Page 364 of Playing With Fire

“More than I was before Game Seven.”

He chuckles. “It’ll be fine. You’ll see.”

I glance at him. “You sure?”

“Bishop, I’ve known you since you were a kid. You’ve been part of this family for years. Asking me for my daughter’s hand didn’t change that.” His expression softens. “But I’m glad you did.”

Before I can answer, Mrs. B joins us.

“Did you get the tickets?”

I nod. “Two round-trip tickets to England. Bath, just like you suggested.”

Her face lights up. “Oh, she’s going to love it. All those Jane Austen places she’s always wanted to see. And Bridgerton filming locations.”

“That’s the plan.”

She glances at the pocket I’ve been checking all night and smiles knowingly.

“So, are you going to ask her while you’re there?”

I look across the bookstore.

Laney is laughing with Avery, holding up a copy of Wildest Dreams for a picture. She’s wearing that smile I’ve fallen in love with a thousand times over, and suddenly, even the thought of waiting another week seems impossible.

“Nah.” I grin. “Don’t think I can wait that long.”

Coach gives my shoulder another firm pat. “Attaboy.”

Mrs. B laughs. “Well, I hope you’ve planned something romantic.”

“Does pizza count?”

She stares at me.

“And Darcy in a bow tie,” I add.

Coach bursts out laughing.

Mrs. B shakes her head, but she’s smiling. “Oh, Hayes.”

“What? She loves pizza. And the cat.”

“Just promise me you’ll take a picture.”

“Of the proposal?”

“Of you getting that bow tie on Darcy.”

I laugh, watching Laney sign another book. “Yeah. That might be the harder part.”

“What’s harder?” Beckett asks, appearing beside his parents.

“Getting Darcy into a bow tie,” Coach says.

Beckett looks at me, then at the pocket I’ve been checking all night.

“Still haven’t asked her?”