Epilogue
Violet pushed on the locker room door, angling her costume’s head so she could see better. A cold drink of water right now would be bliss. The door swung open, and she stumbled over the threshold, tumbling into the room. Hands gripped her, righting her again.
“We’ve got to stop meeting like this.”
She knew that deep voice. Violet lifted the dragon head and grinned at Leo. “Where’s the fun in that?” she asked.
He planted a kiss on her lips. “I still remember the day I met you. You fell for me, if I recall correctly. It seems to be a habit of yours.”
Violet laughed and rolled her eyes. “You also have a habit of being very charming.”
“And flattering. You like hearing sweet words, don’t you?”
“I do.”
“But not as much as you like my kisses.”
She smiled.
“I believe I told you when we met that you have a pretty face.”
“You did, and I do.”
“Is that a hint?”
“Is what a hint?”
“Replying ‘I do’ twice in a row like that?”
“What? I did? No. Are you…?” She frowned, realizing a few things were off with this situation. “How are you even in here already?” He was still in his hockey gear, but was supposed to be in the post-game meeting in the players’ locker room. And where was Daisy-Mae? She should have caught up with Violet by now to help her out of her costume.
“Would you like me to?” Leo asked, eyebrows raised.
“Do what?” She leaned to the right, trying to look over his shoulder into the room, but Leo gently guided her chin so she had to gaze at him.
“Propose?”
“Propose?” They’d been dating for only two months, inseparable since Indigo Bay, the wedding and their short scuba diving trip.
But wasn’t it a bit quick to get engaged?
Yes, she already knew he was the one. She loved him and knew she’d follow him if he got traded this season. He’d become that important in her life and she’d learned that they actually wanted the same things. Well, except she didn’t need a million or two in the bank to feel secure enough to start a family, but she was working on him about that.
She glanced around her locker room, and this time he didn’t stop her. Late-season peach blossoms were strewn everywhere, as well as candles. It smelled nice. A lot better than the room normally did.
“What is this?” she asked, barely able to breathe.
“It’s too soon, isn’t it?”
She nodded, then shook her head. “Not too soon to get engaged. Too soon to get married. We’ll need a date at least eighteen months to two years out.”
“That long?” She heard the surprise in Leo’s voice. “But…didn’t you hear about the big deal I’ve sealed with Family Zone? I’m financially ready for all of this.”
It was true that his career was looking better with each passing day, and he was carefully setting up investments, preparing for his future, his retirement, his family.
But to get engaged at this point in his life was still a big step for him. She also knew it wasn’t a step he’d take lightly. Only if he was ready.
Her heart swelled.
“Wait. Did I just say yes? You haven’t even asked me properly!”
He got down on one knee. “Then I’ll ask you now. Violet Granger, the woman who taught me so much about love. Will you marry me? Be my romantic partner who sticks with me through thick and thin, and tells me off in her sweet, angry panda way?”
“I can’t believe you worked ‘angry panda’ into your proposal. Why don’t you talk about your belt buckles, too?”
“What do you think I’m giving you as a ring? Untraditional, I know…but they are pretty awesome.”
She stared at him for a long moment, unsure if he was being serious or not. She really didn’t want a belt buckle.
Grinning, Leo pulled something out of one of his long, knitted hockey socks. A ring box. She let out a breath of relief.
“Apparently I am traditional, after all.” He grinned. “Will you take this gift as a token and symbol of my unending love?” He opened the box and revealed the most beautiful, intricate ring she’d ever seen. She reached for it, but her dragon hands were too big and fuzzy to be of any use. “Argh! Get me out of this costume!”
Leo laughed. “Is that a yes?”
“Yes! Yes! Get that ring on my finger now, buster.”
He unzipped her costume, and she shrugged it off her shoulders and arms, her left hand extended as soon as it was free. “Ring me, Leo.”
He complied, sliding the gorgeous yellow-gold band with its tiny sculpted floral design onto her finger. It was beautiful. Perfect. She gave a little squeal and danced, nearly tripping over her discarded costume.
“Did I ever tell you that you’re the best?” She threw her arms around his shoulders.
“Maybe. Better tell me again to see if it rings any bells.”
But before she could, he kissed her long and slow, a promise of all the beautiful things still to come in their life.
“Vi?”
“Hmm?”
“One word.”
“What?”
“If I had only one word to describe you and this moment, it would be love.”
She laughed, her heart bursting with happiness. Maybe it hadn’t been a curse that had plagued her all these years. Maybe it had actually been a guardian angel of true love sitting on her shoulder, helping to bring her to where she was today—in love with the man she knew without a single doubt that she’d spend the rest of her days with, enjoying all the wonderful moments that true love would bring them in Peach Blossom Hollow.