Page 58 of Unmasking Love (D.C. Renegades #1)

Harper + Aiden = LOVE

Epilogue | One Year Later

Harper

“Aiden, I can’t believe you won’t eat this cheese.” I say with a mouthful of the most delicious brie a person could imagine.

My manfriend just smiles at me and continues to snack on the mixed nuts and dried fruits from the charcuterie board between us.

We’re in Annecy, France at a little bed and breakfast staring across a crystal alpine lake with mountains jutting up all around it. Aiden biked to the top of one of those mountains today while I sat along the water reading. This afternoon we’ll take a nice leisurely ride together.

This past year has been absolutely insane so it feels incredible to slow down.

After the team won The Cup we paraded through D.C.. His parents flew out to join in the festivities. We had rescheduled the housewarming party Felix threw for us from May to the end of June since the team was in the playoffs.

The Cup made an appearance and I think it took away from the splendor of the new house but I’d never admit that to Aiden or the boys.

The team was honored at the national Fourth of July party on The Mall and we got to shake hands with President Melissa Quinn which was a total pinch me moment.

Caroline and Johnny ’s wedding went off without a hitch and Johnny’s goal in the playoffs last year was the one to knock her up. They welcomed a beautiful baby boy in January.

Tilly became a big sister when Danielle had her second girl in March.

The team was also honored during halftime of the National Women’s Soccer Team game against Venezuela. I didn’t get to go on the field with them but the boys enjoyed it. Bryson was especially excited to be there.

Aiden and I did take a trip to Europe last summer but it was cut short after only five days when he got the call that he’d be the starting goalie next season.

He wanted to get home to start training.

Gavin played a strong season but he told Aiden at the start that it would be his last.

The Renegades got through the second round of the finals before losing to Dallas who went on to win it all.

This past year, Aiden and I found a rhythm for balancing his schedule and mine.

I never found an agency I wanted to sign with but Sean offered me a job managing the sale of properties he flips and I love it.

I spend my day at construction sites and meeting with potential buyers.

I’m on salary, not commission, so the pressure is to find them the right home without rushing it.

I let out a contented sigh because life is simply good.

“What’s that sigh for babe?”

“I’m happy.” I smile softly at Aiden as his piercing blue eyes soften. He reaches over and takes my hand in his. His thumb slowly caressing over my skin, sending shivers down my spine even after a year and a half together.

“Me too.”

We finish up our lunch and start our ride. I follow behind Aiden since he knows the path but he’s always looking back to make sure I’m keeping up.

Aiden

Fuck, she looks so cute pedaling behind me. I didn’t tell her today’s destination because I can barely muster the courage to speak to her. The question I’m planning to ask her has been on the tip of my tongue for weeks.

The rings I bought her burning a hole in my pocket.

“How much further Aiden?” She calls and I look back to see that she’s slowed a little. I slow too but don’t stop. It’s impossible to get going again if you stop.

“Not much further, ten more minutes?” I sound out of breath from my nerves, not from exhaustion.

The bandage on my chest itches as I turn forward again. I haven’t been able to hide it but I haven’t shown her what's underneath yet either. When the season ended I made the plan to get the ink done right before the trip. I finally knew what would go over my heart.

Harper.

I managed to get a photo of her hand and then sent it to the artist. He sketched out the design of her palm resting on my pec with a heart shaped ring etched on her finger.

Then I went to the jeweler and got that ring made for her right hand and placed the order for the vintage diamond engagement ring at the same time.

Both are nestled into a pouch that I’ve been carrying around for a few weeks. I couldn’t bear to leave them in a drawer or even lock them away in the hotel suite’s safe.

We reach a scenic overlook and I help lean her bike up against mine. I take her hand and walk her to the bench near the fence. We sip water and let our breathing settle.

Well hers settles .

Mine stays shallow.

“Harper,” I start and she looks towards me. Those deep brown eyes that I’ve fallen for a little more deeply each day since we met stare back at me. Her cheeks are flushed from the ride and a little sun. I take her hand and bring it to my chest. “Can I show you my tattoo?”

“Really?” She asks excitedly. With a smile I unbutton my shirt and she waits patiently as I peel back the tape. “Oh, Aiden.”

Her words are as soft as her touch as her finger tips skim over the artwork. I watch her eyes take it in. I watch her catch the detail of the house keys. Then I shift and pull the pouch out of my pocket.

Harper stills and I clasp her hands in mine.

“Harper Daniels.”

“Oh my god.”

“I love you. You’re my heart and soul and the best partner a man could ask for. Felix will never let me forget that he set us up but I’ll never stop thanking him for it either. I want to move through the rest of this life with you, as your husband. Will you marry me?”

“Yes,” tears spring in her eyes as her smile explodes.

My heart leaps for joy and I pull the rings out of the bag.

I slide the engagement ring on her finger first and she smiles at the simple design.

Then I pull the second ring out and when she realizes it matches the tattoo the tears spill over and down her cheeks.

I swipe them with my thumbs as I pull her to me for a kiss.

I forgot to bet you on how this conversation would go. But, I don’t even care because I’ve won the only game that matters.