Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
“They are wonderful people, and I’m so glad they’ve become a support system for you. When we get back to Toronto, we can start planning our summer wedding, if you want one,” Roman says.
“I do. Just something small and intimate, though, with the people we love the most.”
“Exactly. And then we’ll go somewhere private, where I can love you all day long.”
That I get to spend my life with this man is a joy and an honor. “That sounds beyond perfect.”
CHAPTER 45
ROMAN
Roman
How’s the game going tonight?
Fee
Second period just started, but so far she’s shutting out the other team!
Roman
That’s amazing. Keep us updated!
Fee
I will!
Ashort video of the on-ice action follows, as well as a photo of Fee and Dred sitting together in the stands. Dred has become like a pseudo-sister-aunt to those girls over the past few months. Lexi and I are extraordinarily lucky to have her in our lives. On nights like this, when the Terror has a game and so does Callie, Dred accompanies Fee to watch Callie.
“How’s the game going for Callie?” Hollis asks as we make our way to the arena.
“The second period just started, but it’s a shutout so far.” I slide my phone into my pocket.
“Wishing you were there?”
Always so fucking perceptive. “Yup. Soon enough I will be.”
“Soon neither of us will have the same travel schedule.”
Hollis is still on the retirement train with me, and that gives me something else to be excited about when I step into coaching shoes at the Hockey Academy.
“I know. As sad as I am to be hanging up my skates, I’m ready for it. I want time with the girls. I want to be present for Callie.” The elevator doors open, and we step inside.
The past month has had its fair share of ups and downs. The annual gala was last weekend, and it was nice to watch the date with a hockey player auction and not be part of it this year. It was also fantastic to have my wife on my arm. Sophia, who won the date with me last year attended with the Waters. She was introduced to Tristan’s dad, who came to show support, and the two of them spent the night talking.
The media coverage of the gala touched on my relationship with Lexi, but for the most part the focus stayed on the auction, which is a good sign for next season.
In addition to raising a huge amount of money for charity through the gala, the Terror is slated to make the playoffs. But we’re not at the top this time. I’d love to be in the same space we were last season, but a short off-season has an impact. While other teams had an extra month to recuperate, we were fighting for the Cup. Not to mention all the other changes.
“You’re enjoying being a pseudo stepdad, eh?” Hollis rubs his bottom lip.
“It’s nice to parent with someone,” I agree.
“Do you think you’d want to start again?”
“If that’s what Lexi wants, then yeah. I’d take time off, be the primary parent so she can focus on her career.”
Hollis laughs.
“Why is that funny?”
“You didn’t even hesitate. You’re already planning for this, aren’t you?”
“I mean, I’ve thought about it. Callie’s only nine. I’m forty. If Lexi gets pregnant in the next couple of years, I’ll still have lots of energy. I’d love to do it again, but with someone this time, you know?”
“Oh, I get it.” He hides a smile behind his hand.
I arch a brow. “You can’t be ready for that. You haven’t even proposed yet.”
“I will. Soon.”
“Do not get my daughter pregnant.”
He claps me on the shoulder. “I’d like her to have some time in her career, and I’d like to be married for a couple of years before we start that discussion. But it’s good to know where you stand.”
“I just want her to live a little.”
“I know. Me too, Roman.”
Hemi and Peggy are waiting at the end of the hall for us.
Peggy’s eyes narrow. “You two look serious.”
“You look beautiful,” Hollis says smoothly and gives her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“You good?” Hemi asks.
“I’m good.”
Dallas pushes through the doors to our right. “Honey? There you are. You were there one second, and then you were gone.” Dallas adjusts his tie. He’s dressed in his typical plaid-suit uniform.
“You were too busy looking at your pretty face in the mirror.” Hemi wears a smirk.
“Hemi really owns your ass, doesn’t she?” I chuckle.
“One hundred percent yes. All day every day.” He stops in front of her. “Permission to put my lips briefly on your lips because I won’t survive until after the game if you say no.”
“You can kiss me. But don’t try to slip me the tongue or I won’t be nice later.”
“Oh, honey, that was the wrong thing to say.” He winds his arm around her waist and pulls her against him.