I can't remember a time I've been so nervous. Sure, our first date was terrifying too, but nothing compares to this.

We're staying at her parent's house in New York, and after dinner, Aria confided in me about her and her mother's conversation and how well it went. For the first time in a long time, she seems lighter. It's the happiest I've ever seen her, and this could be an insanely stupid idea, but it feels right.

Shifting awkwardly on the carpet of her parent's guest bedroom, my heart is racing, and my palms are sweaty. Aria isn't the type to want this done in front of people. After everything that happened in her past, she's uncomfortable with the attention, so I knew when I planned this (considering everything went according to plan) it needed to be done somewhere intimate. Just the two of us.

"God, that shower felt so—" Aria's words die in her throat when she sees me on the floor in front of her. I'm down on one knee, holding open a ring box with a shaky hand. I picked this ring out a month after I met her. When you know, you know, and I've never been more certain of this decision.

"Connor," she says in a choked whisper. Tears are filling her eyes, and I pray to God that they're the good kind. "What are you—"

"This was the last piece to the puzzle, Aria." I wave my hand around the guest room. "I wanted to wait until things were mended with your parents, and although there's still work to do, we're here, and I was able to ask your dad for your hand. Despite what you say, if I had asked without his permission, it would have bothered you, and I didn't want there to be any what-ifs about this. Not one. I told you I wasn't going to waste another second without putting a ring on your finger, and I meant it."

She takes a step closer, a strangled sob leaving when she eyes the 20-carat diamond ring. I don't splurge on much, but Aria is the exception. Making her my wife is something I take very seriously, and I wanted the ring to back up that decision.

"I knew when we met five years ago in The Maldives that you would mean something to me, Aria. I searched for you for years, and it was pure fate that you became the photographer for my team. My life is hectic, but with you in it, it's better. You're everything I've been searching for, and every trait I seek in a partner, you embody. Strength. Bravery. Kindness. I want you, Aria Monroe. For the rest of my life." I flick my eyes over her body, my lips tilting into a grin. "Moo Moo and all."

A watery laugh fills the silence before she tackles me to the carpet, the ring box flying across the room. "Oh, shit!" She gasps, crawling to snatch it from beside her suitcase. "Connor, this ring... It's too much."

"No, it's not. You deserve it." Gently grabbing the ring box, I take the jewelry out and arch a brow. "Well? Is that a yes?"

She grins from ear to ear. "That's a hell yes, Holden. Go ahead and slip it on."

The ring is a little big for her finger, but that can easily be taken care of. Her hands clutch the sides of my face before she pulls me in for a kiss, and for the first time, I feel complete. She said yes, she's mine, and she isn't going to leave my damn sight ever again. 

 She straddles me on the carpet, her knees on either side of me, and I suck in a sharp breath when her kisses travel down the column of my neck, licking and sucking her way down. "Aria. As much as I want to have sex right now, your parents are downstairs more than likely listening to this conversation."

She pulls back, out of breath and her cheeks flushed. "You told them it was happening tonight?"

"Yes. Your mom and dad are both aware, and they were overjoyed when I told them. I wouldn't be surprised if they had their ears pressed against the door right now."

"Damn." She pouts, but I catch her chin before her face falls completely.

"When we get back to LA, I'll bring to life whatever that pretty little mind of yours is dreaming about. Deal?"

"Fine," she huffs, sitting back on her knees. She gazes upon her ring, seeming mesmerized by the size. "For the record, Connor, you embody every trait I'm looking for in a partner too. You..." She clears her throat, but the tears slip onto her cheeks regardless. "I didn't know I needed you until you came into my life. You make everything so much brighter, and that's why I know you're the one for me. I'm certain, without a shadow of a doubt, that even my worst days will be manageable if you're the one beside me."

God. I didn't expect me to get emotional, but I find myself getting choked up too.

Before I can reply, the shrill of my ringtone causes us both to jump. I'm more than willing to let it go to voicemail, but Aria urges me to answer. "I should go tell my parents," she says as we both rise to our feet. "My mom will have a stroke when she sees this ring."

I lean over to press a kiss to her cheek, loving the way her face is radiating happiness right now. She's glowing, and I can't be certain since I'm not looking in the mirror, but I would guess I look the same. "I'll join you in a second."

When it's just me in the room, I fish the phone out of my pocket, seeing Cal's name on the missed call notification. There are also messages in the family group chat.

Dickhead Ev: Well, did you finally get a pair of balls, little bro? Did it happen?

Izzy: Leave him ALONE, Everett. I'm SO happy for you Connor!! Wishing you all the best.

Em: As if YOU are one to talk Ev????

Mom: Honey, I couldn't be prouder of you. She's perfect.

Dad: Ditto.

Making a mental note to reply later, I click on the missed call and wait for him to answer. If it were up to Cal, he'd avoid phones entirely. He hates all forms of communication, preferring to stay to himself, so the fact that he's calling?

"Hello?"

"Hey." My eyebrows furrow together, confused. "What's up?"

"Did you know?" His tone is laced with nothing but venom and a promise for revenge, but for the life of me, I don't know what he's talking about. He's in a pissier mood than normal since he dislocated his shoulder and is out until next season, but I've gotten used to Cal and his broodiness. On a night like tonight? I don't think anything could bring me down.

"Am I supposed to know what you're talking about?" I ask. A squeal echoes from downstairs, causing my heart to flutter and my grin to spread.

"Ana," he seethes between gritted teeth.

"Ana? Esme's sister? What about her?"

"With Anthony being gone for paternity leave, Ana offered to step in and take his place. Coach just informed me that she'll be the one working with me to heal my fucking shoulder. She's joining the goddamn physical therapy team here. Claimed she wanted to be close to family again."

My mouth parts before it snaps shut. I don't know what to reply when part of this is my fault. I'm the one who told Ana there was a reason Cal wanted a trade to our team in the first place, so her offering to work for our physical therapy team instead isn't a coincidence or out of the goodness of her heart. Ana doesn't roll like that.

She's doing it to fuck with him.

"I didn't know. I swear," I say. His heavy breathing echoes through the phone when I add, "You know, if you don't want her to join the team, you can tell Coach what happened to you. I know it won't be easy to speak about, but he isn't going to say anything, man. He'll understand, and he'll ask Brian to find a guy to fill—"

"I don't need fucking pity," he grunts.

"I didn't say you did." But sympathy still fills my chest for the man who truly lives and breathes hockey. If it weren't for the team, he wouldn't have friends. And friends is a stretch considering he hardly says two words to most of the guys. He doesn't have family, and he grew up in horrible circumstances. I don't blame him at all for being furious a girl was hired in place of Anthony. "Do you need me to do anything?"

"No," he replies, tone clipped. "This is just going to be the worst fucking year of my life."

A/N:

I CAN'T BELIEVE WE'VE REACHED THE END. 

AND (NOT SO SPOILER ALERT) CAL AND ANA'S STORY IS NEXT :)

WHO DOESN'T LOVE AN ENEMIES TO LOVERS?

Thank you guys so much for the support on this story! Not to worry about bonus content for Connor and Aria, as more of their life will be included in Cal and Ana's story <3

I'm not sure when Cal and Ana's story will post. I am taking a (short) break to try and focus on PLAYMAKER (Maddie and Cameron's story) so I can get this book to shelves for you guys!

In the meantime, I'm writing A Billionaire's Revenge, which updates weekly :) Hopefully that will hold you guys over for a bit!

LOVE YOU THE MOST

THANK YOU FOR COMPLETING ANOTHER JOURNEY WITH ME <3