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My eyes followed him as he climbed up to the porch, dripping with sex appeal. All solid pecs and pants that hugged him in all the right places. I still had to pinch myself every time I saw him.

Brody had taken the job with Millan in the end, coaching his junior team. They’d made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, and as Brody said, it was the only way he could stay on the ice. I think he had ulterior motives, though. He’d gotten used to a heavy dollop of hero worship in Denver, and there was only so much ego-stroking that I was willing to offer. I didn’t want him to get arrogant. Similar to my cheer squad, though, the kids on the team idolized Brody. In their eyes, he was a legend.

He made it all the way to the hammock before leaning in for a kiss. His lips were just as soft as always. With a smile, he handedme a tote bag covered in pictures of kittens. “I picked up the yarn you requested, m’lady. I hope it’s to your satisfaction.” He gave me a wink, and my insides churned in delight.

With a grin, Brody leaned back against the porch post, arms folded across his chest. “Do you need someone to rock your hammock?”

The corners of my lips ticked up, too. “You might be able to persuade me.”

Under his gaze, I scooched up to sit and picked up the Nosey Pecker that Eve had left behind. “People have been talking about you again.”

He tipped his head to one side. “In a good way, I hope.”

I shrugged and swung my legs to the ground. “That depends.” His blue eyes followed me all the way over to where he stood. “And as much as I love a hammock, I could think of other places I’d rather sit.” Brody’s eyes darkened a little. I took his hand and led him to one of the enormous wicker chairs Gran kept on the porch.

I pushed him down and settled across his lap. As he threaded his arms around me, his rock-hard thighs shifted, and I’d be damned if I didn’t feel the slightest hint of hardness in his jeans.

“I need you to brace yourself,” I said.

He curled a brow, and I held up the paper, ready to read aloud like a royal proclamation from some old-fashioned fairy tale.

“It seems wedding bells may soon ring in Tuft Swallow. Local hero Brody Flockhart and Rowena Swan were spotted out in town again last night. Although I can’t divulge my sources, the grapevine is buzzing that somebody may have booked the chapel in the fall.

This news follows the latest victory of the Tuft Swallow Talons, who are holding their second intake trial on Friday.We recommend all hopefuls polish their wheels. Coach Flockhart and Captain Ro Swan are a formidable team. They mean to make their mark on the local derby scene with another win over the Spitz Hollow Scalpers next month.

Aside from Coach Flockhart’s duties to the Robin Springs Rockets, Miss Swan is keeping our local boy very busy, if you know what I mean.”

With a racing heart, I folded the paper and tucked it into my pocket. I met Brody’s eyes, and my cheeks heated at the glow there. At the smile on his face. He looked as if he’d just won the lottery.

“So, what do you think?” His voice was low and husky, and my belly tugged.

“I swear I don’t know where they get their information. I haven’t talked about chapels or bookings with anyone.” We’d only dated for six months, and even though I’d happily sign my life away to this man, I didn’t want him to feel pressured. Once the rumor mill churned into action, things could get a little crazy in a town like Tuft Swallow.

He chuckled. “But do you think the Pecker has it right this time? Are you ready to make an honest man out of me, Miss Swan?” He chewed at his bottom lip before continuing. “I mean, we could take a chance. Get out of our comfort zones. Only this time, we’d do it together. As a team. I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t think of anyone I’d rather spend my life with.” Brody leaned in and brought his lips to mine. “I love you so much, Ro. Please say you’ll have me.”

Breath caught in my throat, and I looked into his clear blue eyes and smiled. He was exactly the man I wanted to get uncomfortable with. The one whose arms I craved. He was the only one I ever wanted to show me his hockey stop.

I gave a little chuckle at the memory of the two of us laid out on the floor of the school gym. Honestly, I’d been almost as head over heels in love with him then as I was now.

I ran my fingertips along his jaw, marveling at the happiness he’d gifted me. The promise of the future we’d have.

Brody was mine, and I was his. Simple.

I gently kissed his lips, his breath mingling with mine as I spoke.

“Like I said earlier, Brody. You might be able to persuade me.”