Page 105 of Breaking the Ice

The Zamboni pauses its loop in front of our bench, and she climbs down off the machine. With mincing steps—at least she’s wearing practical sneakers—she makes her way over to me, and I open the door, meeting her on the ice. Scooping her up in my arms, I crush her to me in a searing kiss.

She tastes delicious, like sugar cookies and hot chocolate, marshmallows and candy. Strawberry shortcake with whipped cream. Everything I want to devour for the rest of my life.

Catcalls and whistles pierce through my fog of lust, though. We’re still in front of her dad and the rest of our fans, so I pull away and smile down at her.

Then I notice that every person in the arena has their phone out, filming this. My stomach sinks to my skates. Our social media stuff has been lacking lately. Is this her way of upholding our bargain with the college?

“Hey.” Concern fills her brown eyes and she touches my cheek. “It’s fine if you don’t feel the same way. But can you not make a big deal about it in front of all these people?”

“Is this just a publicity stunt? Young and in love?” I blurt out. “Just to reinforce our lie?”

Isabella shakes her head. “No more lies. That’s part of the reason I wanted to do this in front of everyone. No matter how this started or why we stayed married, Drunken Me knew what she was doing. I’d do it again. I love you. I’d like to stay married to you, if you’ll have me.”

Her throat bobs in a swallow, vulnerability shining through her pores.

“Really?” She nods, and I smoosh her against my chest again. “Because I love you, too. I want to be married to you forever.”

I’m filled up with the rightness of this moment. It expands in my ribs, pushing out every doubt. Isabella grabs my jaw and pulls me to her for another kiss. It’s about to move from PG to something more interesting when I’m nudged from behind.

“That’ll do, son,” Coach whispers.

Oh, right. The hockey arena packed with fans. And families. Still here.

I get a hold of myself and grab her hand. “Whatever’s next, I want to do it with you. That crazy decision in Vegas was the best I’ve ever made.”

“I love you,” she says. “I’m sorry I waited so long to tell you.”

“Nah, that’s okay. You can just remind me a lot.” I smile down at her. “I’ll never get tired of hearing it.”

“You wanna get out of here?” Not taking her eyes off me, she waves around at the arena. “I mean, I’m glad they were all a part of this, but…”

“Yeah. I’m ready for the private part of our reunion to begin.” I bob my brows at her, gratified when she giggles.

“Exactly.” Isabella gives me a little push towards the locker room, her grin stretching wide across her face. She’s so beautiful, she’s practically glowing. “Go shower and then come home to me.”

Home to her. Yes, please. I’m not sure what the future holds, but I know I can face it with her by my side. Now and forever.

Epilogue

EVAN

Jonas: Happy first day of school, Teach.

Cooper: Dodge ball today?

Hunter: Or the parachute?

Evan: Guys, you know you can’t do those things on the first day. The kids probably don’t have gym shoes.

Evan: We’re doing scooter boards, obviously.

Evan: And thanks for remembering.

“You ready for this?” I stare out of the windshield at Kirkwood Meadows Elementary School, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel.

“No.” Isabella takes a deep breath. “Yes. I don’t know.”

Reaching over the console, I lace our fingers together and squeeze her hand. “I’m glad we’re doing this together.”