Excited energy buzzed through the air as we waited, anticipation growing higher with each minute that passed before the couple entered the house.
Bristol had elected to surround herself with the Comets WAGs since our brief interaction on the couch, but I made sure to have my eyes on her at all times. Even in the dark, with the moonlight casting a slight glow through the wall of windows behind us, I kept my gaze on her instead of turning when the front door opened.
Dakota’s voice echoed in the two-story foyer. “Where is everyone? They said we were having a girls’ night when we were done with our date, didn’t they?”
Braxton latched the door behind them, and their footsteps grew closer. “Maybe they’re out back on the deck?”
If the loss of my sight hadn’t heightened my sense of hearing, I might not have noticed the way his voice took on a slightly higher pitch. My young player was nervous, but he needn’t be. Dakota loved him. Anyone with eyes could see it. There was zero possibility that she turned him down when he asked her to marry him.
Now, if only I could get Bristol to look at me like that.
“But why are all the lights off?” Dakota questioned, confused.
Braxton brushed her off. “You know how it is. Those big windows right next to the deck. Gotta turn off the lights; otherwise, it’s too bright to enjoy the fire.”
“Maybe . . .” She didn’t sound convinced.
He chuckled. “Would it make you feel better if I turned them on?”
“Please,” Dakota breathed out. “Just until we find everyone.”
There were three soft taps on the wall near what I assumed was the light switch, a silent signal for everyone to get ready. Then the lights came on.
A smirk crept onto Braxton’s face, and he threw his arms wide, seemingly pleased with himself. “Found them!”
Dakota stared at the gathering in shock. She tucked her head into Braxton’s chest, trying to hide, before finally finding her voice. “What’s going on? It’s not my birthday.”
“No, it’s not,” he agreed, pulling her into the center of the room.
She tried to dig her heels in, but she was no match for his strength and was powerless to stop their trek as they became the main attraction.
Braxton cupped his girlfriend’s cheek, acting as if they were the only two people in the room. “The last time wasn’t quite right. While we had some of our tiny little family present, we were missing some pretty important pieces.”
A wrinkle formed between Dakota’s brows, and she shifted her gaze to Bristol, mouthing,The last time?Bristol gave a slight shake of her head before indicating with a hand that she should turn her attention back to Braxton.
While Dakota was occupied, Braxton had dropped to one knee, a velvet ring box held in his hand.
A soft gasp filled the silence, and Dakota breathed out, “Oh my God.”
With his free hand, Braxton gripped one of hers. “I told you a long time ago that we would always end up here. It was just a matter of when. It wasn’t always easy, and we’ve been through some rough patches, but we came out stronger than ever. I knew that you were special the moment I saw you, and you’ve proven me right every day since. There’s no one else in this world I want to spend the rest of my life with, to build a family with.”
He cracked the ring box open, revealing a glittering diamond. Most of the women in attendance were swooning at the romantic scene before them. Hushed gasps mixed with whispered “aws” as hands found a resting spot over their hearts.
“Dakota Elise Danielson, will you make me the happiest man alive and be my wife?”
Tears slid down Dakota’s cheeks, but she nodded her head as the tiniest of sobs escaped her lips. “Yes.” The single word was said so softly you could barely hear it.
Braxton jumped to his feet, pulling her into his arms and kissing her passionately.
Hannah called out, “Save something for the wedding night!” and everyone chuckled as the pair broke apart.
Cheers sounded as he slipped the rock on her finger.
It was a beautiful moment, and I watched as Bristol’s lower lip trembled before she placed a hand over it, turning and weaving through the crowd. I tracked her movements, noting that she slid out the glass door to the deck.
My feet made the decision to chase after her before my mind caught up.
It was time to make things right between us.
