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)
She straightens. “What does that mean? You already lost him once?”
I exchange a glance with Roman.
“I met Lexi at a baseball game in New York. You were visiting your mom, and I decided to take a trip.”
Aurora looks between us, and her brow arches, then her eyes narrow. “How long ago was this?”
“Three and a half years,” I reply.
“In the summer between first and second year?” Understanding dawns. “You were so broody when I came back from my trip with mom. Wow. You’ve been holding a torch all this time.”
“Basically, yeah,” Roman and I say at the same time.
Aurora’s face softens, and she reaches across the table, taking my other hand. “I get it. He’s a great guy.”
“The best,” I agree.
“This still hurts,” she whispers.
“I’m so sorry,” I whisper back.
She gives me a watery smile, then turns that brokenhearted expression on her dad. “I am so, so sorry for keeping you in the dark for as long as I did last season. I understand now in a way I couldn’t before.”
“Kiddo,” Roman says softly.
“You’re an amazing dad. I adore you. And this—” She motions between us. “—this is wonderful. I’ve been secretly shipping you for months.”
“Wait, what?” Roman looks confused.
“I’ve been shipping you too!” Callie adds.
Fee raises her hands. “Also, same.”
“Does this mean Hammer will be our sister, too?” Callie is practically out of her mind with excitement.
Aurora turns her bright, beautiful, and slightly wobbly smile on Callie. “That’s right. We’ll all be a family.”
“I can’t even process that.” I don’t just gain a husband, my sisters gain a father figure and a sister, and the entire, wonderful support system of love that comes with them. It’s more than I’ve ever dared to dream of.
“I love this team so much,” Dred says.
Aurora rolls her shoulders back and taps her lip. “So, just for the sake of clarity, how many years are there between you?”
“I’m twenty-nine and I turn thirty in the summer,” I say.
“And, Dad, how about you?” She props her hands on her chin and smiles angelically.
“I know where you’re going with this, Peggy.”
“Just humor me and answer the question Dado.”
Roman gives her a look. “I’m forty.”
“Oh dude, this is gold,” Dred chuckles.
“Huh.” Aurora bats her lashes. “So you’re a decade older than Lexi. Interesting.”
“Why is that interesting?” Callie asks, so sweetly unaware.
“Because Hollis is twelve and a half years older than Hammer,” Fee says helpfully.
Roman opens and closes his mouth. Shakes his head. “The irony is not lost on me, kiddo.”
“I accept your apology,” Aurora says cheekily. “So, how soon are you tying the knot?”
“As soon as possible.” Roman squeezes my hand.
“Like, this needs to happen ASAP?” Aurora clarifies.
“Ideally, yes. We want to get ahead of Donnie and the no-fraternization policy.” Roman explains. “And the fewer people involved the better.”
“So only the people at this table who know?” Hollis asks.
“We’re the only ones who know the secret?” Callie seems to love this idea.
“That’s right. But it won’t be a secret for long.” My stomach twists uncomfortably. This is getting really real. But the most important people are behind us. And that’s what matters. Roman and I will belong to each other, and whatever happens after that...we’ll handle it.
Roman slides his hand under my braid and gives the back of my neck a light squeeze.
“I’ll be right back.” Aurora pushes away from the table.
For a moment I think she needs a minute because she’s emotional, but she returns with her phone. “We need to make a list. I’m assuming we’re either going to a justice of the peace or having a friend perform this ceremony.” She slides back into her chair beside Hollis.
She hasn’t looked at him once since we dropped this bomb and she found out he already knew. I sincerely hope the secret he’s been keeping hasn’t done damage to their relationship. The ripple effect has the potential to be huge in so many ways. I desperately want to limit the pain we cause the people we love.
“My sister has a friend who works at the courthouse. I can make a call now, if you want,” Hollis offers.
“That would be great,” Roman replies.
Hollis excuses himself.
“You have practice until, what? Eleven tomorrow?” Aurora asks us.
“That’s right.”
“Okay.” She taps her lip with her stylus. “I’m clearing my schedule tomorrow.”
“What will you tell Hemi?” I ask.
“That I need to take a personal day. Which isn’t a lie, and by the time I’m back at work, this will all be out in the open. I’ll come up with a PR plan to help mitigate, but this will likely be a bit of a sh—poopstorm. We’ll deal with that as required. While you’re at practice in the morning, I’ll take the girls dress shopping.”
“I have tomorrow off already, so I can come with you—or tackle whatever else needs to be done,” Dred offers.