When Brandon Saad first offered to let me move in with him in his apartment in Chicago, I admit I was nervous. I had known my childhood neighbor since I was born, but though our families were very close, I didn’t really know him that well. Growing up, he’d always been so busy with hockey, and I with my dance training.

So that’s why it came as a surprise when the Chicago Blackhawk offered his spare room up to me. I wasn’t expecting it. But going into my junior year of college at DePaul University, it was by far the best offer that I had at the time. His apartment was close to campus, and he only asked me to watch the place when he was away on road trips and pitch in for the monthly utilities bills in return.

In the next year after that, Brandon and I became really good friends. Eventually, thanks to pressure from our friends, we started dating. Over the past three years since we started dating, he’s been through my side as I graduated with my undergrad and started grad school. And I’ve been by his side as the Hawks have vied for the Stanley Cup year after year. We’ve had our issues, especially when he would come home angry after a loss and I would be stressed out over exams. One of us would end up sleeping in the guest room for the night. But we always figured it out together.

Today, I’m very lucky that Brandon has a day off in the middle of his playoffs schedule, because I am finally graduating with my Master’s degree. Both of our families are here to celebrate, mine for graduation and his for the playoffs. My mom and his have arranged a small party for me, with our Hawks friends, and I can’t wait to walk across the stage and receive my diploma.

After the ceremony, both of our families gather to take pictures with me in my cap and gown. We go through every combination possible, taking photo after photo, and pretty soon my face hurts from smiling so much. It feels like it’s about a thousand degrees, and all I want is to get home and into the air conditioning. We’re wrapping it all up, getting ready to head back to our apartment, when Brandon asks me to take one more photo with him. We’ve already taken photos together, so I give him an annoyed look. He knows by now that I just want to get out of this stifling gown.

“Please Mel?” He begs, giving me the puppy dog eyes he knows I can’t resist.
“Fine.” I huff, handing my phone over to my mother.

He hands his phone to his mother too, and the two of us pose. I’m expecting a quick photo, but neither mother puts the phone down right away.

“C’mon.” I mutter to myself.
“You know, you should have a little more patience.” Brandon chuckles.
“I know.” I sigh.
“You never know. They could be taking a video right now.”
“Why would they be-”

I cut myself off as Brandon pulls a small box out of his pocket, taking a small step back from me.

“Why would they be taking a video?” He asks, filling in my question. “Maybe because they want to capture this moment forever.”

He gives me a cocky smile and before I can process it, he’s down on one knee.

“Oh my God.” I whisper.

“Mel, I love you more than I have ever loved anyone or any thing in my entire life. You make me a better person, and I am so proud of you for everything that you have accomplished so far in life. I know that the best is yet to come. You’re going to be an incredible businesswoman, and an incredible wife and mother one day. You make me the happiest man in the world, and I don’t ever want to have to wake up without you next to me. I want to be the man who gets to call you his wife, and I want my children to call you mommy. Mel, will you make me the luckiest man in the world and marry me?”

I can’t answer through the tears that have filled my eyes and taken my breath away. I nod my head, reaching for his hand. He stands up and takes my hand in his, slipping the gorgeous diamond ring on my finger.

“I love you so much, Mel. Thank you for choosing me.”

“I love you too.” I’m able to choke out before I press my lips to his, our families and random spectators cheering in the background.

Notes

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