Olly is leaning on the fence in front of me, drenched in sweat, face red with a satisfied smile.
I turn the phone around, giving Chance and Aubrey a moment to say hello.
“Hey, listen, guys, I’m going to go—”
“No, don’t go! Just hand the phone over to Ma,” Aubrey demands.
What has gotten into her?
I pass the phone to Ma, shrugging my shoulders. I knew they met during their stay in Sydney, so I assume she wants to say hi.
With my full focus on Olly, I’m well aware fans have gathered around, desperate to grab an autograph and take a selfie. I lean over the fence, wrapping my hands around his neck and bringing him in for a long-awaited kiss. “I’m so proud of you,” I say, rubbing my nose against his. “You looked so happy in your element.”
“Do you know what would make me even happier?”
Tilting my head to the side, my slack expression stares back at him with curiosity.
His hands run down my arms, ending with them nestled into my own. With a glorious smile, he drops down on one knee, watching me steadily.
Oh. My. God. This can’t be happening.
Ma hands him a navy-blue box, and quickly thanking her, he perches it in the middle of his palm.
Yep, it is happening.
I can feel my heartbeat, every single pound in my chest. It’s louder than the crowd around us, rapid and relentless, making it impossible to breathe. But the reason it’s hammering within my chest is because of the man standing in front of me.
My love.
My best friend.
My soulmate.
“Everyone is watching us,” I whisper, unable to hide my nerves.
“The whole world needs to know you’re mine.” Olly clears his throat, biting on his bottom lip with slight nervousness until the corners of his mouth turn upward. “Gabriella, from the moment I saw you, I knew you weren’t like anyone else. You challenge me, make me a better person, and most importantly, you are my best friend.”
I bring my hand toward my chest as Olly snaps the box open, and inside buried in the matching navy cushion sits a platinum square-cut diamond ring. It’s breathtaking.
“I love you. No matter how much I’ve tried to stop loving you over the past year, it proved impossible. You are the air I breathe, and without you, I don’t know how to exist. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
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.”