went to the locker rooms to change into our free skate costumes. We had to sit for team photos on the ice after the show. When Liza’s name was called, we ran up the tunnel and parked ourselves rinkside for a front-row view. Her heartfelt performance did make me misty-eyed, and I hurried afterward to collect myself for the finale of the show.
The Olympic team members filled the ice, and as the DJ played The Black Eyed Peas, we tossed autographed Frisbees and T-shirts into the screaming audience. Between throwing goodies, we took turns carrying an American flag around the rink and soaking in the energy of the fans. After being on the outside looking in at all the Olympic hoopla in the past, I flew across the ice and waved the flag high and proud, so honored to finally be in the exclusive club.
When we had to say our goodbyes, everyone retreated to the lounge to wait for the okay to return to the ice, but I stayed at the edge of the tunnel, watching the crowd disappear. The last bodies emptied the seats, and I quickly hopped back onto the ice. As I did a few twizzles, I heard another set of blades whooshing behind me. I looked over my shoulder and smiled at the sight of Josh.
“No surprise we’re the most eager to get out here,” I said.
He stopped in front of me and took both my hands. “No one else is coming.”
I tilted my head in confusion, and I became more surprised when music began to play on the sound system. I recognized the haunting cello notes right away.
“Your Hands Are Cold” from Pride and Prejudice. One of our most special songs.
My heart began to race.
Could it be… ?
“What…” I squeaked. “Why is this song…”
“Because it was playing the first time I kissed you, and it was our first program as a team. And we’re here on the ice because that’s where I first saw you. A moment that changed my life.” He wet his lips, and I held my breath, waiting for him to continue. “And I hope today will be another first for us. The first day of our future together.”
I had to breathe, and it came out as a small cry. Josh bent on one knee, and our hands trembled together. He gazed up at me, his clear blue eyes so bright and alive, and I bit my lip to stop from screaming “Yes!” before he even asked the question.
“Court, you have inspired me and challenged me and made me a stronger, better man.” His voice broke, and my own throat tightened. “You are my first and my forever love.”
He fumbled inside his pocket, and the tears brimming in my eyes escaped onto my cheeks. Opening the black velvet box, he revealed a dazzling diamond ring. I let out a louder cry and immediately started nodding. I couldn’t help myself.
Josh gave me a brilliant smile. “Courtney Elizabeth Carlton, will you marry me?”
“Yes, yes, yes!”
He shot to his feet and wrapped me in his arms, lifting me from the ice. I’d had so many memorable moments on the ice in my career, but none more incredible than this one. Nothing could top this. Ever.
Applause and catcalls echoed in the empty building, and I turned to see all the skaters watching from the kiss and cry. Liza stood at the front, doing a happy dance.
“And I thought this week couldn’t get any better,” I said.
“Ready to make it official?” Josh took the ring from the box.
“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”
He kissed the back of my hand and slipped the diamond onto my finger. The round cut and the plain platinum band were classic and timeless. The perfect symbol of our love for each other.
I looked into his eyes and whispered through my tears, “I love you so much, Joshua Joseph Tucker.”
We melted into a kiss, and more cheers rang out. Two familiar little voices carried above the noise, and I saw the twins, Em, Sergei, and our families walking down to the boards.
I gaped at Josh. “Everyone knew?”
“I needed Em’s help setting it all up, and I talked to your parents after I bought the ring.”
“When
The Olympic team members filled the ice, and as the DJ played The Black Eyed Peas, we tossed autographed Frisbees and T-shirts into the screaming audience. Between throwing goodies, we took turns carrying an American flag around the rink and soaking in the energy of the fans. After being on the outside looking in at all the Olympic hoopla in the past, I flew across the ice and waved the flag high and proud, so honored to finally be in the exclusive club.
When we had to say our goodbyes, everyone retreated to the lounge to wait for the okay to return to the ice, but I stayed at the edge of the tunnel, watching the crowd disappear. The last bodies emptied the seats, and I quickly hopped back onto the ice. As I did a few twizzles, I heard another set of blades whooshing behind me. I looked over my shoulder and smiled at the sight of Josh.
“No surprise we’re the most eager to get out here,” I said.
He stopped in front of me and took both my hands. “No one else is coming.”
I tilted my head in confusion, and I became more surprised when music began to play on the sound system. I recognized the haunting cello notes right away.
“Your Hands Are Cold” from Pride and Prejudice. One of our most special songs.
My heart began to race.
Could it be… ?
“What…” I squeaked. “Why is this song…”
“Because it was playing the first time I kissed you, and it was our first program as a team. And we’re here on the ice because that’s where I first saw you. A moment that changed my life.” He wet his lips, and I held my breath, waiting for him to continue. “And I hope today will be another first for us. The first day of our future together.”
I had to breathe, and it came out as a small cry. Josh bent on one knee, and our hands trembled together. He gazed up at me, his clear blue eyes so bright and alive, and I bit my lip to stop from screaming “Yes!” before he even asked the question.
“Court, you have inspired me and challenged me and made me a stronger, better man.” His voice broke, and my own throat tightened. “You are my first and my forever love.”
He fumbled inside his pocket, and the tears brimming in my eyes escaped onto my cheeks. Opening the black velvet box, he revealed a dazzling diamond ring. I let out a louder cry and immediately started nodding. I couldn’t help myself.
Josh gave me a brilliant smile. “Courtney Elizabeth Carlton, will you marry me?”
“Yes, yes, yes!”
He shot to his feet and wrapped me in his arms, lifting me from the ice. I’d had so many memorable moments on the ice in my career, but none more incredible than this one. Nothing could top this. Ever.
Applause and catcalls echoed in the empty building, and I turned to see all the skaters watching from the kiss and cry. Liza stood at the front, doing a happy dance.
“And I thought this week couldn’t get any better,” I said.
“Ready to make it official?” Josh took the ring from the box.
“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”
He kissed the back of my hand and slipped the diamond onto my finger. The round cut and the plain platinum band were classic and timeless. The perfect symbol of our love for each other.
I looked into his eyes and whispered through my tears, “I love you so much, Joshua Joseph Tucker.”
We melted into a kiss, and more cheers rang out. Two familiar little voices carried above the noise, and I saw the twins, Em, Sergei, and our families walking down to the boards.
I gaped at Josh. “Everyone knew?”
“I needed Em’s help setting it all up, and I talked to your parents after I bought the ring.”
“When
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