Without hesitation, I repeatedly nod, unbeknown the tears have fallen down my cheeks—tears of pure joy.
The crowd erupts into loud applause, many whistling as Olly removes the ring from the box and slides it on my shaky finger. My brain stutters for a moment as my eyes admire the diamond ring, every part of me on pause while my thoughts catch up.
I raise my eyes to meet his gaze. “It’s perfect.”
“Just like you.”
His lips brush mine. Not innocently like a tease, but hot, fiery, passionate, and demanding. I want to pull away before I lose myself in front of the crowd watching us, including his family, but savoring this moment means so much more than other people’s opinions.
As we slowly pull away from each other, Ma hands me back my phone, but not without the biggest hug and welcoming me to their family.
“You’ve made my son the happiest he’s ever been.” She beams with pride.
Even Pa pulls me in for an embrace. “Got me another daughter, eh?”
All of a sudden, I hear, “Hello, Gabbie… Gabbie!”
In the palm of my hand sits my phone with Aubrey and Chance still on FaceTime.
“Oh my God, you guys,” I shout excitedly. “Did you hear that?”
“We saw that.” Chance grins. “Congrats, Gabbo. Olly’s a pain in the arse, but he’s all yours now.”
“I’m so happy,” Aubrey squeals. “The proposal was perfect.”
“Your timing was impeccable, calling me at that moment.”
Her eyes widen, mouth pursed as she stares at me with a knowing gaze. She knew this was going to happen. Aubrey and Chance are like family to Olly, so it makes sense he would approach Aubrey for some guidance.
“Look at the ring.” I hold my hand toward the screen. “It’s stunning.”
“Harry Winston cushion-cut center stone framed by micropavé diamonds, set on a micropavé band,” she says, matter-of-factly.
I can’t help but laugh. “Thank you. And listen, I’ll call you guys tonight.”
“We love you. Chat later,” Aubrey says, waving goodbye.
Ma and Pa have finally released Olly from a group hug, and he motions for me to join him.
“Gabriella,” he whispers slowly, prolonging each letter as if to savor them.
I smile, my heart fluttering at his voice as I clasp my hands on either side of his face. “Yes, Oliver?”
“I have one more surprise for you… tonight.”
“Does it involve edible underwear? Don’t think I haven’t seen what’s sitting inside your closet.”
He kisses my lips, stopping himself from laughing. “No, it’s much better than that.”
We take a stroll along Sydney Harbour, holding hands and admiring the view.
On this warm sunny evening, the moonlight casts across the city. The harbour is dotted with hundreds of sailing boats, cruise boats, and ferries, their lights illuminating the dark water.
This has been the most magical week, and I never want it to end. Waking up beside a man I love with every fiber of my being is pure perfection.
“This is perfect. I can’t believe I’m here, with you, engaged. I’m in love with Australia.”
“I knew you would love it here, but you know, I also love being in the States. We can go back and forth.”
We haven’t talked much about our relationship moving forward, caught up in passionate lovemaking at every waking moment. Long distance will be extremely hard. I’ve committed myself to my work back home, and can’t let Aubrey down, yet Olly’s whole existence is here.
I stop mid-step, eager to gain clarification. “As in I live there, and you live here?”
“Do you really think I would be that far apart from you?”
“Just checking… carry on.”
“So, I was thinking, if you’re keen, we stay here during my season, and off-season we live in the States.”
“But…” So many questions fill my mind. I don’t know where to begin. “I have my job.”
“About that…” He scratches his head, wincing as if he’s about to drop a bomb on me. “I’m kind of well off… rich, to be exact.”
“Olly, I could never—”
“Listen, please,” he demands my attention. “I’ve always wanted to give back. I didn’t grow up in a wealthy family, and my schooling included scholarships and sports-related funding. I have all this money, but it’s pointless if I can’t help others. So, I was talking to Chance, and both he and I would like to open up our own soccer academy here in Australia. We would fight for government funding, of course, but want to invest our money into scholarships which will help less fortunate children.”
I’m speechless, still not understanding how that links to my work. “But… I don’t understand?”
“You’re experienced in running foundations, charity events, all the things we will need to do to make this work,” he tells me with a serious expression. I can tell he’s thought long and hard about this. “Playing A-league means my time is dedicated to training and games. I don’t trust many people, but I trust you. And, so does Chance. So, what do you think?”
“It sounds… too good to be true, but I’d been saving to move out of Aubrey and Chance’s place.”
He places his hand in his pocket, removing a piece of paper. Carefully, he hands it to me, fixated on my reaction. I open the paper. It’s the first page of a contract. My eyes scan through the words until I comprehend what it means.
“Wait, Hermosa Beach… the house next door… I’m confused. Like rent it for the summer, but you want me to work here?”
“No… like live in it,” he states. “As in, it’s ours. You can get rid of that awful blue wallpaper in the bedroom.”
He bought us the house.
My lips fall apart, and in a dazed state, I try to find the right words to say at this moment.
“But I love that wallpaper.”
“Or keep it.” He laughs, lacing his arms around my waist. “Say yes, please?”
Olly wants the best of both worlds, and that’s exactly what he’s given us. Neither
