Page 167 of All This Time

“My parents love you, Fletcher.”

“I love them too. And I promise to honor them both by loving you the way they loved each other—unconditionally and forever.”

Chapter 31

Laney

One Month Later

Looking toward the Future

Wait, is that a…

“Here’s to making it to the Super Bowl this year!” Rhonan shouts as our friend group in the back room at Hart Winery raises their drinks up in agreement. It’s Fletcher’s last weekend in Blossom Peak before pre-season games start, so we decided to have a small party with everyone together before life gets very intense for the two of us. He got back from training camp last week, so the seasonstarts very soon.

God, those two weeks were brutal being apart. But when he finally came home to me and found me wearing nothing but his jersey, we instantly made up for lost time—over and over and over again.

Fletcher nods his head. “We’re going to do our best.” He kisses me on the cheek. “I have a new good luck charm this year, so hopefully that makes the difference.”

“Way to put all the pressure on me,” I reply sarcastically.

Dilynne tosses me a look. “He’s not wrong. You have a duty now to the Carolina Thunder. You must make sure this man is well-fed, well-rested, and well-fucked.”

Hazel walks over to our table, her drink poised at her lips. “Uh, what the hell kind of conversation did I just walk in on?” Her husband, Gage, comes up behind her, wrapping his arm around her waist.

The two of them finally set aside some time to visit Blossom Peak, primarily so she could meet Fletcher before the season officially started. Having her here has meant so much to me, especially because she knows how hard it is to fight for the ones we love.

Rhonan glares at my best friend. “I just want to say thank you for the reminder that one of my best friends is sleeping with my sister.”

Dilynne leans closer to him, smirking. “You’re welcome. He’s about to be your brother-in-law too.”

“Next summer,” I correct her because even though Fletcher was adamant about proposing quickly, I was insistent on giving us time to plan a wedding and adjust to our new lives together. However, Fletcher decided he is only going to play for two more years, that way we can start a family sooner rather than later.

“God, I can’t wait to help plan that bachelorette party. The cutouts are gonna come out again, but elevated.”

I close my eyes. “Good God.”

Dilynne walks away, making me question her sanity for the thousandth time in our friendship, but rest assured, no matter what she has planned, I’m going to marry this man and give him as many babies as he wants because getting to watch Fletcher become a dad and love his children will be the last thread he’ll need to be completely healed from his past.

It’s only been a few weeks since Luke entered rehab, but Fletcher and he have agreed to attend counseling sessions once a week once he’s done with his program, and Fletcher has been going to therapy on his own.

After the conversation he had with my dad, his friends, and Henley, Elliot, and my brother, he’s been even more eager to heal from his childhood, and I couldn’t be prouder of him.

Fletcher is still keeping his guard up with his father, but I can tell that he’s optimistic that Luke will finally be able to turn a corner in his life. The scars that he left on him though will only fade with time.

Henley, Elliot, and Rhonan have their own issues to process now, too. I know the four of them have grown closer through all of this, but I’m proud of Fletcher being the first to show them what is possible.

Yvonne steps up to me, wrapping her arm around my neck. “So, when do I get my keys?”

“Tomorrow, like we discussed.”

“Come on. Just give them to me now.” She holds her hand out in front of her, fanning her fingers.

“Why are you so eager for these keys?”

“Keys equal power, Laney. I’m about to be the boss when you’re gone, and I feel like I’ve been training for this my entire life.”

I roll my eyes at her dramatic declaration. “I don’t know, maybe I should have asked Glenn if he would like to become my new manager.”