Page 72 of Pucking My Bad Boy Boss
The moment stretches out, a palpable tension in the air, before Sam, looking slightly flustered, breaks the eye contact.
“Well, I’ll let you two get back to it.” He smiles one last time at Jenna before skating off to join the rest of the team.
As he leaves, I lean in, a mischievous glint in my eye. "Well, well, Jenna. Seems like someone's got a crush on my brother."
Jenna rolls her eyes playfully, trying to play it cool. "Please, he wishes," she says, but her flushed cheeks betray her true feelings.
After the game, the energy and excitement of the day gradually fade into the peaceful quiet of the evening. Dom and I, along with our little Alex, retreat to our cabin – the same cozy haven where I took care of him after his knee injury. With Alex soundly asleep in his room, we find ourselves in front of a roaring fire, the warmth and crackle of the flames echoing the comfort and serenity in our hearts.
We sink deeper into the comfortable couch, a blanket draped loosely over us, as we reminisce about the day's events. Our conversation naturally drifts to the incredible journey we've been on together. From our first contentious meeting to the tangled web of our fake engagement, and now, to this moment, where everything feels so real, so right.
There's laughter as we recall some of the more absurd moments, the early clashes, and the unexpected turns that somehow led us here. We share memories, like snapshots of a life that's been anything but ordinary. Every story, every shared experience, adds another layer to the warmth that envelops us, a warmth that extends far beyond the crackling fire in the hearth.
The quiet of the night wraps around us, a peaceful backdrop to our shared reflections. In these moments, with Dom by my side, I feel a contentment that goes deeper than I ever imagined possible. It's in his laugh, the way his eyes light up when he talks about our future, the gentle way he holds my hand as we talk – it all speaks of a love that's grown stronger, more profound with each passing day.
As the conversation lulls, Dom's expression grows more serious, yet tender. He reaches for my hand, holding it gently. "Isabella," he begins, his voice filled with emotion, "these last two years have been an incredible journey. From a crazy, fake engagement to building a beautiful, real family with you and Alex... it's more than I ever hoped for in my life."
He pauses, taking a deep breath, and I sense the weight of his words, the significance of this moment. "But there's one thing missing," he continues, his grip on my hand tightening reassuringly. Before I can voice my question, he pulls a small box from his pocket.
Kneeling before me, he opens the box to reveal a stunning ring, sparkling in the firelight. "Isabella Carrington," he says, looking up at me with eyes full of love, "will you make this real? Will you marry me, not as part of a ruse, but for real, for love, for a lifetime together?"
Tears spring to my eyes, a mixture of joy and love overwhelming me. "Yes, Dom, yes!" I manage to say through my tears.
The cabin, our secluded world, fills with the sound of our laughter and happiness as he slips the ring onto my finger. We embrace, a perfect moment of love and commitment, far away from the world's eyes, intimate and deeply personal.
We break apart, our eyes meeting in a shared understanding of the depth of our love. "A real engagement," Dom says with a playful, loving grin, "no theatrics, just us."
I gaze into those gorgeous green eyes of his.
“Just us. Now and forever.”
Life with Dom and Alex is a dream come true. It's laughter and love, challenges and triumphs, dreams shared and a future filled with endless possibilities. As we step into this next chapter, hand in hand, I know we're ready for anything life throws our way.
And as I look up at Dom, his eyes shining with love and pride, I realize that this is just the beginning. Our happily ever after is a promise, a commitment to a lifetime of loving and growing together. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Epilogue II
Dom
YEARS LATER
Thegrandopeningofthe Apex Arena is a symphony of light and sound, a culmination of dreams and relentless effort. As we step into the sprawling, state-of-the-art facility, I feel a rush of excitement tinged with pride. The Blades and the StarPucks, poised for their opening game of the season, add to the electric atmosphere.
The Apex Arena? Man, it's like stepping into the future. The outside's all sleek curves and glass that catches the light just right, making the whole place sparkle like it's part of the game. Inside, we're not just talking seats with a view; we're talking about every seat being the best in the house. It's all high-tech too—holograms, interactive stuff for the fans. The place is like something out of a sci-fi movie.
And the rink, it's perfect, like a sheet of ice waiting for legends to be made. The way the sound system's set up, every cheer from the crowd, every hit against the boards, it's like you're right there on the ice with the players.
We hit a rough patch at the start, yeah, with the investors and all. But Isabella, with that sharp mind of hers, and a bit of my never-back-down attitude, we turned it around. Got back most of our original backers and even roped in some new ones. They saw what we were building here wasn't just another arena; it's a game-changer.
Alex, now four, clutches my hand, his eyes wide with awe. "Daddy, it's huge!" he exclaims, his excitement contagious. The arena buzzes with the energy of thousands of fans, a heartwarming sight after the uncertainty of the past years.
I make my way to the stage, feeling Isabella's supportive gaze on me. The crowd quiets as I clear my throat, ready to share my heart.
"Good evening, everyone," I begin, my voice echoing through the arena. "Today isn't just the opening of a building. It's the celebration of a journey—a journey of determination, passion, and teamwork."
I pause, letting my gaze sweep over the crowd, feeling the weight of this moment.
"Five years ago, the Apex Arena was just a dream, a vision of creating a home for hockey that would bring together players, fans, and communities. There were times when this dream seemed too distant, too challenging. But here we are, thanks to the relentless spirit of the Silver Blades, the StarPucks, and every single person who believed in us."
