Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 74956 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74956 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
“You’re such a simp for that dog,” she says, with an affectionate shake of her head.
“I’m more of a simp for you,” I whisper. “You’ve got me whooped so hard it makes that ass-kicking we just gave Seattle look gentle in comparison.”
She laughs. “Good. And heading to the apartment first is fine. We can probably walk to the party from there. The team hotel is only about half a mile from our place.”
“Perfect,” I say. “See you in a few.”
* * *
Thirty minutes later, we’re being whisked away from the arena through the thankfully no longer horrific traffic, proving that being a winner who has to stay behind to give interviews is the gift that never stops giving.
As we head into our new building, I wave at Jenson, the manager currently on duty behind the front desk. Our eyes meet while Remy and I are waiting for the elevator, and he gives a subtle nod and smile, confirming the plan must have gone off without a hitch.
But then, Jenson is clearly a dog lover, too. When I snuck over earlier while Remy was having lunch with her dad to give him the supplies, Barb seemed to feel at home with him right away.
I hope she looks adorable in her new duds. I didn’t have time to try them on her earlier. There was barely time to fill Jenson in on the plan, introduce him to Barb, and thank him profusely for helping a near stranger pull off a proposal for the ages.
At least, I hope it’s all come together the way I’ve imagined…
The second we step inside our new place on the fifteenth floor, I know it did. The entryway is littered with white rose petals, and “First Day of my Life,” Remy’s favorite Bright Eyes song, plays softly from the speakers.
“What the…” Remy trails off as Barb comes trotting around the corner from our bedroom, right on cue, looking ridiculous and perfect in her little white dress with a flower crown. Remy’s jaw drops as she glances my way, then back at Barb, then back to me. “Is Barb getting married?”
“Of course not,” I correct as I take her hands in mine. “That’s clearly a flower girl dress, woman, not a wedding dress.”
“Clearly,” Remy echoes in a stunned voice, sucking in a breath as I drop to one knee and pull the ring box from the pocket of my suit jacket.
“Remy Lauder,” I begin, love filling every corner of my heart. Now that the moment is here, my anxiety is gone. All that’s left is gratitude that this beautiful, strong, talented, absolutely fantastic woman is looking down at me like she can’t wait to say yes. “I love you, Bossy. I love your drive and your integrity. I love your smile and your raunchy sense of humor. I love the way you spoil my fur baby and the way you let me spoil you. I love your gentle heart and your will of iron and most of all I love your pussy.”
She huffs out a laugh, but a beat later, a tear slides slowly down her cheek.
But it’s a happy tear. There’s no doubt in my mind about that.
“I love it so much, I would very much like to lock it down for life,” I add as I open the box, revealing her mother’s ring.
It’s a simple diamond solitaire with a delicate gold band. I was worried she might not recognize it, but almost immediately, she breathes, “Oh my God, Stone. Is that…”
“Your mom’s? Yeah,” I confirm, my own eyes a little wet. “Your dad gave it to me last week. We both thought it would be a nice way to make sure you never forget that she’s looking out for you.” I arch a brow. “And expecting you to be treated with all the love you deserve.”
More tears slip down her face as she nods. “She would expect that. But she’d love you, Tyler Stone. She’d love you every bit as much as I do.”
My voice breaks a little as I ask, “Is that a yes?”
“Yes, of course, it is,” she chokes out, dropping to her knees in front of me. Barb bounds between us, licking any part of us she can reach, trembling with happiness as Remy laughs. “How could I say no after seeing how amazing Barb looks in her flower girl outfit?”
“All part of my diabolical plan,” I tease, slipping the ring on her finger.
“I can’t believe you did all this,” she says, admiring it on her hand. “And on the same night as the biggest game of your career.” She looks up at me, her eyes wide. “Are you crazy?”
“Crazy for you, woman.” I rise to my feet, pulling her up with me. I love my fur baby, but right now, I need to kiss my future wife without a puppy slobbering all over us.