Page 247 of The Friends and Rivals Collection

Shaw

Several months later

I check the weather report. There’s a snowstorm coming in, and I have the weekend off. So does my girlfriend.

I head to her bowling alley for a few rounds, then a few not-so-stolen kisses, then tell her I plan to take her to Tahoe the next day. “No ifs, ands, or buts about it.”

She gives me a look. “Like I was going to protest? You drive, I’ll play Elvis on the Bluetooth, and I’ll bring those sexy sweaters that get you revved up.”

“Everything you do gets me revved up.”

We drive up together, listening to fifties tunes about love and Cupid. She teaches me a few more Spanish phrases. I’ve been picking up bits and pieces of the language. Well, beyond the ones I hear most frequently— oh Shaw, yes Shaw, my God, do it again , and more, more, more .

In town, we stop at the market and pick up food, beer, champagne, and all the fixings for hot chocolate.

At the cabin, she says she’ll straighten up the bedroom, and while she does, I start a fire and whip up some hot chocolate, adding a dollop of whipped cream to each mug.

“Well, don’t you know the way to my heart and panties,” she says when she returns to the living room.

I stand in front of the fireplace, a cup in each hand. “I’d like to keep finding my way there for the rest of our lives.”

She tilts her head curiously. “What do you mean?”

And as soon as I hand her a mug, setting mine down on the table, I drop to one knee.

“Yes!”

I burst out in laughter. “You didn’t even let me ask!”

She clasps her hands over her mouth. “Yes!”

“I’m asking anyway,” I say through my chuckles.

I straighten out my smile because this is a time to be serious.

“Vanessa Marquez, you are all my answers, and I love you so much. You’re my snow bunny, my friend, my lover, and the only woman I ever want to come home to after a fire.

I want to be yours forever, and I want you to be mine. ”

She shouts yes again as tears streak down her face.

“Maybe take a look at your hot chocolate,” I say, nodding to her snowman mug.

On the handle, I’ve strung a diamond ring.

Her eyes widen. “Oh my God. It’s gorgeous.”

I untie it, slide it onto her finger, and kiss her in front of the fire as the snow begins to fall.