Chapter 33
Sebastian
I’ve just finished a workout at the arena when the coach comes over.
I’ve been back for a few days but haven’t been able to talk to him and thank him for letting me have a few days off.
“Got your girl, Bennet?” he asks, making me smile.
He genuinely seems interested in this; he might be a romantic after all.
“Yeah, she’s actually up in the offices working on her paper. Thank you again for letting me have a few days off.”
As soon as we got back, everything went back to normal. The best kind of normal.
Waking up together, Lily making breakfast before driving to the arena together.
I’ll run by her as often as I can, or she’ll swing by in the stands when she wants some air.
Coach asks me about the paper, and I tell him about her degree in sports psychology.
When she finishes her studies, she’s not sure what she’ll do next, but we’ll figure it out together.
I’m sure she’ll do great in whatever she decides.
“I’m glad to have you back in shape—got me worried there for a second. Make sure you keep her happy.”
Relationship advice from the coach himself.
I really must have been in worse shape than I realised.
Maybe that’s why he let me go in the first place.
No one wants a player who performs badly, and let’s face it; as soon as she left, I was down bad.
“Got it, Coach.”
We say our goodbyes before I hunt down Lily.
It’s time to go home.
I find her in her favourite spot: over by the windows overlooking the field.
I stand there, looking at her as she looks down in her notebook, a thoughtful look on her face.
She senses my stare, lifting her head before a smile breaks out.
“Hey, beautiful.”
I stroll over to her, and although I was planning on surprising her when we got back home, I simply can’t wait.
I pull out the tickets from my back pocket and hand them to her.
When she realises what she’s holding, she beams at me before she throws herself into my arms.
“Oh my God! I’m so excited!”
We’re finally going to do the Harry Potter experience tomorrow, which she’s been wanting to do ever since she got here.
I may have rented out parts of the park, not wanting it to be too long lines and lots of waiting, but she won’t know that.
There will still be other people there; just fewer than normal.
This is partly why it’s taken me some time to arrange it.
I wanted it to be perfect for her. Therefore, I had to pull some strings to make it happen.
～
“We have to get some souvenirs!” Lily exclaims, pulling me over to a shop where you can buy all things Harry Potter.
Wands, capes, owls, books: anything you would like from the universe of Harry Potter.
She browses the many rows, with me following her and putting anything she spends more than five seconds looking at into the basket I’m carrying.
The shelves back at our place are getting rather full of souvenirs, but I’ll buy some new ones if we run out of space.
My girl loves her souvenirs which means they’ll get their place in our home.
I may not have read all the books as she has, but we’ve watched every movie, cuddled up on the couch which have made the experience more fun for me as well.
Now, I get most of the references around the park, and the excitement bubbling over for Lily has been amazing.
All day, she’s been glowing and having the best time exploring the sights. There have been rides, castles, and performances all around the park, and we’ve enjoyed every minute of it, our hands interlinked and hearts full.
～
We’re out shopping for a gift for Harriet and her husband, who are soon going away on their trip.
They decided to go to Paris to reminisce about old times and the time they spent there. I believe that city holds a special place in their relationship, just as London always will be unique for Lily and me.
The city where it all came together perfectly.
We wanted to get them something, which turned into a shopping spree and bags hanging off my arms.
We’ve wandered into a jewellery shop, and when Lily goes over to a section with rings, I make sure to study her reactions closely.
I think back to the beginning of our time together in London and how we flirted about what kind of ring she would want.
Now, I’m eager to find out for real, but I don’t want to make it obvious what I’m planning.
If I were to ask her what kind of ring she would want, she’d know straightaway, which is why I must be discreet in my observations.
Hopefully, I’ll get it right.
She’s gazing at a beautiful, elegant ring with a green gemstone as the centrepiece. The stone is sharp with clean facets that reflect the light. The emerald colour is a vivid, rich green that I know would look amazing on her finger.
Several smaller stones decorate the rose gold band, and I could already see how this ring would be possible to pair with a wedding ring.
It may not look like the most traditional silver engagement ring, but I know in my core that this is the one.
A ring that is perfect for Lily and one she would cherish deeply.
She lets out a small breath, almost unnoticeable, but it’s there, and it’s all the confirmation I need.
I’m definitely coming back here and buying this ring later.