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My jaw drops, closes, and then drops again I ive up hockey It's your life"

"No, it's my job You and Lilly are my life"

Tears spring to et some space I wheel around on him "You're crazy"

"Crazy for you," he says with a s about this, Gracie Either you can stay here with me or I'll come to you"

"Fucking nuts," I ive up as once thein his life

"Make the choice, Gracie" His sain, he knows he has me trapped I can't say I mind it at all

"Here," I whisper to him "Let's stay here"

I expect Marek to alratitude, but he just studies me critically "Are you sure? Because I want you to make the choice that's best for you"

My heart swells so fully it's almost painful

"I' two steps to walk into hihtly around me "I love you and I'm sure"

Finally, Marek shows the enorainstto press down on top ofme a second chance"

"No, thank you for giving me a second chance," I murmur

I feel his headin acceptance

Then he's pulling back and his ratitude we're both feeling Sealing the words of love he gave ether now

"I never thought I'd see this day It was never in my wildest dreams, and I'm not quite sure what I did to deserve it," I tell him when his lips leave mine

"You deserve everything, Gracie," Marek tells ive it to you too Going to give you and Lilly the world"

Finally, I accept what he's telling , and I choose to believe in the power of our love overco all obstacles

"I'ht back," I promise him

"You already have," he replies softly, and then kisses ain

Epilogue

Gracen

I grasp Lilly's hand tightly as I weave nificant others who congregate in the faame It sits on the same level and just a few yards away from the locker room It's always stocked with snacks and drinks, and it's a place for the Cold Fury faame

Or at least that's what Marek had told me when he handed me the lanyards with special passes that Lilly and I noore that gained us entrance into this secret club

"There's Josie," Lilly squeals, and points her finger I see her through the crowd and she smiles at us

We ive Lilly a hug When she pulls back, she takes Lilly's chin in between her thuer and studies the pink scar on her lip The stitches cao and the wound is still visible Lilly thinks it's cool that she has a scar just like her daddy does, except Marek's is near his eyebrow

"Looking good, Lilly Bug," Josie exclaims as she stands up "Six months and you won't be able to see it"

Lilly's face drops "But I want the scar"

I can't help but laugh as I put et older, you won't"

Before Lilly can argue, I feel strong ar behind me His hair is sweaty and plastered to his head, and I can feel his body heat froame he just played

"Hey," he says softly with a squeeze to my shoulders "Just wanted to make sure you found your way down here to the family room"

I grin at him "As you can see, we did"

"You played great, Daddy," Lilly says, practically hopping in place

Oh , that look in Marek's eyes when she calls hi more beautiful

Despite being sweaty, Marek scoops Lilly up in his arms, and she couldn't care less, as evidenced by the fact she wraps her arms around his neck He kisses her cheek and shifts her to a hip, looking down at Josie and a I need to do with Gracie"

I cock an eyebrow at him even as my belly flutters I know exactly what I'd like hiame

"Get your utter," he whispers as he bends toward me He reads me far too well, and it makes me blush

"Daddy's going to propose to you," Lilly blurts out, and I feel an electric zap of shock that paralyzes me in place

Marek groans and turns his head to look at his daughter in disbelief He chastises her with a smile "That was a secret, kiddo"

She giggles, because she knohat she did was just cute as all get out and her daddy clearly isn't miffed about it

Marek turns and hands Lilly to , he says, "Be right back Don't move"

"Wow," Josieout of the rooraceful at the same time

I hitch Lilly onto propose to me?"

She nods exuberantly "I helped hi robactic planned"

"Romantic?" I say with a smile

Lilly nods with bright eyes "Robactic"