Bridget
The bar erupts in cheers as the guys walk into Wild’s. Tonight they secured a spot in the playoffs. And my man made the winning goal.
Ash smiles as people call out to him and pat him on the back. He takes it all in and even stops a few times, but I can feel his urgency to get to me. A thread pulling us together whenever we’re near each other.
When he finally gets through the crowd of fans, he scans the bar. His lips pull into a wide smile when he spots me.
“Congratulations!” I wrap my arms around his neck as he picks me up and spins me around.
When he sets my feet back on the ground, I peer up at him. “You were incredible. I’m so happy for you.”
His teammates gather around. Someone gets a pitcher and a round of shots. Ash keeps one arm around me as everyone talks at once, toasting and talking about the game.
I soak it all in. Him. His teammates. Our friends. This little family unit he has that has started to feel like mine too.
“I gotta get going.” Ash’s newest teammate, Nick, stands.
“Boooo,” Maverick bellows with one hand cupped around his mouth.
“The babysitter is expecting me,” he says.
Ash tips his head to him. “You wanna bring your boy to practice with Razzle Dazzle tomorrow?”
“Yeah. He’d love that.” With a salute, Nick leaves.
Jack buys a round of tequila for everyone. Everly tries to grab one and he smacks at her hand with a playful glare.
“Ugh. You’re a pain in my ass, Wyld.” She pushes her chair back. “I’m going to play darts.”
“I’ll come with you,” I offer.
Ash leans over and nuzzles into my neck. “Meet me by the jukebox in fifteen?”
I look at the many empty shot glasses on the table. Leo’s already bringing another round. Champagne. Fitting, but odd considering the beers and tequila to start. “I don’t think you’re getting up from this table for a while.”
“Okay, but before you run off, can you reach into my pocket and get something for me?” He shifts onto his right hip.
Confused, but not thinking too much about it, I slide my hand into his left front pocket. “What exactly am I looking for here?” I ask as my fingers touch a cool metal circle.
He grins as surprise makes me freeze. I pull out the ring with shaky hands. Ash takes it from me and gets down on one knee. The guys are already cheering around us.
“Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine loving someone as much as I love you, Bridget. I didn’t know it was possible, and yet somehow, I know I’ll love you even more tomorrow. I thought I had everything I wanted before I met you. A great job, an awesome family, the best teammates.” His buddies all cheer again and Ash chuckles softly before he continues, “but these past few months have been the best of my life. You’re it for me. I knew it from the first time I saw you. Marry me?”
We’ve attracted the attention of the entire bar at this point. Someone yells out, “Say yes!”
I’m almost certain it’s Everly. But I can’t tear my eyes off this amazing man kneeling before me.
“Yes.” I nod and a tear slides down my face. “I’ll marry you, Ash Kelly.”
Everything he said—I feel that too. So much better than my wildest dreams. He pushed past every wall I tried to build around myself and in return, he’s given me everything.
He gets to his feet and kisses me. The bar erupts in shouts and cheers. Ash slides the ring onto my finger, and someone thrusts a glass of champagne into both of our hands.
“A toast.” Jack lifts his glass. “To Ash and Bridget.”
