“I’ll think about it and let you know.” I tell him.
The two of us talk for a few more minutes, until he groans and tells me he’s getting pulled over. I smile and make fun of him before hanging up the phone. My sister is next to me within seconds.
“What was that about?” She asks.
I shake my head. “Brandon was just asking me if I plan on proposing to Kayleigh again.”
“Do you?!” The excitement in her tone makes me flinch.
“I don’t know. I hadn’t really thought about it. I don’t want to move too quickly and scare her off.”
Jo scoffs. “Please. You almost drank yourself to death, and she’s still here. I don’t think you could scare her off.”
I let the events of this morning replay in my mind. The way she smiled in a way that she hasn’t in weeks. The way she kissed my lips and told me she loves me. The way she played with my fingers as they intertwined with her own.
I don’t care how many times I need to ask. I need her in my life for the rest of it, no matter what.
I take out my phone and send compose a string of text messages – one to Bree asking for her help, one to Brandon thanking him for the kick in the ass, and the final, most important one to my mom.
Me: Hey mom. I’m going to need your help,
and my mother’s engagement ring.
Chapter 5
Being with Holden and knowing his love for traveling, I’ve always expected to have many different destinations in our future. However, I never imagined Buffalo, New York would be one of them. My boyfriend fidgets in the seat next to me, completely unable to sit still.
“Babe.” I get his attention. “Relax. You’ll do great.”
He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. I guess all the pressure of the championship game is getting to him. Jason sits in the row across from us with Jo, but he seems more excited than nervous. Then again, he isn’t the captain.
As our plane lands, Holden calls Brandon. Him, his parents, and Emily are meeting us at the hotel. I’m anxious to see them all again, though I’m not entirely sure what his parents know about mine and Holden’s past few weeks. Hopefully they will only see how perfect things are right now.
I get butterflies when I think of the current status of our relationship. It’s like that breakup was exactly what we needed to realize we can’t live without each other. Every second I’m away from him, all I can think about is the next time that I won’t be. We’ve both been constant smiles and warm touches every moment we’re around each other. Even the sound of his name has me blushing like a twelve-year-old around her first crush.
The four of us walk through the airport with the rest of the team trailing behind. Once we get to the bus, we all pile on. Jo and I are the only two who aren’t players, but with Holden being the coach’s favorite, he made it happen.
Once we get to the hotel, they give everyone their room keys. Holden was originally supposed to share a room with Jason, but he decided to book us our own – giving Jason and Josephine a room to themselves. Honestly, I think it’s better that way because if H caught them fooling around, he may lose his mind.
“This bed is amazing.” I sigh as I throw myself down on it.
Holden smirks before climbing on top of me. “I can think of ways to make it better.”
He bends down and kisses me softly, causing me to moan into his mouth. His hands move to my hips, gripping tightly as he grinds down onto me. Just as I lace my fingers into his hair, a knock at the door stops our actions entirely. Holden whines as he drops his head down, before getting up and opening the door.
“Hey! There’s our champion!” Dan greets him, coming into the room with Heather, Brandon, and Emily in tow.
Holden shuts the door behind them. “Don’t jinx it. We haven’t won yet.”
Emily jumps onto the bed, enveloping me in a hug. Once we’re done, I get up and say hello to everyone else. Heather smiles at me, but not in the usual way she does. Something is different about this time. It’s not faked though, so I try not to overthink it too much.
THAT NIGHT, WE ALL go out to dinner. It’s the first time Holden’s parents are meeting Jason. Brandon apparently met him a couple of years ago while visiting Holden at school, before I had even started there. It seems to be going well, but I can’t help my smile at Jason’s attempts to be a gentleman instead of his usual obnoxious self. Holden clearly has the same thoughts, as he watches him like he’s gone completely crazy.
“So, Jason.” Dan addresses him. “What are your plans for after you graduate?”
He finishes chewing and wipes his mouth with his napkin. “Well, sir, I’ll have my Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management. My friend Caleb and I plan to get an apartment in the area while we both go for our Master’s.”
“That’s very responsible of you.” Heather remarks, looking at Josephine approvingly.
Holden, however, is still snickering over the fact that he called Dan sir. I see Jo glare at him, and I squeeze his thigh under the table to get him to stop. It doesn’t work. Instead he laughs harder and makes a face at his sister.
“I swear, the two of you will never grow up.” Brandon jokes.
“Oh, and you have?” Emily quips. “You spent a full half hour on the drive here laughing at fart jokes on a podcast.”
His jaw drops as he looks at her. “They were funny, and supposed to stay between us.”
“Oops?” She feigns innocence, causing all of us to chuckle.
Heather sighs happily. “This is great, having my kids and the ones who make them the happiest all together.” She reaches over and holds Dan’s hand before smiling brightly at Holden.
“Hey Dad, do me a favor and take that wine from her, would you?” H remarks, half kidding.
Dan laughs and takes the glass, whispering something into her ear.
I’M WALKING THROUGH THE hotel with Emily and Jo when I happen to pass by Holden’s coach. As soon as he notices me, he stops and asks to speak to me privately. I’m slightly confused, but send them along as I step aside.
“Is everything okay?” I question.
He nods enthusiastically. “Yes, of course. There’s just something I wanted to ask you.” I nod, and wait for him to continue. “If we win tonight’s game, Holden will be receiving the Hobey Baker Award. It’s essentially the MVP award for college hockey.”
“Wow.” I say proudly. “That’s amazing. I’m so happy for him.”
“As am I. Now, I was thinking, with you being what he calls his ‘best influence’, that you could be the one to present it to him.”
My breath hitches and my heart begins to race. “Oh, um, I don’t know. I’m pretty clumsy and I might drop it. His family is here, including his best friend. Maybe you should ask him. I’m sure he would be glad to do –”
“Kayleigh, Kayleigh.” He cuts off my rant. “I know my captain very well, and I know out of everyone, he would be happiest with you. There will be a red carpet laid out and all you have to do is walk to the end of it and give it to him.”
I take a deep breath. He’s probably right. If anyone were to give Holden the option, there is no doubt in my mind that he would pick me. Who am I to deny him of what he wants?
“Okay.” I sigh. “I’ll do it.”
The coach looks relieved as he starts explaining all the details of what will happen in the event that they win the game. It takes going over it a few times before I pretty much have it figured out, and we depart with my nerves in a giant mess. Oh, the things I do for this boy.
THE JERSEY SWIMS ON me but I don’t mind at all. I’m standing next to Jo up against the glass while the rest of the family has other seats elsewhere. I offered mine up to Heather, Dan, and Brandon, but Holden quickly shut it down – telling me he needs me where he can see me for motivational support.
I’m not sure how much good that’s doing though, being as they’re currently losing 1-0. As much as I know Holden wants to win, he’s growing tired. It’s the beginning
of the third period and it’s not looking good for them. No matter what they do, they just can’t manage to get the puck near the net.
There’s about five minutes left when Holden frustratedly steps into the bench. My heart sinks seeing I see the look on his face. I put my hand against the glass to get his attention, and he softens as his eyes meet mine.
Tap, tap, tap. I knock my hand against the glass, three times for the three words I mean more than anything. He reaches up and does the same before mouthing the word forever. I blush and nod, confirming it.
His expression changes to one of pure determination. He smiles at me once more before getting back out on the ice, skating with newfound energy. Jason nods after he says something to him and the two of them maneuver their way around the ice. Within a couple of minutes, Holden assists and Jason scores a goal, tying the game.
Jo and I cheer loudly, along with the rest of the fans here for them. Though, there are only two minutes left on the clock. If this game goes into overtime, anything can happen. Judging by the way they’ve played most of this game, it’s not very assuring.
The puck is about to drop again, and Holden winks at me quickly just before it hits the ice. The team carries out a play I’ve never seen before, and by the other team’s confusion, neither have they. Jason gets the puck into the zone, passes it to another player, who passes it to Holden. My boyfriend fakes a pass then shoots it.
The little rubber disc flies toward the net, just missing the goalie’s glove and sinking into the top right corner. The red light shines and the buzzer sounds, announcing the goal. Everyone cheers, seeing the score change to 2-1 with only thirty seconds left. Holden and Jason celebrate with the rest of the team, and I can see the glimmer in their eyes from across the rink.
At the sound of the whistle, the puck drops once more and the game goes back in play. The other team tries hard to score, but as we watch the clock count down the seconds, we know they don’t stand a chance. The buzzer goes off and the whole arena erupts in screams.
The University of Maine Black Bears have
won the NCAA Championship!
AFTER THE TEAM CELEBRATES on the ice, and the players are officially deemed the Champions, it comes time for me to present Holden with the MVP Award. I wait at the entrance, holding the small trophy in my trembling hand as I wait for them to announce it.
“Presenting Holden Rivers with the Hobey Baker Award, is his girlfriend, Kayleigh Jacobs.”
Once I hear my queue, I step out onto the carpet and carefully make my way towards Holden. He’s standing at the end, smiling happily at me. As soon as I get close enough, I hand it to him.
“I’m so proud of you.” I say, watching him take the trophy and hold it up.
He embraces me in a hug and kisses my cheek, as he sneakily passes the metal object to Jason. I’m about to walk back off the ice when he stops me. The lights dim, and I see the coach hand him a small black box.
“What is that?” I ask, my voice shaking. “Holden, what are you doing?”
He looks at me with complete fondness, but I can see he’s nervous. Just as he drops down on one knee, spotlights shine all over the ice – spelling the question ‘Marry me?’ My hand flies over my mouth as the entire arena goes silent.
“Since the first time I saw you, I knew that you were something special to me. Every day since then has only confirmed that. You’re the first thing on my mind when I wake up, and the last thing before I fall asleep. You are absolutely everything to me, and there is nothing I want more in this world, than to spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love you.” He opens the box to display a beautiful diamond ring. “Kayleigh Madison Jacobs, will you make me the happiest man in the world? Will you marry me?”
Tears stream down my face rapidly, and I nod as I sob the word yes. Holden lights up, getting off his knee and wrapping his arms around me. The crowd erupts into a level of loud I’ve never heard before while rose pedals start raining down from the ceiling. Our smiling lips press together, tears soaking both our faces. When he pulls away, he takes the ring out of the box and places it on my finger.
“This is seriously happening?!” I cry, admiring the piece of jewelry.
A wet laugh leaves his mouth. “Well, if it’s a dream, don’t wake me up.” He glances behind me and grins wider. “Turn around.” He says into my ear.
I spin on my heels to see everyone I know and love coming towards us – Holden’s family, Brandon, Emily. Then I cry harder when I see them – my mom, John, Bree, Dawson, Skylar, and Caleb. I didn’t even know they were here. Glancing back at Holden in disbelief, I can hardly handle this. Emily runs and wraps me in her arms.
“I’m so happy for you!” She screams.
Everyone else comes over to do the same, congratulating Holden and me. Even Skylar and Bree are crying as they give us each a hug. I catch Holden thanking his coach and getting a wink in return. Sneaky.
The families of other players come out onto the rink to celebrate the win, and I find myself stepping back to admire it all. I look around, seeing the rose pedals still falling and covering the ice. The diamond on my finger glistens in the lighting, but the smile on Holden’s face puts it all to shame.
It’s then that it hits me. He’s mine. We are going to get married, and spend the rest of our lives together. The future we’ve always talked about, is going to become a reality. Holden Rivers is my fiancé.
Everything is perfect.
Chapter 6
With the Hockey Championship behind us, the main focus for everyone on campus is upcoming finals. Holden is especially critical on himself, needing to ace his exams in order to graduate Summa Cum Laude – the highest possible level of honors. Even with all the stress though, he smiles every time he looks at me.
I sit on his bed, trying to study but not able to stop admiring my ring. It’s perfect, and what it signifies only makes it even more special. I turn my hand slightly, watching the light reflect in the diamond and making it sparkle.
“Having second thoughts?” He asks, looking up from his textbook.
I shake my head. “Not at all. It just still feels like I’m dreaming.”
He closes his book and places it on the nightstand before giving me his complete attention. Putting his hands on my shoulders, he carefully lays me back and hovers, close enough for me to feel his breath on my lips.
“Believe it, baby.” He whispers. “You’re all mine.”
Taking my hands and wrapping them around his neck, he closes the gap between us and presses his lips to mine. Our mouths move together with fervor. He slides his hand up my side, underneath my shirt. I moan at the contact.
Just as I start to grab for his belt, there’s a knock at the door and Jason comes walking in. Holden looks like he could hit him and feel no remorse for it at all.
“Oh, sorry. Hey H, can you help me with-” He starts but Holden cuts him off.
“Nope.” He says, getting off the bed and coming towards him. “No. Not this time. Not again. Not happening.” He places his hand on Jason’s chest and pushes him from the room, shutting the door in his face and locking it immediately. I lie on the bed, giggling at his actions as he comes back to me. “Now, where were we?”
I raise my eyebrows suggestively and he dives onto the bed, sending me into a fit of laughter.
IT FEELS LIKE IT takes forever, but exams finally end and it feels like everyone can breathe again. Now, the only thing left to do before graduation, is celebrate the hockey team’s championship win and the end of school. Unsurprisingly, the guys planned the biggest party on campus.
I do my best to keep the focus on the team and off my engagement, but it seems to be all anyone can talk about. People keep coming up to me to look at the ring and congratulate us. Most of them are fake, with so many girls being jealous of my relationship with Holden. I can’t find it in me to care, though. He’s mine and that’s all that matters.
The two of us let loose, playing a game of beer pong against Caleb a
nd Jacki. It makes me smile when I think about how far we’ve come. A little over a year and a half ago, they were playing with me as the prize, or making snide comments to each other. Now, Holden and I are getting married, and Caleb is with Jacki – who is so much better than Taylor. Just like always, the game goes into overtime and it’s down to the two of them to see who wins.
“We could make this like old times.” Jason suggests.
“No!” Myself, Holden, and Caleb all yell at once. Jacki looks between the three of us, confused.
Jay raises his hands up defensively and steps back. “Okay, okay. Sheesh.”
I’M STANDING IN THE kitchen, drinking and talking to Bree when a girl interrupts us. She acts like she knows me, and while she looks familiar, it takes a minute before I can put my finger on where I know her from. Fucking hell. This is the same girl that was with Holden the night he nearly drank himself to death.
“I’m so happy for you!” She gleams. Despite my judgement, she looks genuine.
“Thank you.” I answer hesitantly. “I’m sorry, what was your name again?”
“Aubrey.” Holden cuts in and puts his hand on my back. “Is everything okay?”
I nod. “Yeah, she was just congratulating us.”
He seems just as caught off guard as I am, but fakes a smile for her benefit. “Thank you. We’re very excited.”
“Do you mind if I see the ring?” I put my hand out, showing her the diamond on my finger. “It’s gorgeous. Where did you get it?”
He bites his lip and I look at him curiously. I hadn’t even thought to ask, only caring about what it signifies.
“Um, nowhere special.” He blows it off, but I can tell there’s more to it.
I grab his hand, excusing us both and pulling him upstairs to his bedroom. Once we get there, I turn around and stare him in the eyes. “Okay, where did it come from?”
Seamless Forever (Sleepless November Saga Book 3) Page 4
