Page 129 of Brooklynaire

He runs a finger down my nose. “News flash—my mom isn’t Jewish. Marrying shiksas is already a familytradition.”

“Really?” I had noidea.

“Really. If that’s your big concern, we’recovered.”

I kiss his chin, because I can’t help myself. We may never get out of this bed, and that’s okay with me. “Nate,” I say between kisses. “I don’t know anything about being a teamowner.”

“But you do. It’s a job where the major requirement is you pay attention and you care. And nobody cares more than you, Bec; you’re going to dogreat.”

“It’s just hard topicture.”

“Not for me. You can promote your intern and do less of the grunt work yourself. That frees up your time for more big-picture questions. Some of them are fun. Like—what focus would you choose for the foundation nextyear?”

“Head injury research,” I sayimmediately.

“See?” Nate’s laugh is gleeful. “Any work you do there is at least as important as hiring the right vendors in thestadium.”

“We’re in charge of the food? The cheese puffs arestaying.”

Nate grins. “Luckily, I’m leaving you with no immediate problems to solve. Your stadium lease is good for another eight years, and Hugh Major and Coach aren’t goinganywhere.”

“God I hopenot.”

“Don’t worry! I’ll always help you. But it won’t take you long to realize you already know almost as much about owning a hockey team as I do. And baby—when we need answers, you’ll just hire some finance nerd or legal geek whoknows.”

“I’m going to be in over my headsometimes.”

“Sure. Like anyone who ever tried something new. I have faith in you. That organization is better with you in it. My life is better with you in it.” He strokes my bare back with his long fingers and then whispers, “Please be my partner in this and allthings.”

It’s a long time until we speak again after that. More lovinghappens.

I manage to exhaust both of us. Eventually Nate rolls onto his back, eyes closed, and asks: “Will you move in with me rightaway?”

“I…” As usual, I begin by assuming I should have an objection. “Sure.”

“You can change things in that house, you know. If you don’t like the setup, we’ll work on it. But if you don’t hate it too much, I’d like to stay. There’s enough room on the property for the security team to do itsjob.”

“Okay. I’m sure I can find a way to be comfortable in a few of your twelve rooms or however many thereare.”

He strokes my hair. “I want you to feel at home, Bec. Not just be comfortable. But we’ll work on it. Meanwhile, your sister and her family will enjoy a little more room,right?”

“Right…” I say slowly. “I just signed a new lease. That ought to hold them awhile.”

“Or forever,” Nate says. “There’s a note in your file not to raise therent.”

“What?” My head pops off the pillow. “You own thatbuilding?”

“Sure. When I built the practice facility I bought up everything that was for sale in the neighborhood. And when you relocated toBrooklyn…”

“The Bruisers’ real estate agent showed me that apartment.” I’d thought it was just lucky that I’d found a reasonable rent so close to work. “That’ssneaky.”

Nate shakes his head. “You didn’t have to pick that place. But I was happy you did. It let me look out for you in a small way. You know—back when I loved you only from afar.” He puts a hand to his heart and makes a Mr. Darcy face, which makes me smile. “What kind of wedding do you want? You can pickanything.”

“Not sure yet.Manymagazines will be consulted.” The poor man has no idea. “Can we keep itsmall?”

“Sure?”

“I mean—family, close friends, and the hockey team. With you it would be easy to end up accidentally inviting half of KTech and GoldmanSachs.”