Lemon Cake (Naughty Desserts)

Epilogue

Nine Months Later

Gemma

Dan decided to play football that year at school. So now, Gemma stood by Gina’s side and cheered him on for his first game. Rider was by her side and Jake by Gina’s, a tight grip on her hand. After the Bullriders’ horrendous season ended, Jake gained a little more confidence. The pair had taken Gemma’s and Rider’s offer to watch Dan so they could get to know each other properly. Once they’d both been confident in the relationship that was growing, Gina had sat down with Dan and explained what was happening—Dan was thrilled .

“He’s good!” Jake cheered as Dan caught his first pass of his career, claiming the first down.

“I’m not sure what else you expected,” Rider scolded.

“Behave.” Gemma laughed, elbowing Rider’s side.

“Anything for you.” Rider hummed and kissed her head then turned his attention back to the field.

Dan got his first win, and they spoiled him with dinner and dessert at his favourite place: Chick-fil-A . Dan loved hanging out with Jake, seeming to love his happy mother even more.

On the drive home Rider took a detour to Bayou Park. “We haven’t been back here since we took our photos,” he explained. “Thought we could take a stroll.”

“That day feels like forever ago. ”

Rider took her hand and kissed her hair. “Almost a year. Are you still happy with the way things are?”

“Over the moon to be honest.”

“Me too. I just wanted to be sure we’re still on the same page.”

“We are.”

The downtown skyline was gorgeous at night, the skyscrapers lighting up the horizon at the far end of the park.

“You told me you loved me here for the very first time,” Rider hummed with the dreamiest of smiles.

“And I was so damn nervous when I did.”

Rider led her to the very tree where they’d taken those pictures. Standing beneath it, he lifted her hand over her head and twirled her around, dancing to music only the two of them could hear. “It was perfect. And every day I thank the heavens that your life crossed paths with mine.”

When Gemma looked up, the tree suddenly lit up, dozens of fairy lights illuminating the space. Her head dipped back and took in the gorgeous lanterns and garlands that bathed them in golden light. She looked back to Rider, only to see him on the ground. He’d sunk down to one knee, a nervous smile on his lips and tears filling his eyes.

“Sweet, gorgeous Gemma. You brought light into my darkest hours, softness to my rough days, and showed me joy when I felt defeated. After spending the past year with you I can’t imagine my life without you.” His shaky hand appeared between them—with a sparkling ring between his thumb and index finger. “So, I ask you from deep within my heart: Will you give me the honour of being my wife? Will you marry me?”

Gemma squealed behind her right hand, offering Rider her left. “Yes. Yes. Yes!”

Rider was quivering so violently, it took him three tries to get the ring on her finger. Then he wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up, this time spinning her around and drowning in a passionate kiss.

“I love you,” she shushed against his lips, cupping his face in her hands.

“I love you too.”

He twirled them around one last time and then carefully set her down and looked over her shoulder. She followed his gaze, seeing Ellie appear from the shadows.

“That was gorgeous you two, congratulations. Take a moment to take it all in and then we’ll take a few more pictures showing off that gorgeous ring.”

Gemma leaned into Rider’s arms, flattening her hand on his chest to admire her new ring. It was silver, the blue gemstone shimmering beneath the twinkling lights.

“It’s stunning. I love it.”

“I was so nervous it wouldn’t fit.”

Gemma only pulled him down and stole another kiss, her heart warm and full of love and excitement for their days to come.