Bound by Love and Rivalry: Auston Matthews

Chapter 15

Auston's POV

The wheels of the plane touched down with a gentle thud, signaling the end of the long road trip and now I get to go home to Brooklyn. The familiar sights of Toronto greeted me, but my thoughts were consumed by my conversation with Tyler and grappling with the past and how it seems no one who knows what I did will ever believe how much I regret and feel terrible for hurting Brooklyn.

Driving home felt both so near and so far at the same time. But once I arrived at the house I felt comfort. The outside light was still on signaling that she was waiting for me to come home.

Brooklyn was in the living room sleeping on the couch, snuggled up with a million blankets and Felix curled in her legs.

I went over and gently brushed some hair out of her face and I couldn't help but smile and think to myself she is so beautiful. Her eyes began to flutter open slowly, and when her eyes met mine we both smiled

"Hey," she said groggily a smile playing on her lips. "How was your trip?"

"Long," I said, trying to keep things light. "But I missed home and I missed you"

I sat down on the couch, her head in my lap stroking her hair gently enjoying her presence but still feeling tense about Tyler and I conversation.

"Something on your mind?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern

"Yeah," I admitted, deciding to be honest. "I had a talk with Tyler after the game"

Brooklyn sat up looking at me "What happened? I didn't know you were playing and Dallas I've been so distracted"

I recounted the confrontation, the tension on the ice, and the weight of Tyler's words. Brooklyn listened in silence, her eyes were focused on the floor. When I finished there was a moment of heavy silence.

"I'm sorry, Auston," she finally said in a soft gentle voice I didn't understand what she was apologizing for

"I just want him to understand that I'm trying, that I really do love you and I want to make everything right"

Brooklyn gave me a small smile, and a glimmer of understanding. "He's protective, Auston. But I really do appreciate that you went and talked to him"

Brooklyn Pov

Hearing that Auston went to speak to Tyler meant a lot to me, this action itself showed how much he cared about me. I thought he would just try and avoid Tyler forever but he didn't and I appreciate the fact that he did that.

We snuggled on the couch for a little bit and ordered some chinese food. We sat and ate. Auston told me the details of the trip and how the games went and I told him what Steph and I have been up to. We laughed and everything in the house felt normal again and I was completely relieved.

Auston and I then grabbed a bottle of wine and sat outside continuing to talk, enjoying what we could of the cool Toronto nights before it got cold once again.

Auston got up to go grab something. When he came back out he had a small box in his hand. My curiosity piqued, and my gaze lingered on the small cox,

"Brooklyn," he began, his eyes meeting mine and it brought a gentle flutter through my heart. "I brought something back for you"

He opened the box, revealing a delicate gold ring – a promise ring, its design was simple but elegant. He gently took my hand and slid the ring onto my finger

"This isn't just a piece of jewelry," Auston explained, his voice soft. "It's a promise. A promise that I won't hurt you again, that I'm committed to making things right. This symbolized my love for you and my commitment to you"

His words resonated, carrying a weight that transcended the gold band now adoring my finger.

Auston continued, his eyes unwavering. "I know I messed up, Brooklyn. I've hurt you, and I can't change the past. But I can promise you a future where I am devoted to making you happy, where I'll cherish and protect you. This ring is a symbol of that promise – a tangible reminder of that I'm all in."

Tears welled up in my eyes, a mixture of emotions swirling within me.

"Auston," I whispered, my voice filled with gratitude and love. "Thank you"

We embraced one another and then turned in for the night. I couldn't have been happier to have Auston home again and he made his first night back so memorable and special.