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I kiss her again because what the hell? I missed the shit out of her.

“Move in with me and sign the deed that is currently sitting on the kitchen island at home. I bought the place from Jon, and I want it to be ours. Just you, me, and our castle.”

“Like royalty?”

Her eyes sparkle with the answer she hasn’t yet said, but I don’t need to hear it. I can feel it already.

I push her hair behind her left ear. “Yes, Kitten. Because you’re my queen.”

KENDRA

“You know you need to close your mouth to chew, right?” I say to Ollie as he sits, slack-jawed, shepherd’s pie piled high on his plate.

“All this just feels like a dream. Like Christmas came early or something.” He points at Jack with his fork. “What was it like when you met him for the first time andthenfound out your mom was marrying him?”

I look across at my boyfriend as all five of us sit around the dinner table.

I can tell what he’s thinking—Why in the hell is this guy, one of the biggest names in soccer, fanboyingover my stepdad?

I mean, I get it—Jon is a big name. But my brother is arguably bigger worldwide. That’s Ollie though. While he might be flashy with his cars, you’ll never find a humbler person.

I take another bite of Jack’s dinner. Damn, this is good.

“How are you feeling, honey?” Mom asks me as she leans across and refills my water glass.

My brother pauses on his swoon session and immediately shakes his head. He’s been pissed off with the national squad decision since I told him.

I shrug, feeling anything but relaxed over missing out. “It’s just another four years to wait.”

I swear I see Mom grow heart eyes when Jack rises from his seat and rounds the table.

When he reaches me, he leans down and presses a kiss to my cheek. “I promise I’ll make this summer unforgettable for you …” He pauses and brings his lips closer to my ear. “Fuck Brazil. We’ll have an amazing time together, whatever we do.”

“Do you think the Blades will make the playoffs?” Dad asks Jack.

He remains standing behind me, massaging my shoulders as he answers, “I think we have a shot, yeah. It’s going to be a close call though.”

“I think you’ll do it. Jon has worked wonders with that team.” Ollie nods his head at Jack. He never interacted with Tyler like this about hockey. The difference is night and day. “Although you’ve proven all the doubters wrong.”

I feel Jack’s weight shift from behind me as he leans down and wraps his arms around my shoulders, his chin on top of my head.

Fuck, I love this boy.

“Can you all keep a secret? I’d say my balls depend on it.”

Mom giggles, and Dad fights back a smile.

“Ooh, insider knowledge.” Ollie rubs his hands together with glee.

“What is it?” I ask, sensing Jack’s excitement.

“Jon told me I’m getting my shot on the first line as center. They want to see how I go.”

“No freakin’ way!” I audibly squeal, and my dad’s hands fly up to cover his ears.

I leap from my seat and wrap myself around my six-foot-four boyfriend.

“Wait.” I pause and pull back. “That’s Tyler’s position, right?” I’m so not sorry when a grin spreads across my face.