Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 67991 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67991 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
I’m on my feet with the rest of the crowd as the fight is replayed on the Jumbotron overhead. Rafferty’s head is tipped back, chest heaving, as he watches from the penalty box and periodically squirts water in his mouth. Cooper is jumping up and down, cheering for Rafferty like he just scored a game-winning goal, while Danny looks a mix of shocked and thrilled, his eyes wide and his mouth open.
Watching Rafferty right now, completely nonplussed by what just happened, I realize there’s so much more to this game than I understood. The physicality isn’t just about aggression—it’s about defense, about camaraderie, about standing up for your teammates in the most literal way possible.
As the game resumes, my heart still races, but now a newfound respect mixes with my nerves. This sport isn’t just about skill with the puck; it’s about passion, protection, and pride. And seeing Rafferty in this new light, as a protector, adds a layer to him I hadn’t anticipated—both thrilling and daunting.
It’s a nail-biter to the very end, but the Titans pull out a win with an early third period goal that puts them ahead and then play excellent defense for the rest of the game. When the final buzzer sounds, the crowd is so loud, I can’t even hear Cooper next to me as he shouts. I have to read his lips and I think he’s saying, “That was freaking awesome.”
Yes, kiddo… it was.
They announce the star players of the game who each take a short skate around the ice, sticks raised in gratitude to the audience, Penn Navarro being the last one for the Titans since he scored the game winner. Farren turns to me as the crowd starts exiting the rows. “It was really great to meet you. Any interest in getting together for drinks one night?”
“Um, yeah… that sounds great. But my schedule is so busy. I’m not sure if Rafferty told you about my mom.”
Farren nods, expression sympathetic. “He did, which is why I’m offering to bring a bottle of wine to your house anytime you want. You just say when.”
Laughing, I think that might be the nicest thing anyone has offered in a long time and I’m compelled to hug her. She returns it with an affectionate squeeze and then shuffles out of the row, melting into the crowd.
I turn to Danny and Cooper, chattering animatedly. “You two ready to head home?”
“No way,” Cooper says. “I could stay here forever.”
Laughing, I loop my arm around his shoulders. “Pretty fantastic, huh?”
“The best,” he exclaims. “I’m so glad you met Rafferty.”
And he’s not wrong. Of course, my brother doesn’t know exactly how we met or the ruse that we’re perpetuating, but at this moment, the only thing that matters is the smile on that kid’s face.
CHAPTER 10
Rafferty
I’m new to Pittsburgh, only having lived here since September, but I’ve learned something about the Phipps Conservatory. I know, for example, this historic landmark was built in 1893 by steel tycoon Henry Phipps as a gift to the city. While its primary purpose is to provide horticultural education, it’s a popular venue for weddings such as the one I’m attending this evening.
Stone Dumelin isn’t the first Titans player to get married here. Our goalie coach, Baden Oulett, married his fiancée Sophie here this past July, and I’ve heard tales of how beautiful it was. On the way over, my date—my stunning fake girlfriend Tempe Martin—filled me in on what to expect, but her words really didn’t do it justice.
The conservatory spans fifteen acres, at the center of which stands a massive glasshouse featuring fourteen different rooms that showcase various plants from all around the world. Apparently, Christmas is the time to visit as the entire place is lit with an infinite constellation of lights and every corner houses a vibrant holiday display.
The wedding is taking place inside the Broderie Room, which I find to be a unique choice because there’s no space for traditional seating. It’s made up of floral beds with walkways between them and while I imagine they rotate seasonal plantings, tonight every single bed is filled to the brim with vibrant red poinsettias bordered by neatly trimmed green hedges. The guests fill in along the pathways, standing shoulder to shoulder.
Above us, delicate white lights drape from the ornate glass ceiling, illuminating the space in an almost fairy-tale way. Tempe keeps tilting her head back as we wait for the ceremony to start, eyes roaming over crystal-draped chandeliers that reflect as a million sparkles in her green eyes.
I try not to stare at her but it’s virtually impossible because while I can’t deny she’s so incredibly attractive in all ways, she took my breath away when I picked her up at her house this evening.
She opened the door to me, a broad smile on her face, but I stared mutely, unable to process what I was seeing. She assured me she had a gown that would be appropriate for a formal night wedding, but I couldn’t have imagined in a million years how amazing she’d look in the sapphire floor-length gown with a fitted top and plunging neckline. The skirt is made of some flowy material that flutters around her legs when she walks. She’s draped a matching velvet shawl around her pale shoulders and a tiny pearl clutch is her only adornment. She did her hair in pinned-up curls, a few strands framing her face, and all I could say was, “Wow!”