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Gerard has been not-so-subtly hinting for years about christening it with a little al fresco fun. Ever since that memorable New Year’s Eve back in college when I fucked him while the party was going on downstairs, he’s developed quite the exhibitionist kink.

Maybe one day.Maybe.

It’s not just Gerard and I who have entered another tax bracket, though. My mother has traded her waitressing uniform for designer labels. Her new job as Gerard’s personal assistant affords her a taste of the good life.

I barely recognize her now, with her perfectly coiffed hair and manicured nails. But I’m happy for her, truly.

Of course, I’ll never tell her the truth about how she became not only Gerard’s personal assistant but also the proud owner of a beautiful home in one of Boston’s most affluent suburbs.That’s a secret I’ll take to my grave.

It all started in our junior year at BSU when Gerard misplaced his hockey stick. He was frantic, saying anything would be mine for the taking if I helped him find it.

Naturally, I filed that away for future reference, knowing that a favor from Gerard Gunnarson was a valuable currency.

Fast-forward to Gerard signing with the Bruins and us moving to Boston when I saw an opportunity to cash in on that long-ago promise.

“Remember when you said you’d do anything for me if I helped you find your hockey stick?” I asked casually one evening as we cuddled on the sofa.

Gerard’s brow furrowed for a moment before realization dawned. “Of course, I remember. What do you need, babe?”

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “I want you to buy my mom a house and hire her as your personal assistant.”

Gerard blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting that request. “Wow, Elliot, that’s…”

“I know it’s not a simple request, but you did say anything, and this is what I want. My mom deserves a better life, and you can give that to her.”

Gerard was quiet for a long moment, considering my words, before he pulled me closer and nuzzled his nose in my hair. “Okay, Elliot. If that’s what you want, consider it done.”

And just like that, my mother’s life was transformed. Gerard found her a stunning Colonial-style home with a wraparound porch and a manicured lawn in a neighborhood I never could have dreamed of growing up in.

He furnished it with all the finest things, from plush carpets to gleaming stainless steel appliances. And just to really drive home the fairy tale, he bought her a shiny new car to park in the driveway.

As for the personal assistant gig, Gerard created a position solely for her. She manages his schedule, handles his correspondence, and keeps his life running smoothly.

But more than that, she’s become a mainstay in our little family. She comes over every Sunday and cheers on the Denver Broncos with Gerard.

And I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

My head ison Gerard’s broad, bare chest, listening to the steady thrum of his heartbeat. His fingers card through my hair, lulling me into a state of absolute contentment.

“Did you hear about the renovations they’re planning for TD Garden?”

“Mmm, no. Tell me,” I murmur, tracing idle patterns around his pebbled right nipple.

“They’re going to completely overhaul the locker rooms. State-of-the-art everything. And they’re adding a new VIP section with private boxes and a lounge.”

“Fancy.” I tilt my head to press a kiss to his pec. “You’ll be living the high life now.”

Gerard chuckles, and the sound vibrates through me. “I guess so. But you know what I’m most excited about?”

“What’s that?” I prop myself up on my elbow to gaze down at him.

His blue eyes sparkle with mischief. “The fact that tomorrow is our first anniversary as husbands.”

A slow smile spreads across my face. “Is that so? I hadn’t realized.”

“Liar.” Gerard grins, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “You’ve been counting down the days.”

“Guilty as charged.” I lean in and brush my lips against his. “What do you have planned for us?”