"the most beautiful part is, i wasn't even looking when i found you"

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"Laney, I'm home!" I yell through the house as I roll my suitcase behind me.

It's been a couple days since I've seen her and yet, just like always, it feels like it's been months. Away games definitely aren't my favourite parts of playing in the NHL but it definitely reminds me how much I appreciate and love my girlfriend.

I love Owen too, but in no way does he compare. The two of us made it happen. After graduating from university, we got drafted and signed to the same team. It really has been a blessing to be able to do this all with him. During our first couple years as rookies, he was my rock on and off the ice. We've been playing together for what feels like forever and our teamwork on the ice shows it.

The two of us are pretty great players on our own, but put us out there together, and we're unstoppable. Even though he's a goalie, we find a way to work with each other, and we've managed to form a pretty impressive reputation.

Before we outgrew the title of the team rookies, we were forced to bunk together in almost every hotel we stayed at. Let me just say, living with that man is a challenge and a half. We're the same age, and technically he's a few months older than me, but god he makes me feel like I'm fifty already. I've never in my life known someone with more energy.

His never-ending line of women also proved to be rather annoying. There's been a lot of changes over the last five years, but his fucking habits have stayed the same. They may have even gotten worse. I swear, he sleeps with a different chick every night, and the fact that he's a good looking dude doing well in the NHL supplies his bad habits like a well-oiled train.

Our entire friend group has tried to get him to settle down, I mean we all have, and show him there's more to life when you get into a loving relationship. He won't have it. Laney tried setting him up twice with nice girls from law school and after both of them blocked her on social media and stopped talking to her, she decided to call it quits.

"You're back!" My girlfriend runs through the hallway of our home and jumps into my arms. The reaction I get from her every time I come home never gets old.

"I missed you, baby," I whisper into the crook of her neck as she snuggles into me.

She plants her lips on mine and smiles down at me.

I feel something nudge the bottom of my leg and I look down at our golden retriever, Bentley. About a year into Laney's law school, we decided it was time to start somewhat of a family and he's been the perfect addition.

The three of us walk further into the house Laney's been working so hard on decorating, and settle down in the living room. The NHL has many perks and the paycheck is a huge one. I was able to easily purchase our own home and I couldn't be more grateful.

It's big with lots of room for our future family to grow into. It's also close to everyone we love. Mason and Daisy live right next door thanks to both their prestigious jobs. Mason made it as an incredible architect and Daisy's a paediatric dentist who recently opened her own office, designed and constructed by her husband's company of course. They got married right out of university which was no shock to anyone considering they've been together forever.

Having them so close by lets us see them constantly which is a good thing considering Laney and I are in love with their kids. Daisy gave birth to twins a couple years ago, two boys named Parker and Grey. They are honestly the cutest kids I've ever seen and I couldn't be happier to see my childhood best friends with such a perfect family.

Harper and Beth are the only other married couple in the group and they're doing really well themselves. Beth is a social worker and Harper became a Realestate agent. They don't have kids yet and they've been on the fence for a while about if it's something they really want, however, last I heard they've been looking into adopting a little girl Beth was working with recently.

Luke is with his longtime boyfriend Brendan and the two of them recently moved in together. It took Luke a while to find someone who could pass Owen's standards. I swear, he interrogated every person Luke brought home and almost all of them didn't meet his standards, even if they did though, they were already scared off by Owen's intimidating personality. The two of them are still best friends and when he approved of Brendan, we knew he was the one for Luke.

Both Jemma and Chase, and Aspen and Theo are happier than ever, but I don't have time to get into either of their lives; that's a story for another time.

Luckily, the group has continued to stay incredibly close throughout the last several years. After graduation, we made a pact to not lose touch and we've abided by it without fault.

"You okay, darling?"

I love that she still calls me that.

"Yeah, I'm all good," I lie. "Just tired from the flight."

In actuality, I'm freaking out. Tonight is the big night. I've been planning it for the last few months and waiting for it from the moment I met her.

If all goes to plan, I'll be able to call Laney my fiancé by the end of today.

"Well, if you need we can just stay in tonight, that's no problem," she offers.

I press a kiss into her temple. "My love, I've spent the last couple days without you, I'm not passing up a date just because I'm a little jet lagged."

She smiles at me and nods. "Alright, sounds good."

"Oh, by the way," she perks up a little. "Charlotte called earlier today and we talked on the phone for a couple hours."

I love how close the two of them are. My not-so-little sister is constantly talking to Laney about everything and anything; mostly to do with her fourth grade drama, and gymnastics practices.

"She was bummed she missed you so she told me to tell you to call her when you get the chance."

"Okay, I will."

Little does Laney know I've been texting with her all day and in a couple hours, we'll be seeing her in person.

⋆✧⋆✧⋆

A pit forms in my stomach at the thought of everything happening later. I don't know why I'm so nervous for tonight. Everything is already organized and I got the hard part over with.

A couple months ago I sat down with Laney's parents, Chase, and Jemma. Not to ask for their permission to marry her because she's not property and the decision is up to her and her alone. The conversation was more so letting them know, so I can have their help in the planning process.

I think back to that night and smile. The four of them have really become my family that I'm probably closer and more comfortable with them than my own dad. But the interactions from our talk still make me laugh.

"Sterling, you're here! Come in, come in. I missed you, sweet boy." Lisa, Laney's mom says as I walk into the house.

She pulls me in for a hug as John shuts the door behind me and pats me on the shoulder. "Come on in, son. Chase and Jemma are just in the living room."

The five of us settle into the room, the four of them on the couch and me on the chair in front of them. God, this feels like an interrogation.

Jesus why am I so fucking nervous right now.

"So, I'm sure you've all probably guess why I asked to meet with you tonight."

Jemma smiles knowingly, Chase pretends to put on a protective older brother front that's breaking down by the second, John nods his head approvingly, and Lisa just about jumps out of her seat in anticipation.

"I'm so excited!" She exclaims. John just rolls his eyes at his wife. "Let the poor boy confirm it before you go into planning mode, honey."

"What? Like it's not completely obvious. They've been together and in love for almost six years now, he's brought us here for a chat, and Delaney is nowhere in site. Let me have my moment."

I just let out a deep chuckle. "I'm here because I'm going to ask Laney to marry me and I wanted the four of you to know in advance. I'm not asking for permission, I think that idea is outdated and sexist, but I do want your blessing and support." I pause to take a deep breath. "I love Delaney with everything I have and I will continue to love her for the rest of our lives. With that, what are your thoughts?"

Jemma's eyes tear up and she's the first to say something. "I'm so happy for the two of you." She pulls me in for a hug and whispers into my ear, "growing up I never thought I'd meet a boy who would be a better match for her than me, but I did and you're him. I love ya."

"Thanks, Jem." I plant a quick kiss on her cheek and she smiles up at me.

One down, three to go.

"I've been waiting for this moment since the day she brought you home. You're a lovely young man, Sterling and I'm honoured to call you my future son-in-law," Lisa is next to voice her support.

Two left.

John stays up from his chair and looks me up and down. If I didn't know him so well, I would be intimidated by his tall height and stern face. But when I look deeper I recognize the familiar crinkle in the corner of his eyes telling me he's happy, and the way he relaxes his shoulders telling me he's okay with this. "I hope I'm not overstepping, but I've seen you as a son to me and I hope you've seen me as something of a father figure."

"I do," I assure him. It's true. He's been there for me on countless occasions when my real dad wasn't. He's the first person I turn to when I need fatherly advice, I look up to him, and follow by his example.

"Well, I'm glad. And I'm excited to make that official. I'd say welcome to the family, but you're already a part of it, you have been from the moment my daughter brought you home." His words choke me up and it takes a lot in me to not start crying.

Last one.

Chase stands in front of me while everyone else clears out of the room to discuss engagement plans without me.

"I always pictured myself hating Laney's boyfriends, needing to break out my right hook, and give out a handful of 'back off' speeches. But damn if she didn't get it right her first shot. All I can say is my sister did a fine job picking you out. You make her happier than I ever thought I'd see her and you made my job easy as fuck. I'm excited for you, man."

He shakes my hand and pulls me in for a hug. "Thanks, Chase."

I snap out of my flashback from a couple months. Despite the fact that I was shaking and my hands were sweating like crazy, it was one of my favourite nights of my life.

⋆✧⋆✧⋆

I tell Laney to get into a nice outfit, something decently comfortable but not casual, and she complies. My girlfriend walks out of our bedroom in a light blue knee-length gown that compliments her perfect body and makes my mouth water.

God, I love this woman.

I pull her into me and kiss her like my life depends on it. It takes every ounce of self-control I have not to rip this dress off of her, fuck her until she can't walk, and ditch our plans.

But tonight is too important.

We make out way to the car and after about a ten-minute drive, we arrive.

Months of planning and secrets, all of which Laney has been completely oblivious to, all lead up to this.

This moment.

Sterling is acting weird.

I can't quite put my finger on it, but something is off, and it's been off from the moment he got home today. But, I put a smile on my face, take his hand in mine, and try to ignore how he's acting.

But, when I get out of the car and begin to recognize the area, the pieces of the puzzle start falling into place.

The two of us walk into a place that holds some of my best memories. I love this library.

Sterling took me here when we were first getting to know each other. Back when I was obsessed with school and thought good grades were the only way I could prove my worth. He forced me to take a break from school work, brought me here, and we opened up to each other. The second time I stepped foot in here was our first official date. The day he asked me to be his girlfriend.

And right now, I get the feeling he's about to ask me another big question.

Holy fucking shit.

Suddenly everything makes sense; the way he's been trying to hide his nervousness, the way he's been checking his phone every five minutes, and the way he's constantly patting the pocket of his suit jacket.

Jesus, was I blind before-hand? It's so obvious now.

"Sterling?" I ask but I'm met with no response. He just pulls me with him through the long hallway and past countless bookshelves.

Suddenly, we reach the main room and it's beautiful. There are lights strung across the room, candles lit, and pictures of the two of us framed everywhere.

I can't believe this is happening.

"Hi, love," he whispers.

"Hi."

Then, he turns around to face me, takes a small black box out of his pocket, and gets down on one knee.

My eyes instantly fill with tears and I bring a hand to my mouth to muffle the sobs escaping me.

"I had this speech planned out, Mason and Theo even helped me with it, but I just forgot everything, so I'm going to improvise. The last six years have been the greatest years of my life because I met you. Meeting you, getting to know you, and loving you, changed my life. The second I laid my eyes on you, I knew you were different; I knew you were someone that I needed to get to know."

My shaky hands steady themselves in his grip and I try my best to listen to every word he's saying even though I feel like I could very well pass out.

"You are truly the best person I have ever met. You are so fucking kind and funny. You're compassionate, a great friend, and fiercely loyal. Thank you for loving me, thank you for being there for Charlotte, thank you for being patient with me when I'm being an idiot, and thank you for supporting me through every step I take. I know I don't deserve you, but I guess I lucked out because you're mine and I'm yours, for life."

My legs get wobbly, my vision blurs, and I don't know how much longer I can stand here silently without screaming.

"If you'll let me, I want to marry you. I want to give you the life you deserve. I want to start a family together, raise our children, and grow old. I promise you that. So, with that, Delaney Lawrence, will you do me the honour of marrying me?"

"Yes," I sob. "Of course I will!" I nod my head frantically as he slides the ring on my finger. Sterling stands on his feet and picks me up in his arms. My lips meet his and he kisses me. Gently at first, and then a little rougher. I melt into the kiss, savouring every second of being in his arms and basking in the moment.

He sets me back down on the ground, keeping me steady with his hands glued to my hips.

"I love this library so much," I tell him.

"I know you do. Which is a good thing, because you own it."

My jaw drops. "What do you mean?"

"The owner of this library passed away a couple months ago and left it to me in his will. This place is yours, baby."

"Hold shit!" I shriek, looking around the room at the insane amount of books, the beautifully old wooden bookshelves, and the ornate light fixtures.

Then, just when I thought this moment couldn't get any better, my closest friends and family pile into the room.

They congratulate the two of us and I can hardly believe all of this is happening.

If someone told me six years ago I would be engaged to the man I swore to ignore, surrounded by my favourite people, and the owner of the prettiest library in the world, I would've laughed in your face. But, fuck, this is real life and I couldn't be happier.

⋆✧⋆✧⋆

I love this book so much and I'm so attached to the characters, I decided to give them an extra long ending. I'm splitting the ending into three parts; a time jump, epilogue, and bonus chapter.

I know it probably seems a bit overkill and it is, but I had too many ideas for the future of these two that I couldn't fit it into one chapter.

This chapter is the most traditionally epilogue-like of the three because of how I tied up the side characters' stories. The next two chapters will likely be much shorter and more focused on Delaney and Sterling only.

With all that being said, I can't believe how soon I have to leave this book, but I'm so grateful for all your support and I hope the ending I provide satisfies your hearts and makes up for the recent chapters.

Question of the chapter: Favourite side character?

Please vote and comment!

Stay safe and healthy