Chapter Thirty-Nine
ARCHIE
Two Weeks Later
We’re up on our feet with the crowd. The rush going to my head as lights flash and the announcer calls it. The Lonestar Bobcats won in overtime. It was ahead of heated game with more fights than usual. From what I’d heard before the game, the team they were playing were considered rivals for years.
Tabitha squeezes my hand next to me. “Best date ever!”
It’s not even over yet.
We went out to dinner before the game, a local burger joint where we shared a strawberry milkshake before coming to the arena for the game. I have one more surprise up my sleeve.
It didn’t take as much effort as I thought it would.
One of the women I served with has a younger brother who plays for the Bobcats.
It didn’t occur to me before, the similarities of the last name.
Becker isn’t a completely uncommon name.
The biggest surprise was finding out her brother is the captain.
I haven’t told Tabitha yet, it’s all part of the surprise.
We sit in the stands for an extra couple of minutes as people start to clear out. The parking lot is always busy with people leaving, there’s no point in trying to be in a rush anyway.
“Do you want to see something cool?” I look over at her.
She raises a brow. “Do I have a choice? Is this a trick?”
I can’t hold back my laugh. “Come on.” I stand and hold out my hand, she takes it without hesitation.
I lead us up and back down stairs, around the concourse, until we’re near where the team’s locker room, media room, and some offices are. Not that I’ve seen any of it, I just know from what Kate told me.
“I recently found out someone I served with is the big sister to one of the players.” I lean it and whisper quietly.
“Shut up!” Tabitha squeals.
“We just have to hang out for a little while. Do you want to stick around and then meet some the team?”
She has to say yes, it’s part of the plan.
“Um, do I love superheroes?” Tabitha nods her head. “Obviously. This is so cool!”
After another ten minutes of waiting around, most of the players start filtering out. A few go over to where reporters are waiting, a little media area. Then I see him. Long dark hair, down to his shoulders. Jude Becker.
“Archie?” He walks up and holds out his hand. “Jude Becker.” Then moves to shake Tabitha’s hand. “And you gorgeous?”
“Taken.” I slip my hand in hers.
He chuckles and raises his hands at the same time Tabitha nudges my side.
“Don’t mind grumpy here. I’m Tabitha and that was an awesome game. I’m new to hockey, but it’s freaking awesome! Just awesome.” Her smile is huge.
A few more team mates join the conversation before a woman runs over. “Hey, Becker! Here are those jerseys you asked for.” She shoves him into his chest, a little hard. He just chuckles. “I believe you ordered some custom jerseys.” He hands them to me.
“Jerseys?” Tabitha looks up at me.
I hold it up so we can see the front. “Awesome. Thanks, I appreciate it.”
“Anything on the back?” Tabitha asks.
I turn it around to show her. It says Stryker with the number 26. I pass her the other one and she opens it up.
“They both say the same thing.” Tabitha laughs. “Sounds like whoever is in charge of these custom jerseys messed up.”
I drop down to one knee, and pull the ring from my pocket.
“Shut the front door!” Tabitha’s eyes widen. “Here, in front of a bunch of strangers. Archie Stryker!” Her eyes soften.
“I didn’t want to get you one with your current last name on it, I wanted to get you one with my last name on it.
Tabitha Grimaldi, I have loved you my entire life.
We’ve spent too many years apart, and I can’t do it again.
I can’t have another day go by where you’re not without a doubt mine. Will you marry me?”
She bites back a smile as everyone watches in silence. “What’s with the number?”
“I was thinking next year.” I shrug. “It’s only a couple of months away, but—”
“Yes!” Tabitha drops down to throw herself at me, but I scoop her up.
There are cheers and applause around us, but all I can pay attention to is the girl in my arms who said yes.
I waste no time slipping the ring on her finger and then kiss her like she’s my oxygen—because she is. She’s my everything.