Page 141 of Your Sharpest Edge

I nodded, looking behind me where Alina was holding his hand.

“Come here, little guy,” Alex called out.

Damien ran over, and Alex lifted him into a tight hug.

“Come out here,” he whispered.

I glanced back at Alina, who had a shit-eating grin across her face. At that moment, everything clicked.

Holy. Fuck.

I grabbed Alex’s free hand and hopped over the boards, my heart racing. Nervous excitement washed over me, making every step on the mat electric. Damien’s laughter in Alex’s arms heightened the surreal sensation. As warmth spread through me, the world blurred, leaving only Alex and Damien in focus.

“What is this?” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the buzz of the stadium.

The news team had shifted away from us, and I saw Ledger standing back where Alina was, her phone held up, recording everything.

Alex knelt down, bringing Damien to his eye level while still holding my hand. The little boy’s eyes sparkled with curiosity and joy, his laughter echoing in the now quieting stadium.

“Damien,” Alex began, his voice steady but filled with emotion, “from the moment I first saw you, I knew you werespecial. You were always meant to be mine. You’ve brought so much joy into my life..”

Damien’s giggles turned into a wide, curious smile as he listened intently.

“I want you to know,” Alex continued, his voice growing more tender, “that no matter what, you can always call me Dad. You’re my son, my pride, and my joy. I promise to always be there for you, to protect you, and to love you with all my heart.”

My heart swelled with love. This man, who had embraced my son as his own, was everything I had ever hoped for.

Damien touched Alex’s face, and the innocent wonder in his eyes mirrored the awe in my heart.

“Do you think it would be okay if I asked your mommy to marry me?” he finally said to Damien.

Tears pricked my eyes. I wanted to drop down to them, but I didn’t want to ruin the moment.

“Yes.” Damien nodded enthusiastically.

“Malyshka,” Alex said, glancing up at me with a smile, “I have something important to ask.”

He stood, still holding Damien, and reached into his pocket with his free hand, pulling out a small velvet box. My heart raced as he opened it to reveal a sparkling ring.

“I’ve been given a second chance at happiness, and I don’t want to waste a single moment,” Alex said, his eyes locking with mine. “You and Damien are my world. Will you marry me and make our family complete?”

Tears welled in my eyes as I nodded, unable to find the words. “Yes,” I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. “Yes, I will.”

Alex slipped the ring onto my finger and pulled me into a warm embrace, Damien giggling between us. The stadium erupted in applause, but it felt like it was just the three of us, beginning a beautiful new chapter together.

Past relationships had left scars, making me believe love was supposed to hurt. But looking at Alex, I knew that wasn’t true. He had always been there, showing me that love was about kindness, respect, and unwavering support. He reminded me that being abused didn’t mean I was broken.

In his arms, with Damien between us, I realized I had found my home—not a place, but a feeling of safety, love, and belonging.

“Let’s go home,” Alex whispered, his voice full of warmth and promise.

I nodded, tears of happiness streaming down my face. Home was the life we were building together, a sanctuary where love thrived and fears were left at the door.

As we walked off the ice, hand in hand, with Damien giggling in Alex’s arms, I felt a sense of peace. After years of pain and doubt, I was ready to embrace the happiness I deserved. Alex had given me that gift, and I would cherish it forever. It was time to go home—with my family, my heart, and my future all in one place.