The arena roared with applause as Kat finished her final spin, chest heaving, eyes shining brighter than the spotlights above. You stood at the edge of the rink, your heart pounding—not just from the beauty of her routine, but from the secret burning in your pocket.

This wasn’t just her best performance—it was the moment you’d been waiting for.

She glided toward you after bowing, cheeks flushed, still catching her breath. The judges’ scores flashed, a near-perfect set, and the crowd went wild again. But she only looked at you.

“You did it,” you whispered as she leaned over the barrier, sweat-damp and radiant. “Kat, you were flawless.”

Her laugh was shaky, overwhelmed. “I… I can’t believe it. Everything I’ve worked for—it finally happened.”

You took her hand, squeezing it tightly, trying to steady your own nerves. “Kat… there’s one more thing that needs to happen tonight.”

Her brows furrowed, confused, until you stepped onto the ice yourself. Gasps echoed through the crowd as you dropped down on one knee, pulling a small velvet box from your pocket.

Kat’s hand flew to her mouth, eyes wide, tears instantly brimming.

“Kat Baker,” you said, voice thick with emotion. “I’ve watched you fall, I’ve watched you rise, I’ve watched you fight for everything you are. And I’ve loved you through every single step. You’ve always been my champion. Will you marry me?”

The audience erupted, some even chanting her name, but you only saw her—the way her hands trembled, the way she nodded furiously as tears spilled down her cheeks.

“Yes!” she cried, throwing her arms around you, nearly knocking you both to the ice. “God, yes!”