Page 32

CHAPTER

THIRTY-TWO

Fable

Our skates are loud on the ice as we skate side by side, performing the routine that I’ve choreographed. Our movements are sharp, maybe a bit slow, but from the videos I’ve watched, we look good. Not the spring chickens we once were, but good. I smile to myself as I latch on to his hand, and he spins me into his chest before taking hold of my hips to lift me above his head. My hands float beside me before I go tight for the toss. He spins me with ease, catching me before I kick up my leg, and he dips me back. My hair brushes the ice as he lowers to his knee, my other leg hooking around his hip before he stops us in the middle of the ice with his toe pick.

I have to refrain from singing the phrase he hates so much so I don’t end up getting chased. While some days I can’t resist, today isn’t that day. I’ve had him on this ice since six a.m. Not that he’s complained even once. When I asked to up our training, he was all in. When we aren’t skating, we’re working on all things Ice Thistle, and we have been busy.

We have classes topping out at ten for each time slot in the evenings. I’ve hired three ice-skating coaches, and they’re doing beautifully. The west rink is done and looks absolutely stunning. Out with the old and in with the bright and fresh. The white boards are brand-spanking-new with a green banner through the middle. Even though I hate my mother’s forest, we know it is a big part of the town, so we had scenes painted along the banners around the whole rink. New TVs hang along the walls like they do in the lobby, all showing photos of our students and our class schedules, along with information on when we offer open ice.

The bleachers are so nice. Not only are they as comfortable as bleacher seats can be, but Jett also let me spring for the ones with cupholders. Everyone loves them. We have a wall of just ice skates for people to rent, and then along another wall, we’ve hung posters of Kitty, Jett, and me skating at different stages in our lives. The renovation looks incredible in the photos and videos that my students have been posting on their social media, and I’m obsessed with everything we’ve done.

While I’m super excited to skate for Kitty in two weeks for her birthday, our routine isn’t her only present. The dance is from Phillip, but from Jett and me, we’ve dedicated the ice rink to her. It’ll no longer be known as the west rink, but as Kitty’s Rink. I can’t wait for her to see it. I just have to keep her from the rink for the next two weeks.

It hasn’t been easy, but everything is moving and grooving. The rink and program I’ve wanted are becoming a reality. It’s just how I wanted it to be, and things feel right. They feel good. Not just professionally, but personally, too.

And it’s all because of him.

I beam up at Jett as we both pant. His eyes are full of wonder and set just on me as he holds me close to his body. I can feel his body heat, and I want to snuggle so deeply into him and never let go. Things have been so good for us. Yes, we still argue, and yes, I get on his nerves just to get a rise out of him—and I’m pretty sure he does the same to me—but above all, it’s easy between us.

It annoys me beyond belief that we spent so long fighting after being apart for twenty years. Since the night of my mother’s event, I feel like things have gotten even more serious between us. We don’t use the terms boyfriend or girlfriend, but rather our other half. I don’t know if it’s because we’re older and we don’t have time for games, but when I’m with Jett, I really do feel like this is forever. Of course, I still get in my head, but as soon as I do, he’s there, reminding me why I love him so damn much.

Jett kisses my nose, pulling me from my thoughts. “I swear I will smack your ass raw if you tell me that wasn’t good.”

I flash a sneaky grin. “While I love my ass marked by your hand, it was good.”

He groans against my lips. “Now I want my handprint on your ass.” I giggle as he slowly lifts me up. “Is that a no?”

I smile as I skate toward the boards. “That’s a later. We have work to do.”

He looks me over, a brow raised before he says, “Question.”

“Yes?”

“Can we blow everything off today?”

I laugh as I lean into the boards, and he cages me in. His lips move to my neck, trailing kisses and nibbling softly. “What do you mean? I thought we were going to work on the packets for the travel teams.”

He sucks on the spot where my neck meets my shoulder. “We can do that tomorrow.”

“I’m listening.”

He grins against my skin. “Let’s spend the day with the girls.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

We have been so busy, not only with each other but with training and the Thistle. We have only seen the girls when we’re at the games, and I know Kitty misses me. While I’m so much happier at the Thistle than living at home, I do miss Kitty desperately.

A day with her and Jett’s girls? Sign me up.

I’m basically dancing when I squeal, “Of course!”

“Don’t think just because you drove all the way to Pigeon Forge, took me to the Apple Barn, paid, and bought me a jar of apple butter, I’m done being mad at you for losing the Cup, Jett Thomas.”

My lips twitch at Bea’s rant as Jett sighs loudly. He waggles his brows at me, and I beam at him as he squeezes my hand that is in his.

“Nana, what did you want me to do? Take Williams out at church on Sunday before the game?” he asks incredulously, to which she just scoffs.

“As if you go to church.”

“I would if it made you happy,” he throws at her, and she looks out the window, tapping her freshly pink nails against her jar of apple butter. “I wanted to win. It just wasn’t our season.”

“Should have been,” she grumbles, shaking her head. “Phillip is turning over in his grave.”

Jett flashes me a look, and I grin. “I am sure Phillip is resting just fine.”

Kitty pats my arm. “Especially with you being home, my darling.”

“And you two obsessed with each other,” Bea adds, and I snicker as my face warms.

Jett’s lips curve as everyone agrees happily. Jett brings our hands to his lips, kissing my knuckles as we drive the back roads toward town.

“I am rather obsessed with you.”

I look up at him through my lashes, my lips tipped up slightly. “Ah, I guess I am too.”

He grins at me with a wink as the girls all chuckle at our antics.

God, I love him.

It was a lovely brunch, full of laughter and Bea’s surly attitude about the championship that the Belles lost. It doesn’t matter if she’s annoyed; her love for her grandson shines through her barbs and annoyance.

“I don’t know how you’re not upset. I built that team, and you have gotten those men to play at the highest caliber for the A League, and you didn’t even get mad. You just smiled as you shook hands with those damn Prophets.”

Snickers fill the car, but when Jett squeezes my hand, I look over at him. “Because my prize was still cheering me on, no matter what.”

My face flushes. “That’s a given, pretty boy.”

He winks as Bea gags. “Jesus, you two are disgusting.”

Hazel laughs loudly, and Maggie swoons, “I think they’re adorable.”

“Me too,” Kitty adds. “They remind me of Phillip and me.”

Kitty’s admission makes my heart swell as Hazel gushes, “I’m just happy they’re happy.”

Jett’s lips curve in a sweet, contented smile as he drives us back to town. “I’ll tell you who’s not happy,” Kitty says, and I turn to look at her. She looks frustrated as she says, “Me. Elena and Richie have been pure hell since the event. Thanks for that, you two.”

Jett only shrugs as I smile apologetically. It’s Bea who says, “Move in with us.”

Hazel makes a face. “Or kick them out. Why are they even living there?”

Maggie nods. “True. Kick them out.”

“I might have to,” Kitty says on a sigh. “I’m tired of them, for sure.”

I hate that I left to keep her from having to deal with my parents, and they’re still bothering her anyway. I refuse to apologize, though. My life is so much better now that I chose myself.

That I chose Jett.

I don’t miss my parents, and I really don’t miss the mental mindfuck that being around them gives me. I tried to give my dad a chance when he came in to check the progress of the Ice Thistle. But all he did was bitch about Jett, so I told him he wasn’t welcome anymore. Dad told me I didn’t have that kind of pull, but according to our lawyer, as long as Jett agrees with me, then what I wish stands.

Jett agreed with me. Completely.

“I think you should have them move out. They have an apartment by the courthouse,” I remind her.

She sighs deeply. “I know, but that puts them closer to you, and I don’t want them bothering you two.”

“We aren’t worried about them,” Jett interjects, confidence in his voice. “We have a life to live.”

He doesn’t say it, but I know he’s thinking the same thing I am.

We have a life to live together .

“I don’t want that big house all to myself either.”

“So, we’ll move in,” Bea suggests. Hazel and Maggie agree in turn, both on board, to which Kitty just giggles.

Jett’s phone sounds, and he tips his chin to it. “Can you read that to me, princess?”

I take his phone out of the holder to see a text from Dean. “Dean said ‘the key is under the mat.’”

“Shit,” Jett mutters, shaking his head. “I totally forgot I told Dean I’d check in on a house for him.”

I bring in my brows. “A house?”

“Yeah, he wanted me to check a few things.”

“Why you?” I laugh. “Is the house an ice rink?”

His laughter fills the car, making my grin grow. “No. And I don’t know, but he asked and I said I would when I told him we were heading out to Pigeon Forge. So, I’m sorry, girls. I need to take a quick detour that I’m sure you will enjoy.”

Bea waves him off. “I don’t have anything to do.”

“Neither do I,” Hazel agrees.

“I’m good,” Maggie adds, and Kitty snorts.

“Keeps me from home. Let’s go on a detour!”

Jett looks over at me. “You good?”

“Always,” I tell him, and his face lights up.

As he turns the truck around, Hazel says, “I heard that Missy’s boyfriend from Knoxville is moving in.”

“Husband,” Jett corrects, and my eyes widen.

“She married him?”

“Yup, without telling Skyye or Dean, so things are a bit messy right now,” he says, his face solemn. “It’s annoying, for sure.”

“Why does Dean care?” Bea asks, leaning in to look at her grandson. “He was never in love with Missy.”

Before he can answer, Maggie says, “But we all know he has a thing for her sister, Kenni.”

I shake my head, chuckling to myself. “How do you guys always have all the good tea?”

Maggie taps her nose. “We’re the bloodhounds of Thistlebrook.”

“Yet claim to be Belles,” Jett jests, and the girls all smack him playfully as he takes a turn onto an old dirt road.

I take in the fields of wildflowers with the forest behind them. It’s a stunning view that leaves me breathless. The flowers are in abundance, so fresh and vibrant. I want some in Jett’s kitchen, so I find myself asking, “Can we stop to pick flowers?”

Jett squeezes my hand. “Of course.”

“They’re so beautiful.”

He nods, flashing me a devilish grin. “Reminds me of you.” I bite my lip, and he shakes his head. “My wild girl.”

Laughter bubbles out of me as we come upon a lone cabin that looks newly built. It has a winding driveway which has two entrances to the road. The walkway to the house is surrounded by huge flower beds full of daisies.

“Oh my,” I gush just as the girls do the same.

“Daisies,” Maggie murmurs. “So many.”

“Aren’t those your favorite, my darling?” Kitty asks, but I’m so in awe, all I can do is nod. Jett stops in front of the house and then gets out, opening each door before coming to mine. When he holds out his hand to me, I take it while eyeing him. “What is going on?”

He just looks at me, no emotion on his face. “What? I just need to check on some things.”

I narrow my eyes as he threads our fingers, and we head up to the house. It’s a smaller cabin, made to look like it’s constructed from real logs. My mother would hate it, but I love it. The front has a big, light-colored wooden door and huge windows that let you see inside with ease. There are no curtains over the windows, not that you’d need them since there is no one else out here. When we reach the front door, Jett takes a key from his pocket, but I don’t call him on it.

Something is up.

We enter the house, and my mouth drops. The floors are the most gorgeous dark wood, and the walls are painted a soft green that brings out the exposed wooden beams above us. Jett leads us through the kitchen, which is massive and takes up the whole back of the house. It even has doors that open to a gorgeous screened-in porch. The living room fills the front of the house, with two doors for a small bathroom and a guest room that has an en suite. Stairs lead to the loft, where another living space is, along with another two doors. One opens into another bedroom, while the other room is the primary suite. It must be over the kitchen because it has a balcony that looks out at the back of the property. In the middle of the woods, I spot a clearing with wildflowers everywhere and a huge pond with a wooden deck leading into it. I’m so engrossed with how incredible everything is, I don’t feel Jett behind me until he cages me in, covering my hands with his.

“In the winter, the pond freezes over for skating.”

My lips quirk. “So, it does have a rink.”

He shrugs. “A small one.”

I chuckle softly as I tip my head up to eye him. “Did you check on things?”

“Just one,” he says, kissing my nose.

“And what was that?” I ask, pulling my brows in.

“Your reaction.”

I press my lips together. “I’m not following.”

He turns me then, wrapping his arms around my waist. His lips trail along my jaw before my eyes settle on my grandmother and his girls, each with a separate framed cross-stitch in their hands that, together, read:

This. House. Is. Ours.

I gasp loudly before looking up at him in shock. “What?”

“I bought this for us,” he tells me, love in his eyes. “When I saw the plans, it reminded me of everything you love. You said once you wanted a loft so we can put a Christmas tree up there, and I want to do that with you. It has a pond we can skate on in the winter. A porch we can drink wine and eat snacks on in the evening. It has wildflowers, Fable. This house is us.”

My eyes are misty as I nod. “It’s perfect.”

“You’re perfect,” he whispers, kissing my nose again. “I want to make a home with you, Fable, and this one spoke to my soul. Just as you do.” He cups my jaw, holding his lips to mine as he tells me, “Make a home with me.”

As I gaze into his beautiful eyes, I fall deeper in love with him. Each day, something new has me falling ever so hopelessly for him. His support, his belief in me, his dedication to me—it’s all I could ever ask for. I may overthink this later, but I know I can grant him his request and more. “As if I’d say no.”

The girls all let out whoops as Jett cradles me in his arms to kiss me enthusiastically, leaving my heart to explode in my chest.

I never felt the security of a home, and I never thought I would.

But maybe home isn’t a place. Maybe it’s better because it’s a guy who makes me feel alive.