Page 104 of Pucked Together

My eyes bounce from her face over to Izzy, and then the guys are all looking at me with so much expectancy.

"Know what?"

"Party's not for you, dumbass," Hicks says, placing a bag of chips and dip on the table.

My mom, then? Where is she anyway? I thought she'd be here.

Izzy walks up to me and wraps her arms around my waist. Nuzzling my chest and I see it in her eyes when she looks up at me.

"You still owe me a new windshield, Goalie-zilla."

I didn't tell her about that.

I look at Keelan, and he's smiling ear to ear. A proud big brother smile on his lips.

My gaze returns to Izzy and there's that light in her eyes. The look I saw earlier when she showed me she was wearing my jersey.

"You...you remember," I stutter.

Izzy smiles. "It's fuzzy. But it's all coming back. It feels like my brain has been flooded with memories that were locked away somewhere."

I don't know what to say. She remembers. Which means she's back. The silver balloon floating amongst a bouquet of brightly colored balloons suddenly makes sense.

Everyone is still quiet, surrounding me.

"Well then, that sounds like a cause for celebration, Wildfire."

Hicks and Fergie hoot first, picking up the bags of party supplies and beers and carrying them into the kitchen. Everyone else finally moves about, patting Izzy on the shoulder and finding their seats.

Izzy is still hugging me when she looks up at me. And in those beautiful brown eyes I see more than just the woman I love.

I see my future.

"Marry me," I tell her.

She shakes her head like I just said the craziest thing.

"What, Ryker...we don't have to."

"Izzy, be my wife. Have my child. Wear my jersey. And make me the happiest man in the world. Marry me," I say again.

She slips out from under my arm. The boys go silent around us. Sincaid drops whatever bag he is carrying and scrambles to pick it up.

Putting a hand on her hip and popping it out she says, "Only if you ask nicely, Goalie-zilla."

The dare in her eyes has my insides jumping with excitement at the challenge.

"No."

"Ask nicely, you oaf."

The guys around us start chuckling.

"Marry me."

"Please," she adds.

I roll my eyes and pull her to me by the waist, dipping low to kiss that smart mouth of hers. I don't even care who is around to watch.