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That easy way of talking had been gone once I dropped her off at her house, and while she claimed she was just tired after a long day, I worry that something has changed.

Well, we did have a very real-feeling proposal, to the point that I had goosebumps going up and down my spine when it happened.

Dani: Not well. I got the play-by-play of last night’s Boston Breeze game from Kenzie.

I laugh, remembering Kenzie’s enthusiasm in the suite at the hockey game but her stoic expression when she met Trey. That would be an interesting relationship.

Me: Can I bring you something this morning?

I could swing by a bakery or coffee shop and take her breakfast before she has to leave for the university.

Dani: Thanks, but I’m already out the door. There’s still a lot to get ready.

Me: Good luck.

Dani: I won’t need it as long as you’re there.

Some of the tension in my chest eases up a bit, and I grin. Things are getting complicated between the two of us, but nothing feels as right as being around and with Dani.

Several hours later, I swing by and pick up Jack and Trey, who’d started his career playing for Boston University.

“Okay, Miles, what are we in for?” Trey says from the back seat. I half-expected him to show up in jeans and one of his hockey jerseys, which would be a lot like our days in college.

“From everything I’ve heard from Dani, this mixer is to help support the school. If it goes well for her, she’ll be able to keep her job.”

Trey shakes his head. “No pressure, right?”

Jack and I glance at each other before laughing. “You do know that’s your entire career, right?” Jack says.

He shrugs. “Yeah, but at least I have some control over it. Getting canned for people not opening their wallets to donate? That sucks.”

We drive a bit and Trey says, “So, how are things going with Dani, anyway? I wish I’d been there when Jack started messaging the girl on the dating app. And getting you to fake date. It’s like I miss all the good stuff while I’m on the ice.”

I turn a quick glare at Jack before focusing back on the road.

“Don’t give me that look,” Jack says, chuckling. “Spence spilled the beans.”

Trey slaps my shoulder and says, “It’s all good, bro. This way you’ve escaped the matchmaking expertise of Mama Hatch.”

That makes me smile. “Is she trying to get you to date someone?”

“I think you mean several someones.” Trey shakes his head and leans back against the back seat. “It doesn’t matter where I go, she’s tried to set me up with women almost daily. Something about needing grandbabies in her life. I need to get a new routine and forget to tell her.”

We make it to the parking lot and park, noting several other nice cars around us.

The three of us make it into the building, walking up to the table to check in. There are the obligatory name badges, but I’m not as bugged to wear them this time because I know how hard Dani has worked to make this night a success.

“Here is a schedule of the night’s events,” a woman says, handing us a few papers. “Should you like to donate back to the university at any point tonight, please speak with Sharon Tillotson.”

We take a few steps away and Trey leans over, keeping his voice low when he says, “I guess at least they’re not trying to hide the fundraising efforts.”

I nod and continue on, glancing around the room for a familiar face I’ve been hoping to see all day.

“There’s your fiancé,” Jack says, leaning over and pointing toward the far wall. I don’t know why the word sounds different today, maybe because I actually proposed last night. But from the pinched look, I know she’s in need of some help.

“I’ll catch up with you guys in a few.” I turn and walk toward Dani, ignoring the teasing sounds the two guys make behind me.

I reach over and touch her elbow lightly, not wanting to scare her to death. “Hey, how’s it going?”