Just Say Yes

by Samantha Lind

  We end the first period still tied at zero. The Blackhawks are a strong team and have been on a road trip winning streak. We’ve had ups and downs over the weeks I have been out and would love to add another win to our record tonight.

  In the locker room, in between periods, Coach enters to give us his regular brief pep talk. “You guys are playing smart hockey tonight. Keep doing what you’re doing. Keep your sticks on the ice and your passes clean. Scott” – he addresses me – “are you holding up okay?”

  “Yeah, Coach, I’m good.”

  “I’m moving you back up to your normal line,” he tells me, before addressing the entire locker room. “Let’s get out there and get the puck to the back of the net.”

  We all murmured our agreements to Coach, then start to redress for the second period. We line up for the puck drop, and Murph wins the draw. He drops it back to Chambers, who races up the ice with it and over the blue line. Chambers passes the puck back to Murph as he fires off a one-timer toward the net, but their goalie grabs it out of the air before it sails past him.

  We line up again for the faceoff to the goalie’s right. Murph loses the draw, but Brian is able to poke check the puck away before Chicago can clear it over the blue line. He sends it to me, and I hold it as we set up a play. I direct it over to Murph, who immediately passes it over to Chambers. He holds it, looking for the perfect opening, but just doesn’t have it, so he sends it sailing across the ice back to me, hoping to pull their defense up enough to create an opening. I pass the puck around to ET and he one-times it toward the net, somehow squeaking it past their goalie, setting off the flashing light as the puck hits the back of the net.

  “That’s how it’s fucking done!” Brian yells into our huddle on the ice as we come together to celebrate the goal. We head to the bench, where we make our way down the line for fist bumps, then hop the boards to take a seat on the bench before the next faceoff takes place.

  We end up winning that game, three to two, and, it felt fantastic to be back on the ice. I’m worn the fuck out after the game, though. It doesn’t matter how much practice you put in; there is never anything like the excitement of an actual game. After the adrenaline fades, the fatigue sets in.

  After tonight’s win, we’re off for the next four days, one of the only breaks in the hockey schedule. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and Ben and Ashley are flying in to spend a little more than a week here with us. For Christmas Eve, Becca is making a prime rib dinner while we enjoy being together for the holidays.

  Becca

  I have loved having our family together this past week. Having our parents in town for a few days before Christmas was so nice; add in my brother and Ashley, and I almost felt like I was back home. Scott’s brother, and his wife and kids, will all be here later in the week. I wish that Kinley had been able to come, as I miss her so much. But, she couldn’t get out of her shifts this week, due to other people requesting the time off first.

  I completed the boudoir photo shoot with the photographer Bridget suggested, and I hope Scott loves the images as much as I do. Bridget was correct when she said that Michelle was very professional and fantastic at her job. The makeup artist and wardrobe specialist she also works with did an amazing job as well. I have never felt so comfortable in front of a camera, nor have I ever felt so confident in lingerie. I didn’t pose for any fully nude images, but we were definitely creative. Michelle had me bring objects that were meaningful to Scott and I, so I made sure to bring his jersey and a few of my other team items. She did a great job incorporating everything. I have a feeling the image of me in his jersey might be his favorite of all the photos.

  Even with no little kids, Christmas morning is still a blast. Once everyone is awake and has arrived from the hotel, I make breakfast and then we open presents. Scott and I gave our parents cruise vouchers for a European cruise next summer. They were so excited that I wouldn’t be surprised if they have them booked by the end of the week!

  My brother’s gift to Ashley was a diamond ring and him down on one knee, finally. It was so fun to watch, and she was SO shocked! Scott and I knew Ben’s plans, so we gifted them the cost of first class flights for their honeymoon, wherever they decide to go.

  As for my gifts, Scott went out of his way and spoiled me. Not only did he track down the information on my car loan back in Alaska and pay that off, but he also gave me a beautiful diamond earring and pendant necklace set.

  I was a little nervous for him to open my gift, but after seeing the look on his face, I had nothing to worry about. He absolutely loved every image in the book, and I was right, the one of me in his jersey was his favorite! I told him the package I purchased also came with canvases, so he should pick his favorites for them.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Scott

  It’s finally New Year’s Eve, and I’m proposing tonight. I told Becca that I had a meeting with the coaching staff, but I’m really headed down to the arena to meet with the guys from Florida Georgia Line to finalize the plans for the proposal. My agent came through for me and got in touch with FGL’s manager. I’m beyond grateful that they are on board with helping me out.

  The plan that we came up with is going to be awesome. Florida Georgia Line schedules private “invite only” acoustic set, before the concert, for a small group. Tonight’s group will consist of guys from the team, along with their wives or girlfriends, as well as my family and Becca’s family. Kinley is a surprise for Becca--I arranged for her to fly in to be here for this moment. Brian is picking her up and will bring her to the concert. FGL will play one of her favorite songs “Lifer,” as the last song of their set. After that, I’ll drop to my knee and propose. The lyrics to that song are the perfect lead up to proposing, as they say almost everything I want to. I hope that being surrounded by our friends and family, and the uniqueness of the private concert will make it the perfect, lasting memory for her.

  After finalizing the plans, I head back home to hang out with everyone until it’s time to leave for the concert. Becca knows we are going to a pre-concert private event, but that’s all. I think there will be around twenty-five or thirty of us at the private concert. Kinley and Bridget are in charge of taking video and pictures of the proposal for me.

  “We need to leave in about ten minutes,” I call out to everyone, giving them a heads-up. Matt Soaps’ oldest daughter, Julia, is here to watch Abby and Chase for my brother and his wife. We figured it would be easier to entertain them here than at the hotel. She’s great with kids, and it appears that Abby and Chase love her already.

  We get everyone loaded into a few cars and head for the arena. I checked no fewer than five times to make sure I had the ring box in my pocket. Becca is holding my hand while I drive and it’s sweating like crazy. I’m shocked that she hasn’t noticed how nervous I’ve been all day.

  We make it to the arena and I show everyone to the suite that we will be in during the main concert. After dropping our things, we’re shown down to the backstage area for the private performance. We mingle as we wait for everyone to arrive and for the show to begin. Brian texted me earlier, letting me know that Kinley arrived on time, and they would plan to make their entrance as the backstage performance was starting. Since Kinley knows what’s going on, she knows I’m trying to keep her presence a secret until after I propose. If Becca sees her before that, I’m afraid that she’ll become suspicious.

  Everything is going as planned. Florida Georgia Line plays their first few songs, then stops to say a few words before they lead into “Lifer.” I wrap my arms around Becca’s waist and sway with her in my arms, letting the words sink in. I know as soon as the song ends, it’s go time. As the last few notes play out, I spin Becca in my arms and capture her lips with mine. I can hear the catcalls from my teammates, giving me shit. I laugh and break the kiss, and then drop to my knee while I keep Becca’s hands in mine. The look of shock on her face is priceless as I look up at her.

  “Becca.” I clear my throat, emotions
trying to climb their way up.

  “Becca, ever since you walked back into my life six months ago, it has been turned upside down in the best possible ways. You complete me, you make me want to be the best man I can be. I want to provide for you and make babies with you. You are my home, Becca. As long as I have you in my life, my life will be complete. Rebecca Alice Phillips, will you do me the honor of being my wife. Will you just say yes? Will you marry me?”

  “YES!” she cries out as the tears pour down her cheeks, and I slip the diamond ring onto her finger.

  I immediately stand up and pick her up in my arms, bringing my lips to hers. “I love you,” I whisper against her lips as I continue to kiss her.

  “I love you,” she whispers back to me. It’s then that she notices the screams from our family and friends. I think it was Kinley’s scream that caught her attention the most. The recognition that runs across her face when she realizes her best friend was here to see us get engaged was worth every moment of keeping her a secret.

  Becca breaks from my arms so she can pull Kinley in for a hug. “Oh my God, when did you get here? You knew this was happening, didn’t you?”

  “I arrived this afternoon. Brian picked me up, and we got here just as they started to sing. Scott didn’t want you to see me before he proposed. He thought you might get suspicious that something was going on if you saw me before. But enough about me…let me see that ring, girl!” Kinley squeals at Becca. “I can’t believe you’re engaged!”

  After the initial excitement of the proposal is over, and we’ve been congratulated by everyone, including the band, we head up to the suite for the concert. Having Becca in my life has always been the best of times, but having her by my side now as my fiancée – and soon, as my wife – has me feeling like I’m floating in the clouds.

  Getting Becca to “just say yes” has been the greatest achievement in my life. I might be paid millions to play the sport I love, and I might have hoisted what people say is the greatest trophy in all of sports, but nothing compares to the feeling I get having Becca beside me and supporting me through life. She’s my greatest accomplishment, and one I will treasure forever. I can’t wait to see where life takes us.

  Later that night, home from the concert and lying in bed together, we’re wrapped in each other’s arms and reminiscing about the evening. Becca had been clueless about the proposal, which was my plan all along. I’m shocked I pulled it off without her discovering my plans.

  “So, how long do I have to wait until you marry me?”

  “Is this summer too long of a wait? Maybe late June? I really want to get married back home, and that isn’t possible during the season.”

  “I can work with that,” I say as I kiss her temple.

  “I figured late June would allow us time to have a few weeks off if you make it back to the finals this season, but also not pushing it off more than needed.”

  It still blows my mind; how much she’s always thinking of me first.

  “That sounds perfect. I want you to plan your dream wedding, no holding back. How does honeymooning in Europe for a few weeks sound?”

  “You spoil me; you know that? And, yes to Europe! I would love to look into a Mediterranean cruise!”

  “Anything you want, babe. And get used to it, as I will be spoiling you for many years to come,” I tell her as I roll her onto her back so I can kiss her and make love to her for the first time as my fiancée.

  Epilogue

  Becca

  Six months later

  The past six months have been a roller coaster ride for sure. Planning a wedding, thousands of miles from where it’s actually going to take place was challenging at times, but Kinley, Linda, and my mom have been incredibly helpful while I have been deep in wedding planning mode. Scott and I decided that I wouldn’t pursue finding a job right away, allowing me the time to focus on planning our wedding and enjoying our time together. I also traveled to a few of the away games with Bridget and the other wives throughout the remainder of the season.

  The Eagles made it to the playoffs again this season but unfortunately lost in the second round against Chicago. We have been back in Alaska for a couple of weeks, and we’re getting married this weekend! I’m so ready to call Scott my husband. We have guests arriving soon to begin the weekend wedding festivities!

  The guys had Scott’s bachelor party in Vegas, just after the playoff elimination. For my bachelorette party, we went to a spa resort in California for a long weekend. It was glorious and so relaxing.

  Over the next few days, Scott will hang out with his friends, mostly fishing and probably golfing. On Friday, we have our rehearsal and a big dinner for everyone to attend. We’ve rented outdoor tents that will be set up at Linda and John’s house. The food is being catered in by a local restaurant, who will also be in charge of the reception the following evening. As for me, I’ll be with my girls at the spa, being pampered, and taking care of last-minute wedding details. At this point, I’m just so ready to be married that I’m trying to not stress over all the little things.

  Today is the day! I’m marrying my best friend! I woke up early, the excitement flowing through me. The wedding ceremony isn’t until three o’clock, but this morning, we have a crew of makeup and hair stylists coming to get the ladies ready.

  Kinley is my maid of honor, and Katie, Ashley, and Bridget make up my bridesmaid party. Scott’s brother, Nathan is his best man, and Brian, Murph, and Ben are Scott’s groomsmen.

  “Good morning!” I greet my mom as I make my way into the kitchen for a cup of coffee.

  “Good morning! Ready for today?”

  “Absolutely! I’m so ready to be married to Scott.”

  “I know you are, sweetheart, and he’s going to be such an amazing husband for you.”

  “Morning, bride-to-be!” Kinley calls out to me as she enters the kitchen, in search of coffee.

  “Morning, Kin.” I laugh at her excitement.

  “Remind me of the agenda for this morning?” my mom asks.

  “We need to be at the church at ten, for makeup and hair. The photographer will be there to capture pictures of us getting ready. Around noon, dad needs to bring the lunch trays I ordered for us to snack on as we are getting ready. Then, at one, we’ll start pictures. The guys need to arrive around noon so they can eat and get dressed for pictures. The photographer will also want to take pictures when they’re getting ready. Scott made sure all the tuxes were at the church last night before we left from the rehearsal.”

  “Will all the pictures be done before the ceremony?”

  “I think so unless we run out of time to get everything beforehand. For the first ones, when Scott sees me, I know Emily has a special way she shoots them so she can capture the first emotions from both of us. She has an assistant photographer, so they’ll be able to capture both of us at the same time.”

  “He’s going to lose it when he sees you in your dress,” Kinley comments. “It’s drop-dead gorgeous on you.”

  “I agree,” Mom says.

  “I sure hope so.” I finish off my coffee and banana that I snagged from the fruit bowl. “Well, I’m going to go take my shower so that we can get moving. I’m getting married today!” I say in a sing-song tone, as I make my way upstairs.

  After arriving at the church, I find a sweet note Scott has left for me. Before I even open it, tears are threatening to fall from my eyes. I don’t know how I’m going to keep myself from being a blubbering mess today. I finally open the envelope and read his message to me.

  Becca,

  I have loved you since the first day I saw you riding your bike up and down our street. I loved your spirit then, and I love it even more today. Our love is built on a lifelong friendship, and I thank God for that every day. While our road to happily ever after may have taken a few bumpy turns, I never gave up the hope that you would one day be my wife.

  I promise to love, honor, and cherish you every day; I promise to take care of you in every way ima
ginable. There will never be a night that you will go to sleep without me telling you how much I love you. I promise to always greet you in the morning with a cup of coffee and to never come between you and a scoop of ice cream. I promise to fill our house with love and happiness and as many babies as you will give me. You are an amazing woman, who I know will also be an amazing mother, and I can’t wait until the day you make me a father.

  You’re my best friend, my one true love, my life and best of all, today you become my wife.

  Love always and forever,

  Scott

  Scott

  I’m standing in the chapel, anxiously waiting for Becca to walk in so I can see her for the first time in her wedding dress. I know she’s going to look beautiful in anything she has on, but there’s just something special about seeing the woman who will be my wife in just a few short hours in her wedding dress for the first time.

  Emily, our photographer, opens the doors and I can hear her instructing Becca on how she wants her to enter. She asked me to stand with my back to the door so she can get Becca perfectly positioned before I turn around and get my first glimpse. Knowing my bride is down the aisle from me brings all sorts of emotions rushing to the surface.

  Emily finally gives me the okay to turn around, and the vision before me nearly brings me to my knees. Becca is beautiful, no matter what, but today, she’s stunning, looking at me with so much love in her eyes. Her dress is strapless, showing off her cleavage. It’s tight against her body until it reaches her hips where it flairs out and down to the ground. She’s a little taller than normal, so I can tell she has on heels. Her makeup is simple, and the only jewelry she’s wearing are the diamond earrings and necklace I gave her for Christmas. Her hair is swept up in a twisty updo. She literally takes my breath away.