Harper – June, the following year
“Congratulations, Coach Green, on your team’s fabulous win.”
I’m standing center court amidst a crowd of players, staff, fans, and sports journalists, as we all celebrate the national championship the Pilots just won.
I can barely hear over the noise in the arena, the lights and music turned up to match the level of the fans chanting and cheering.
I’d already spoken with Jaeger Matlin, the MVP of the playoffs. He, as always, was as cocky and self-assured as anyone. Normally I’d roll my eyes at the ridiculousness of his conceited nature, but tonight he earned it. He hustled and made shots that will be talked about for years to come, including that turnaround jumper in the last remaining seconds of the game that turned the tide and locked in their win.
“Thank you. It sure feels great to finally win the trophy.”
Players continue to stop by, slapping Coach on the back or playfully rubbing his bald head. Zeke Forester even gave him a big, wet kiss on the crown before turning around to pick up his son, Gus, in his arms and throw him in the air with a whoop of excitement.
I looked around the court side right after the final buzzer and didn’t immediately see Marek. Which didn’t surprise me. He’d want all the attention and glory to be given to his coaching staff and the team first before he swooped in to join them in celebration.
“So, what did you tell your guys on the sidelines when there was under two minutes left and you were in a deficit of five points?”
Without even thinking about it, Coach responds. “I told them what our GM always says. Take the shot.”
I smile broadly, feeling proud of my Big Man for being the guiding light for his team. He’s put in blood, sweat, and countless hours on building this championship roster and he’s obviously earned their respect.
He sure has mine.
Marek wasn’t kidding that day over a year ago when he committed to me in his very public declaration that he would continue to prove himself worthy of my love. And he has, in every way imaginable. In and out of the bedroom.
The man is a keeper.
He’s also proposed to me three times. Each time I’ve said not yet. I’m not ready. Ask me again later.
I wasn’t playing coy. I love Marek with all my heart, but I thought there were still some things I wanted to do before settling down and becoming a married woman. A woman who just so happens to be in love with the GM of a now championship basketball franchise.
“Thanks for talking with me, Coach. And that’s some really solid advice.”
I’m about to let him go and find my next interview when Coach stops me, the camera still rolling.
“Oh, and one last thing, Harper. I think someone else is waiting for their interview with you now.” He gestures with a nod of his chin behind me, and I turn, expecting to find one of the players I haven’t spoken with yet. But I’m stunned to find Marek on the court, down on one knee.
My mouth goes dry and my belly clenches with nerves. Is he going to try this again? Right here? Right now? In front of everyone on national television?
“Marek? What are you doing?”
He holds up a piece of green confetti, one of the thousands of pieces strewn across the court and hands it to me. I accept it with curious skepticism.
“I’m saving a little piece of this moment to remember in years to come. It may be the last or it could be the first of many. But I’m preserving it so I can look back with fondness one day and show my children when it happened.”
I quirk an eyebrow. “You’re saving a memento from the championship game to share with your children? You don’t have any children.”
He laughs. “Well, no. Not yet. Only because their mother hasn’t agreed to marry me yet.”
I nearly choke and I can feel my face flushing red.
Marek slips a hand in his pocket and extracts a box. It’s a ring box. My hands begin to tremble and the mic, which I’m still holding, wobbles back and forth.
And then, to my surprise, he opens the box and it’s empty. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
He pushes it toward me. “Here. Put the confetti piece in here. I don’t want to lose it.”
I do as he says, adding with a chuckle, “You definitely don’t like to lose.”
He stands, and I thinkokay, this isn’t going to happen after all and let out a huge sigh of relief. But then he produces a gorgeous, glittering solitaire diamond ring from his enclosed fist.
I gasp, as one does when presented with such a beautiful token of love.
“I’ve just won the biggest professional championship of my career and it feels good. It feels great, in fact. I’ve never felt this elated. But the night could get better. Because this winning feeling doesn’t even come close to how it feels being in love with you, Harper. You’re the biggest win of my life. And I would be honored to share the rest of it with you.” He tilts his head to the side and gives me those puppy dog eyes. “But first, you have to say yes.”
I don’t make him wait this time. Not a chance.
“Yes!”
Mic drop.