Epilogue
Three years later
I could only imagine the changes that a contract with the Rangers would entail, but now that I look at the stunning apartment in the heart of the Upper East Side where I live with Emily, I”m amazed. It”s been a long road, a lot of hard work and concessions for beautiful results, which now allow us to have a home together.
The city that never sleeps seems perfectly suited to our relationship - vibrant, lively and exciting.
My hockey career also continues to flourish. I”m still playing for the New York Rangers and have become quite well known in the league. The experience I”ve gained on the ice is priceless, and I”m happy to be living my dream.
Emily is in the final stages of her studies and progressing in her career as a sports journalist. Her articles are being read by more and more people, and she”s starting to make a name for herself in the industry. I admire her ambition and am proud to be at her side.
I look out of the large bay window overlooking the city. As Christmas approaches, the streets of New York are decked out in festive decorations, and there”s a very special atmosphere.
We decided to invite our family and friends to celebrate the festive season together, and they all turned up.
The large dining table in our apartment overflows with dishes, each more appetizing than the last, while laughter and conversation fill the room.
“Liam, you played so well in your last game!” exclaims my mother proudly.
Once she saw that I could make a good living from hockey and that I was fully happy, she changed her mind about my career. Today, she supports me as much as she can. This has given our relationship the stable foundation it lacked before, and I”m grateful that we”ve reached this point.
Chase and Cassy are talking animatedly to Emily”s mother, while her father sits stoically beside them. I smile. He really is one of a kind. Although he rarely expresses his feelings, his love for his family is palpable at every turn. As for Maddie, she seems to be debating a fascinating subject with Coach Franklyn and Mr. Turner.
After I was drafted, I made a point of keeping in touch with them. They were the driving forces behind my success. I”ll always be eternally grateful to them.
In a corner of the living room, I spot my sisters and Emily”s sisters laughing. It sometimes hurts that I”m the only man around when they get together, but hey, was long as they’re happy I’m happy too! To our delight, the four of them get on wonderfully well together.
I tighten my grip on Emily”s hand and watch my beautiful blonde. I can feel how much we”ve grown; how much we”re loved and supported. Our love for each other has also grown stronger with each passing year. We have an exciting and fulfilling future ahead of us. Together, we”ve overcome obstacles, fulfilled dreams and strengthened our relationship.
As our guests make their way home and the door closes behind Emily”s father, she wraps her arms around my neck.
“What do you say we start our own Christmas tradition? A vacation together, or something like that?” she asks.
I smile at the thought.
“That”s a good idea, my love! Do you have anything special in mind?”
We sit comfortably on the sofa and exchange ideas.
Finally, we have the idea of a road tripto Vermont. The idea of snow-covered landscapes, a cozy cottage and a romantic atmosphere for a few days immediately captivates us both. Sitting in front of a fireplace with Emily, while it”s snowing outside... I can”t imagine anything more beautiful.
We immediately set about looking for a place. We search the offers and opt for a charming hotel on the edge of a small mountain village. It promises to be warm and welcoming, with breathtaking views, and the perfect place to spend the rest of our vacation.
Emily looks at me with a mischievous smile.
“What if we leave now, right away, without thinking too much?”
I raise my eyebrows and stand speechless for a moment. But why not? We have no obligations at the moment and can devote ourselves entirely to each other.
In response, I simply pull her against me and kiss her passionately. I love her spontaneity. Every day with her is an adventure and I”m so incredibly happy that we”ve overcome all the obstacles of the past.
After throwing a few clothes into a suitcase, we settle into the car and drive off, slowly leaving the city behind.
The roads are covered with a thick layer of snow, and the winter landscape around us is breathtaking. More than once, I look at Emily out of the corner of my eye and the corners of my mouth automatically turn up.
We arrive at the hotel in the early hours of the morning. Our room is adorned with Christmas decorations and a fire is already crackling in the fireplace, bringing warmth and comfort.
Emily beams with joy.
“Magnificent!”
Seeing her like this warms my heart.
We immediately explore the surrounding area, passing through picturesque villages, visiting a Christmas market and sampling regional specialties. We stroll through snow-covered landscapes and enjoy the silence that this season brings. It”s as if we can deepen our love on a whole new level here.
We spend Christmas Eve in front of the fireplace, exchanging gifts. And while she gazes dreamily at the new camera in her hands, I rummage in my pocket.
My heart beats wildly as I clear my throat and Emily looks at me quizzically.
“I know you don”t think much of gifts, but I”ve got something for you...” I declare.
She frowns.
“Don”t keep me in suspense! Give it to me!” she jokes, giggling.
I smile nervously and search for the right words.
“Okay, so... Shit... It always looks so easy in the movies.”
Emily”s mouth rounds and she looks at me in disbelief. Just then, I open the box containing a ring that I”m holding in my hands.
“My love, you”re the woman I”ve always dreamed of. I love you more than anything, and I want to show it to you every day. Emily Hansen, will you be my happiness? Say yes to us, forever?”
I now have tears in my eyes and can”t see straight. I run my hand over my face nervously and look at Emily expectantly. She seems to be in a state of shock.
“Earth to Emily! An answer would be pretty good for my nerves.”
She snaps out of her torpor and climbs onto my lap.
“Of course I do, Liam! Forever - just you and me!”
I slide the ring onto her finger and smile. Her lips rest gently on mine for a long kiss.
For a moment, I break our embrace to seek out her gaze. This is a very special moment, and I want to remember the expression in her eyes forever. Those eyes, which have enchanted me thousands of times before, now carry a special glow.
I find her mouth again and we kiss passionately before I lay Emily down on the rug in front of the fireplace.
“Words don”t do this feeling justice, but... I love you, Liam. I love you so much!”
“I love you too, my future wife,” I reply, and we smile lovingly at each other.
It promises to be a delicious evening.