Page 50 of My One & Goalie
I only need to convince Rachel to take the risk.
“Where are you taking her?” Jackson asks as we skate off the ice after practice. He and Harper volunteered to watch Jett tonight, giving us precious time alone.
“I’m keeping it low-key. Probably dinner at Big Chowder, then I arranged a private lighthouse tour.”
“Nice. But word to the wise—there’s security cameras in the lighthouse. Don’t go getting handsy in there.” Jackson elbows me in the ribs, teasing.
“Very funny. I won’t, after what happened last time. I already promised the reporter at theGazettethe story if they give me privacy tonight.”
“Worried she’ll turn you down, Kovac?” Jackson narrows his eyes at me, his brows knitting together.
I shrug. “There’s always that chance. Look how things turned out for her the first time around.”
“Yeah, but you’re not Charles. She knows that.”
“Thanks, Jackson. I’ll keep you posted. And thanks for watching Jett.”
“You bet. Good luck.” He slaps my shoulder, squeezing. “You’ve got this.”
“Thanks.”
With a deep breath, I head to the locker room to shower and change for the big date.
An hour later, Rachel’s sitting across from me at Big Chowder, smiling and laughing. I try to focus on her words, but my gut’s churning with nerves.
“You okay, Xander? You’re a little pale.” Rachel presses her palm to my cheek.
“I’m fine. You want to get out of here, get some fresh air?”
“Sure.”
I pay the check and then we make the quick drive over to the lighthouse.
“Oh no—it’s closed again?” Rachel scans the mostly empty parking lot. “I can’t believe it.”
I slide the Porsche into the nearest spot. “Let’s find out.”
Lacing my fingers with hers, I ignore the pounding of my heart, the blood whooshing in my ears. We walk up the path and I try the knob to the lighthouse door, pushing into the building.
“Hmm, that’s strange. That door’s always locked if the lighthouse is closed.” Rachel frowns at the knob. “Maybe we shouldn’t go in.”
“Come on—you watch too many scary movies.” I drag her into the dim lighthouse, practically hauling her up the stairwell. I’m amped now, the ring weighing heavy in my pocket.
Rachel’s breathing hard by the time we make it to the landing and step outside. The sun’s setting over the Atlantic, the sky streaked pink and orange.
“Wow—great sunset.” She spins and finally notices the twinkly lights and roses I asked the lighthouse keeper to set up for me.
Rachel’s hand flies to her mouth. “Xander! What’s going on?”
I step closer to her, taking both of her hands in mine. “It’s all good, don’t worry. I wanted to bring you up here for this.”
Dropping down on my knee, I gaze up into Rachel’s hazel eyes as realization dawns on her.
“Wait—what?”
“Rachel, I love you more than anything in this entire world. More than hockey. I never thought I’d be able to say that. You came into my life and turned the worst time into the best. You are my absolute sunshine, my rock, and I want nothing more than for you to be my wife. Will you please join Team Kovac?”
Her gorgeous face breaks into a huge smile, tears spilling onto her cheeks as she stares at the sparkly ring I pull out of my pocket. Four flawless carats, set in delicate rose gold.