Page 118 of Hey, Stepbro

"I'll give you a break. For the moment."

"Blakely, I want us to grow old together," Brock announces into the microphone, his voice echoing through the stadium. "I want a family with you, kids we can raise and love. I want you by my side as my partner for life."

Time slows to a snail’s crawl. Is this really happening?

"Blakely, will you marry me?" he asks, pulling out a ring that glints under the stadium lights.

The crowd goes wild, everyone on their feet and cheering. Stella grabs my arm and shakes me, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Go. Get down there." She gives me a firm shove towards the field.

My legs feel like jelly, but I somehow manage to stumble through the crowd, nearly tripping several times in my haste. The air is thick with anticipation, and every step brings me closer to the man I love, standing tall and proud on the field.

Coach catches sight of me as I near the sideline, his eyes crinkling with amusement. He claps me on the shoulder, offering a gruff, "Good luck, kid."

"Thanks, Coach," I mumble, my voice barely audible over the roar of the spectators.

Tears blur my vision as I stand before Brock, his eyes shining with love. "Are you serious?"

Brock takes my left hand in his. "I've never been more serious in my life."

He slides the ring onto my finger, and I know it’s a promise—a tangible symbol of our love.

The sparkling diamond is carved in the shape of a book. When the light hits the stone just right, I can see a football etched on the cover.

Before I can fully process the reality of what happened, Brock pulls me into his arms and sears my lips with a scorching kiss. The noise of the football stadium fades away, replaced by the overwhelming heat of his embrace. Right now, there’s nothing else in the world but us—our future, our life together.

"Blakely," he whispers against my mouth, his breath hot and sweet. "I love you so much."

A supernova erupts inside me, bright and boundless, illuminating every corner of my being.

"I love you too, Brock."

He murmurs something like "thank Christ" before pulling me back in for another kiss, his hands strong on my waist. The crowd's cheering registers dimly in the back of my mind, but all that matters is the man holding me, his love and devotion washing over me undeniable and strong.

Brock lifts the microphone again and shouts to the crowd, "He said yes!"

The entire stadium erupts into deafening cheers, and I laugh as the joyous sound washes over us. Brock scoops me up in his strong arms, making me feel weightless and cherished all at once.

"Ready for our victory lap?" Brock’s breath is warm against my cheek.

"Absolutely." I revel in the closeness of his embrace. The world has never felt more vibrant, more alive than it does right now.

As Brock carries me off the field, the cacophony of cheers follows us like a tidal wave. The stars beat down on my face, but their light pales in comparison to the warmth radiating from the man I love.