Penalty for Boarding (Curves on Ice #3)

21. Calvin

CALVIN

T he private dining room at DuPont's French-Creole Fusion buzzes with post-game energy. The exposed brick walls and warm lighting create an intimate atmosphere, while the sous chef, Louis, directs the other servers with professional efficiency, bringing out plate after plate of Natalie's signature dishes. I glance around the room, taking in the sight of my teammates—my family—scattered around the long table. A few weeks ago, I would have been sitting here feeling separated from the celebration, my ass warming the bench for a lot of the early season due to my ankle issues. But now I lean back in my chair, reveling in the camaraderie that fills the air.

Tonight is perfect. In fact, life in general is perfect. The team's riding high after another win, Olivia's new training programs are making us an even greater force than before, and the small velvet box in my pocket feels like it's burning a hole straight through to my skin. I catch her eye across the table where she's deep in conversation, Natalie explaining plans to expand the restaurant to her and Sara. She belongs here, with us, with me. And tonight, I plan to make sure she knows just how permanent that belonging should be.

“Chef,” Louis approaches Natalie with that ever-present professional demeanor of his. “The special appetizers you requested?”

“Perfect timing.” Natalie nods, barely containing her knowing smile as another round of dishes appears.

The food is incredible, as always. Natalie has outdone herself with a spread that has even the most disciplined players breaking their strict dietary rules. But then again, her cooking has always had that effect on us—it's impossible to resist.

“Man, Coach better not be planning to whip the scales out at practise on Monday,” Declan groans, helping himself to another serving of jambalaya. “But damn if it isn't worth it.”

“You sure you want more, Dec?” Emile teases. “We’ve all noticed how hard you’re going at ballet class. Maybe you’re thinking about a career change? And those guys are stricter than coach with their diet.”

The tips of Declan's ears turn pink. “I’m…just building muscle mass!” he retorts, puffing out his chest for effect. “It helps my skating.”

“And having an instructor like Victoria checking on your form has little to do with your interest?” Luc teases, earning a round of laughs from the table.

I watch Olivia try to hide her smile behind her wine glass. She told me just yesterday how she caught Declan staying late after training, supposedly working on his ‘turnout’ while Victoria demonstrated proper form. The man's got it bad, but who am I to judge? One look at Olivia and I'm just as gone.

“The champagne is chilling as requested,” Louis says as he appears at Natalie's side again. She gives him a subtle nod, and I feel my heart rate kick up. She knows what I'm planning tonight—they all do. This whole dinner was orchestrated to not only celebrate the positive effect Olivia’s programs have had on the team, but for me to make our future together official, too.

Luc stands suddenly, tapping his glass with his fork. “Actually, speaking of our amazing training staff, I'd like to propose a toast.” He grins down at Olivia. “To Dr. Angelo, who's not only kept us in one piece this season but has actually made us better than ever. Even if she did make us do a bunch of weird stuff like doing pilates and wearing ballet slippers to do it.”

The guys laugh and raise their glasses. Olivia blushes that beautiful shade of pink I love so much, ducking her head at the attention.

“Seriously though,” Luc adds. “The way you've transformed our training program... We're stronger, faster, more flexible. Hell, Calvin's moving better than he has in years.”

“It’s true,” I say. “I was thinking I had no choice but to retire. But then Olivia walked into my life and…” Pride and love builds behind my eyes, and I have to pause, lifting my water glass in the air before adding, “To Olivia.”

“To Olivia!” the room echoes, and I catch her eye, holding her gaze as a soft smile spreads across her lips.

‘I love you,’ she mouths, and I give her a wink, because fuck, I love her too.

“You know what this means, doc.” Emile leans forward. “You're officially a Nighthawk now. No changing teams ever again.”

More laughter ripples through the room, but I see my moment and take it. “Actually, I think I have a way to make that even more permanent,” I say, rising to my feet.

The room falls silent as I move around the table to where Olivia sits. Her eyes widen as I reach into my pocket and lower myself to one knee. Louis appears silently at the edge of the room, champagne at the ready, while Natalie grips Sara's forearm in anticipation.

“Olivia Angelo,” I begin, my voice steady despite my racing heart. “From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were it for me. My forever. My home.” I can see tears gathering in her eyes as I continue, “You've not only fixed my ankle, but you've made me whole in ways I never knew I needed. You took a chance on me, on us, when the entire world seemed against it. You've given up so much to be with me, but baby, I want to give you everything in return.”

I pull out the ring—a stunning sapphire surrounded by diamonds that reminded me of her eyes the moment I saw it. “I love you more than anything in this world, and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much. Will you marry me?”

The room holds its collective breath as Olivia stares at me, tears now flowing freely down her cheeks. For a heart-stopping moment, everything is still. Then...

“Yes,” she whispers, before her voice grows stronger. “Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes!”

The room erupts in cheers as I slip the ring onto her finger and pull her into my arms, savoring the warmth of her laughter against my chest before I take her face in my hands and press my lips against hers. The clinking of glasses and raucous celebration surround us, but all I can focus on is Olivia, and the way she fits so perfectly against me like we were always meant to be.

“Now that's what I call making it permanent!” Declan whoops when we finally part. Then suddenly everyone is on their feet, surrounding us with their congratulations and plenty of back slapping and hugs.

“Welcome to the family, officially,” Sara says, wiping tears from her eyes as she hugs Olivia tight.

“This calls for champagne!” Natalie announces, and Louis immediately begins distributing glasses.

As our teammates celebrate around us, I keep Olivia close, unable to stop smiling. “I love you,” I murmur against her temple.

She turns in my arms, her eyes shining with joy. “I love you too. Forever.”

“Forever,” I agree, sealing the promise with another kiss.

Because that's what this is—a promise of forever. Of building a life together, of facing whatever challenges come our way as one. Of growing old together, surrounded by the family we've chosen and the love we've fought so hard to keep.

And as I watch Olivia showing off her ring to the girls, laughing and crying at the same time while our teammates continue to celebrate around us in this perfect setting Natalie has created, I know with absolute certainty that this is the moment we entered into our happily ever after.