Page 55

CHAPTER 55

Charlie

8 Months Later

Texas is an interesting place. I have only been here a handful of times for hockey games and things like that, but I never got any free time to explore the cities we were in. This weekend, we’re in the small town Alex grew up in, celebrating Christmas.

My mom is with us this year, which is a big change. After the dinner at their house, she had finally had enough and left my dad. She took the house in Long Island so she could be closer to us, and she’s been much more involved since then. She has monthly dinners with us and comes to my games when she can. It’s been a nice change.

Earlier this week, Cami and I traveled to Florida to spend some time with her family for the holidays, and after a crazy time there with her newly married sister and brother-in-law, we jumped on another flight and met my mom in Texas.

Alex’s friend Banks is hosting us in the small inn that his family owns just five minutes away from Alex’s mom’s house. It’s really the perfect setup, and I could see us doing every Christmas here from now on.

Banks’s daughter, Halle, is the star of the show today. We have all been opening various gifts from one another, but there’s nothing quite like watching the joy of a child as they open their gifts. She’s spoiled by not only her father, but also Alex’s mom and Alana, plus we got her a few things as well.

“Dad, look at this one,” she shouts as she holds up a pair of roller skates and pushes them in Banks’s direction.

“Wow, honey, those are really awesome. What do you say to Auntie Alana?”

“Thank you,” she sing-songs as she barrels toward Alana and almost takes her down with the force of her hug.

“You’re so welcome, sweetie. You have to make sure you wear a helmet, though.”

“Oh yeah, gotta stay safe.”

“Exactly,” her dad says before handing her another.

We go on like this for a while, watching her open various trinkets and toys. Eventually Alana opens a gift from Alex—a box set of Barbie DVDs—and I laugh. Despite the fact that the gift may seem funny, I am so grateful my sister has found someone who knows her so well. They got engaged a few weeks ago, and I am so excited and happy for them. They make a great team.

Cami and I determined we wouldn’t do gifts this year, just because of everything we’ve had going on lately. She moved all of her things into the penthouse in May and I had some time off during the off season. We went on a long vacation to the Bahamas and then came back just in time for preseason things to pick up.

Even though we agreed no presents, I do have a trick up my sleeve. I have a feeling she won’t care all that much that I went back on my promise, though.

Once we’ve opened all of the gifts, I point out a small box that is sitting tucked in between the branches towards the back of the tree.

“Wait, I see one more. Cami, can you grab it?” I ask her.

“Oh, sure.” She reaches back into the tree and pulls out the little black box, then reads the name on it. “It looks like this one is for me. I thought we said no gifts?”

“I couldn’t help myself, here let me see it.” I take the box from her dainty hands and laugh at the confusion on her face. If she didn’t understand before, she definitely does now as I move to get down on one knee and open the box to expose a glittering ring inside.

Her hands shoot up to cover her gaping mouth as her eyes dart from me, to the ring, and back again. I wait for her to collect herself, her eyes watery, before I start to speak.

“Cami, this last year has been the craziest ride of my life. From starting something with you that had an expiration date, to having real feelings, to falling in love, I have enjoyed every single minute of it. I am so thankful to have you by my side,” I say and she sniffles, reaching up and brushing tears from her cheeks. “I don’t want to know what life would be like without you in it. Can you do me a favor and marry me, so I never have to find out?”

She laughs and bends down to kiss me through her tears. She pulls back and looks me in the eyes before saying a very happy yes and I slide the ring onto her finger. She holds it out in front of her and twists her hand from side to side, inspecting it.

“This is absolutely beautiful, Charlie. How did you know the one I wanted?”

“I had a little help,” I say, nodding toward my sister. She stands then and pulls Cami into a tight hug.

“Wait, we get to wedding plan together now,” Cami says with glee and the two of them sit down together and start to talk about details.

Alex comes over to me and gives me a hug, congratulating me.

“We got lucky with those two,” he says.

“We absolutely did,” I reply.