Brenna

Since our "run-in" on Granville Street last year, Shea and I have been taking it slow. Now that university is over and I've opened my own practice for physical therapy, life is making sense. Shea's career as a professional hockey player has taken off. We're happy together. Everything is on the upswing. 

That's why it was a fitting decision when we decided to move in together. Lynn Valley is in Northern Vancouver, and up until Shea took me home after his game a year ago, I'd never visited. I fell in love with his house. The style and the location. Even now, with us living together, the house holds promise. There are three empty bedrooms, two if you don't count the spare room meant for guests. And that's not including our master bedroom. Pair that with three bathrooms, two floors, a gym downstairs, and an open-concept kitchen?

Yeah, I'm bragging a little. That's what happens when you're dating a hot-shot hockey player.

But the best part? Lynn Valley reminds me of West Kelowna. It has less city-ish vibes and there are some great local food locations. Plus, we have access to hiking trails and a great swimming hole in the park. 

While the living conditions are superb, it is difficult being the girlfriend of a hockey player. Especially when you're also a well-known hockey player. After being MVP on UBC's team and playing for Team Canada in the Olympics, the bar is set high. Having a shot at winning gold at the Olympics twice more is invigorating, but also nerve-wracking. Then, on top of that, there's still sexism and toxic news outlets on social media. Despite playing hockey and being an advocate for equality within the hockey community, I'm still labelled as a puck bunny or a woman who wants to be with Shea because he's rich.

That's not the case.

I'm a hard-working woman with two jobs and a boyfriend who loves me.

Shea struggled when we first made our relationship public. He didn't want to piss off the franchise or media, but he continued to have meetings with his PR, and they developed a framework to follow. Shea's fearlessness is reflected in that. He doesn't give a fuck about what fans or other hockey players think about him. He defends me and other women, as well as the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. He has a foundation for hockey equality and also plays a big role at BC Children's Hospital. I help out with these, too. Not because it looks good regarding our reputations, but because the world needs equality.

Did I mention I have an amazing boyfriend?

Issues aside, the summer months are my favourite time of year. Why? Because Shea is off for the season and work is inevitably slower. This means we're able to make up for lost time.

Like today.

Today, we're packing a picnic lunch and going down to the suspension bridge and swimming hole in Lynn Canyon Park. It's hot outside, and a swim is what we need. Maybe we'll do a bit of hiking prior to cooling off in the swimming hole.

"This is fun," I say.

We're heading down a dirt trail. At the end, I can see the suspension bridge. It stretches across the canyon, where a creek resides below. Once we cross the bridge, we'll take the trail down to the creek and trek up it a ways. That's where we'll find the waterfall and swimming hole.

I glance at the trees above us. They're mighty cedars, and the canopy is so thick you can hardly see the sky. Moss climbs up the trunks, and the wood is damp like the dirt, giving off a musky forest smell.

Shea wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me against him. "It is. We haven't done a lot of this. I'm glad we found some time."

Today, he's wearing navy blue swim shorts, a white muscle shirt, a Vancouver hat, and sunglasses. The recent tattoo on his shoulder blade peeks out from beneath his shirt. It's a rock formation from a picture we took at the West Coast Trail earlier this summer. It matches the one of the ocean on my shoulder.

Matching tattoos on a couple is a risky business. When you're in a relationship, you have to consider reality. And the reality is, that not all couples make it until the end. Even so, Shea and I made the executive decision to get these tattoos. Not only because we love each other, but because we love the memory. If we decide to have kids, we're taking them there. To the West Coast Trail. You haven't lived until you've hiked it.

Shea's sunglasses are bit of a downer. But I can't say much since I'm wearing a pair myself. As well as a hat. Being the power couple in the hockey world comes with consequences. We're recognizable wherever we go in Canada. Even in some parts of the USA.

Normally, we don't put in the effort of obscuring ourselves from the public. Shea and I are used to being in the spotlight. We have been since high school thanks to our now-dormant rivalry. Plus, we've been trained by PR how to deal with the public and present ourselves in a respectful manner.

Today, though, has had an obscene amount of effort. Shea insisted we leave early—it's not even eight o'clock in the morning yet—and wear appropriate attire. He's been acting strange, too. It makes me wonder what's on his mind. Ella thinks it's a proposal. So does Melody, KJ's girlfriend. They have yet to meet, but I hope they will soon. KJ and Melody are supposed to visit Northern Vancouver before the season starts. Plus, I want to meet Ella's boyfriend. It'll be fun when we can all hang out. 

A giddy feeling spreads through my chest. Look at all of us! We're living the lives we wanted.

"Running" into Shea couldn't have been better. In hindsight, lurking around the arena post-game would've been stupid. Security probably would've escorted me off of the premises, but thanks to KJ's superior thinking and Ella's scheming, we were able to stage the run-in instead.

It was magical. 

It's a day I'll never forget.

Smiling at the memory, I glance at Shea. He's whistling a low tune. Probably another Taylor Swift song. My bets are placed on 'august.' Shea hasn't been able to turn it off for a few days now, which I'm totally happy with. Had he been a Taylor Swift hater, that would've been a deal breaker. 

Still, I have to ask, "What are you so happy about?"

While I'm waiting for his answer, I adjust the backpack on my shoulders. It's carrying some towels and bottles of sunscreen, as well as the picnic basket. Shea's carrying another backpack that's full of food and some bottled water. 

He shrugs. "Do I need a reason to be happy? I'm a guy out on a date with his girlfriend on a beautiful day in August."

"Point taken," I reply. Suspcision still resides within my gut, though. He's acting strange. Distant but here.

We're at the steep incline right now, the one just before the suspension bridge. Around us, the scenery is thick with cedar and pine trees and the sound of running water. Birds are chirping while bathing in the early-morning sunlight.

Okay, I'll cut the guy some slack. This is a very serene area. No wonder he feels content. Plus, the trail isn't busy. Which is a good thing because it means there's a lesser chance of us running into fans.

Instead of having to wait for people to finish pictures and selfies on the suspension bridge, Shea and I are able to cross it freely. The couple walking back to the parking lot don't shoot us a second glance.

After the suspension bridge, we take a left, which only takes us deeper into the canyon and closer to the creek running through it. The dirt trail eventually turns into wooden stairs, and beyond that, a boardwalk. We follow the damp boardwalk until the next set of stairs that will lead up back up to the trail. Instead of taking the stairs, we veer to the left, where we come to a large swimming hole. It's thirty feet deep and a beautiful emerald-blue shade. Above the water, there are multiple rock formations that people jump off of just for the thrill of it, and above those are more pine trees. Further back, there is a small waterfall.

I sigh in happiness as I stare at our surroundings. I love this place, and what makes it even better is that there are only about five of us here right now, including Shea and I.

"Ready to go for a swim?"

I look at Shea.

While I was busy admiring the view, he was busy claiming a spot for us to sit. He's also gotten rid of his muscle shirt, sunglasses, and hat, giving me a full-on, shiver-inducing view of his toned body and handsome face.

Dirty thoughts run through my head. Ones that include me rubbing sunscreen all over his body.

Shaking my head, I give Shea a thumbs-up and remove my racerback workout top and my matching shorts. Beneath me, there's a pool of black fabric. I step over it, taking Shea's hand.

His intense hazel gaze burns as he inspects me from head-to-toe. No matter how many times he uses that gaze, it always manages to intimidate me. Especially when I'm wearing something he could easily remove from my body.

Long story short, Shea's a god in bed.

And my mind is filthy. 

Not a good combination. 

Cheeks burning, I ask, "What?"

He flashes me a toothy grin. "Nothing. Come on. Let's go jump off of the rock."

I reach out to take his hand. However, the one I'm aiming for quickly ends up in the pocket of his swim shorts. He steps around me, taking my other hand.

My eyes turn into thin slits and I cock my head to the side. "What's your deal?"

Still grinning, he shrugs. Then he turns away, tugging me to the small trail. It goes up the right side of the swimming hole, giving us a prime view of the waterfall and the space below. The drop isn't too high. What creeps me out a little is how clear the water is; you can see right to the bottom. Thirty feet, all the way to the bottom. Thank god I can't see any fish. Otherwise, Shea would have to force me into the water. 

At the top, Shea's grip tightens on my left hand. Then it softens. His thumb brushes across the back of my hand, making me shiver.

It also makes my mind go funny.

"Are we going to jump?" I ask.

Smacking my forehead seems like a good idea. What a stupid question to ask. Why else would we hike up here?

Shea looks at me, a playful smile on his lips. "If you want to."

There's a hint of a challenge to his tone. It makes me forget about my stupidity. While we no longer deem ourselves as rivals, there is some competition between us. It makes things fun.

"Of course I want to jump. I always hit the water first. You always lose."

He shakes his head. "No. That's not how it goes, Bren. You always jump before we count to three to make sure you win."

I pat my boyfriend on the back. "Keep telling yourself that, buddy."

Shea snorts. "I will as long as you keep denying the fact that you cheat."

I smile, loving how competitive we can be. We're not overly competitive, but just enough to banter back and forth about it.

Shea angles his body towards mine. His other hand comes in contact with mine and he threads our fingers together. "On three?"

He adds emphasis on word. I roll my eyes. "On three."

True to our agreement, we both jump on three.

The water engulfs me, cold and refreshing. When I open my eyes underwater, I see thousands of small, medium, and large bubbles rising to the surface. Underwater, my vision is skewed. There are large outcrops of rocks and everything looks like it's moving because of the bubbles. I'm unsure which large, dark object is Shea.

I rise to the surface gasping for air. A shiver reverberates down my spine. With the adrenaline wearing off, the cold is a bit of a shock to my body. Still, it feels good. I was a little sweaty by the time we arrived here, from the hiking portion.

While treading water, I look around for Shea. We hit the water at the same time, so he should be breaking the surface soon. A few seconds tick past, but I don't see him anywhere.

Water drips down my face as I turn around in a circle, looking for him. Still, I don't see him.

As I'm turning around to face the waterfall, I catch sight of the signs that warn people about jumping. People have died here before. It's been on the news. It's rare, but it happens. It can happen anywhere. The very thought ignites panic in my gut. What if Shea slipped when we jumped and hit his head?

No, that can't be possible. Had he slipped, there would've been a bad scenario, as it would've affect me, too. We were holding hands.

The jackass is probably playing a prank on me.

Just as I'm about to dive underwater, I feel a hand grab mine and pull me under.

A scream erupts from my throat, sending more bubbles to the surface. Everything is blurry underneath, but when I feel Shea's lips on mine, everything goes slack. It's like my mind is wired love him. Any time he touches me or says my name, my mind focuses on him.

When we're both dying for oxygen, we push to the surface.

"Jackass," I say, splashing water at him. "I was terrified that you had knocked yourself out or something!"

He splashes water back at me, panting and treading water. "Just making sure you still love me."

I roll my eyes, swimming over to him. Once I'm there, I wrap my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. It's a little unfair that he has to tread the water all by himself, but he's an athlete. Think of it as a new approach to strength training.

"Of course I still love you," I say. "Although, I do question my sanity sometimes."

"Jerk," he laughs. Droplets of water fall from his heavy lashes, sparkling in the sunlight.

I roll my eyes, splashing more water at him. "You are so damn ridiculous sometimes."

He shrugs. "I do my best..." Shea trails off, frowning as he directs his gaze downward. "Are you okay? It looked like you hit your hand on one of the rocks when you jumped."

My frown mirrors his. "What are you talking about? I landed perfectly."

Shea shakes his head. "Just let me see it. I think you did. And knowing you, Bren, you're probably fighting your way through the pain so I don't worry."

While that may be true, it's not this time. There were no rocks around me when I landed. Annoyance pokes at me. Why won't he listen to me?

"Shea," I say. "Quit obsessing over this. I didn't hurt my hand."

"C'mon. Just let me see it. There's no harm in double-checking, right?"

My gaze connects with his. His hazel eyes display nothing but determination. Which means he will not let up until I've given him what he wants.

I roll my eyes. "Which hand?"

"The left one," Shea replies.

I'm starting to think Shea hit his head on a rock. Maybe the impact left behind some serious brain damage.

I oblige and lift my hand up from beneath the water, ready to tell him what an idiot he's being for worrying. Or that he's crazy for thinking something like that. After a jump like that combined with hitting my hand on a rock, my bones would be broken. I'd be in serious pain. 

However, when I lift my hand, I realize how heavy it feels. Shit. Maybe I did hit it and the pain is so bad it's causing a numbing effect.

Again, I'm wrong.

 I catch the sight of something shiny beneath the heated rays of sunshine.

My throat closes. My heart drops into my stomach.

Thank God I'm holding onto him or else I think I'd start drowning; I've lost control of all mobility in my body. I feel like I'm short circuiting.

"H-how?" I stutter, gaping at the ring. "W-when?"

He chuckles. "When I pulled you under the water. It's why I was acting so touchy. Figured you wouldn't notice right away from the adrenaline and the excessive touchiness today. Looks like it worked."

I'm too shocked to smack his smug grin off of his face. 

Although my mind is racing, it begins to piece things together. That's why he stuffed his hand in his pocket when I reached for it. And when he pulled me underwater, he must have slipped the ring on. I was too distracted to notice. It's like when you're focused on something and there's a bug crawling on you; you don't notice until you lose focus. 

The ring is perfect. Paired with a gold band, the diamond is about as big as the nail of my pinkie finger. It's bracketed by two smaller rubies.

"As you know," Shea says. His gaze is focused on the ring. "I'm not keen on speeches. So, I'll make this short and simple. Brenna Harrison, I want you to marry me. I want to have babies with you and travel with you. To continue our competitive relationship. I want you for the rest of my life. So, will you marry me?"

Still in shock, my eyes dart back and forth between him and the ring. I feel like I'm taking too long to reply. Not that it's my fault. Despite Ella and Melody's theory about Shea proposing to me, I never expected this. I expected a quiet dinner and a bottle of wine. Not jumping off of a cliff and into freezing-cold water.

Plus, I didn't expect it today. Maybe in the future, but not today. It seems sudden. It's only been a year since we reunited. But my lagging brain catches up. Who cares if we've only been dating for a year? We have history. Lots of it. I love him, he loves me.

So, just like Shea, I get right to the point. Without a word, I lean forward and kiss him deeply, my fingers tangling in his wet hair.

"Yes," I murmur against his lips. "Yes, I will marry you."

Shea's arms wrap tightly around my body, pulling me into a hug.

"Although," I say, giggling. "I have to admit, that was pretty ballsy move, putting the ring on my finger before I even had a chance to respond. What if I'd declined your proposal?"

Shea shrugs, pulling out of the hug. "I would have taken the ring, put it back in its case, and tried again next week."

"Ballsy," I laugh. "So freaking ballsy."

"Fucking right," he replies. "You're Brenna Harrison. I need to be ballsy with you."

I bite my bottom lip, my eyes filling with tears. My heart is erratic, and the adrenaline is back in full-force.

I love our story. The story of how two rivals that were made for each other. Even after we were pulled apart by individual decisions, we still found each other. Nothing can break us apart. All roads lead back to the other.

"I love you," I say. Tears drip from my chin, mixing with the water.

Shea runs his hands down my shoulders. I love you, too, Bren."

Everything changed since our "run-in" on Granville Street. And things will continue to change. Life will go on and we'll continue to grow with it.

And for that, I'm grateful.

"So, Mrs. Smith," he murmurs. We've been treading water for so long, I'm not surprised when I feel my back press against the smooth rock surface. It's across from where we jumped, weathered away by the waterfall. "How are we going to celebrate?"

I cock an eyebrow. "What makes you think I want your last name?"

His smile broadens. And the pure happiness in his eyes almost makes me sob. "Whatever you want. If you want me to take Harrison, I will. The hockey team can deal with their shit. Shove their protests up their ass. Besides, Shea Harrison sounds like a cool name." His gaze flickers to the shadow between my breasts. "Either way, we can save that for later." He brushes his thumb across the top of my breast. A shiver creeps up my spine, making my toes tingle. "As for the celebration? I have a few things in mind. If you're up to it."

The look in his hazel eyes is charmingly devilish. My cheeks heat up. I pull my bottom lip between my teeth. "What did you have in mind?"

He leans forward until his lips are close enough to mine that I can feel his hot breath on my mouth. Beneath the water, his free hand traces the waistband of my bikini bottoms. "Whatever you want," he murmurs. "That's what I had in mind." 

I suck in a deep breath.

And then I tell him.