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She looked content.

Sloane knew the exact feeling.

“Today wasn’t about the result, it was about saving Kilminster.” Sloane glanced around the slowly emptying stands. “I hope we achieved it.”

“You absolutely smashed it,” Ryan said, offering his palm for a high five.

Sloane slammed her palm into his. “I hope so. It was important. I’m hoping a few of these supporters make it to the Kilminster ground this season.”

“Fingers crossed.”

Sloane took a deep breath. “I’m going to get changed, but I’ll see you all at the pub later for dinner?”

They all nodded.

Before that, she had something to ask Ella. Nerves jangled inside her. She couldn’t wait.

* * *

“You were amazing out theretoday. Ice running through your veins taking that penalty.” Sloane slung her arm over Ella’s shoulder.

Ella gave her a broad smile. “I learned from the best.”

“Our first meal out with all of our families, too. Feels significant, doesn’t it?” They walked up to the pub entrance, and Sloane paused.

Ella stopped and gave her a quizzical look. “Aren’t you coming in?”

Sloane nodded. “Of course. I just have something I want to ask you first.” She removed her arm and turned to Ella. A prickle of fear ran up her. If asking this was stressful, Sloane hated to think what it was like to propose.

“When I’m starving and about to get hangry?”

That was the Ella she knew and loved. “I would never come between you and your food.” Sloane grinned. “We’re spending a lot of time at each other’s places right now. And my place is far closer to the training ground than yours.” She took both Ella’s hands in her own. The tips of her ears tingled. “The thing is, what would you think about breaking your lease? The six months is done, and you can do that now, right? You already sleep at mine 75 per cent of the time, anyway.”

“I’m not sure that much sleeping gets done,” Ella replied, an eyebrow quirked. “Are you asking me to move in with you, Hotshot?”

Sloane frowned, then nodded. “I guess I am.”

“Are you ready for us, 24/7?” Ella pursed her lips.

“Born ready. But most of all, I was born to wake up every morning with you.”

“You’re so adorably corny and American sometimes.” But Ella’s face lit up with a smile all the same.

“Suck it up. I’m just telling the truth.” Sloane pulled her closer, then leaned in. “What do you say, Ella Carmichael?” She stared into her dark hazel eyes. The colour she’d never tire of. “Is that a yes to doubling your wardrobe? A yes to a roof terrace?” She pressed a gentle kiss to Ella’s lips as her heart boomed inside.

“When you put it like that, how can I refuse?” Ella kissed her again, then stepped back. “You’re the Half Cream to my coffee, Sloane Patterson. I underestimated you when we met. Just so you know, you’re way more than just a hotshot.” Ella held out her hand. “Shall we go tell our families the good news?”

Sloane nodded. “Let’s do it.”

The End