, wraps his arms around me, and spins us.

“Put me down before we both go over the side of the basket and tumble to the ground.” His joyous laugh mingles with the intermittent roar of the burner above us, and when he sets me down, I reach up, cupping his face. "I love you, Leo Hartman."

“I love you too.”

“Wyatt’s going to freak out. He might think you’re trying to steal his thunder or something.” My best friend’s fiancé can be irrational sometimes. “Or . . . Oh, my god, you so have to drive him nuts about who your best man is going to be.”

“Can’t we just elope? Save ourselves the headache?”

I smack his arm playfully. “Nora and my grandmother will hunt us down. And so will Wyatt. We’ll end up on one of those Netflix murder specials. 'Hockey Star and Fiancée Mysteriously Disappear After Secret Wedding.'"

He chuckles and presses his lips to mine The kiss is deep, all-consuming, and when it’s over, I’m dizzy and feeling more buoyant than the balloon. He pulls me closer and kisses my forehead. "So, guess this means you're not moving out in two weeks?"

I shrug. "I don't know. Maybe I should keep the apartment. You know, in case you start snoring or something.”

“There goes that mouth again!”

“Guess you’ll just have to punish me.” I wiggle against him and he grunts, pushing his hips into my ass. “And the only place I’m moving is into your room.”

He lets out a low growl as he nuzzles my ear, his arms around my waist tightening. “I like that plan.”

As we float above the world, I know whatever the future holds, we'll face it together. Because that's what families do. And this crazy, beautiful, unexpected family we've built?

It's everything I never knew I needed.