Page 77 of Check & Chase (Breakaway #1)
Chase
Chapter Fifty
I ’ve faced playoff games, career-threatening injuries, and literal fistfights on the ice, but nothing gets my heart pounding like waiting for Emma to walk down the aisle toward me.
“Breathe, man,” Donovan murmurs beside me, straightening my tie for the tenth time. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”
“I might,” I admit, shifting my weight carefully to ease the pressure on my still-healing knee. Dr. Reynolds cleared me just yesterday to stand for the ceremony without crutches, though they’re positioned nearby for after, when adrenaline won’t be enough to mask the pain.
Worth it, though. The ability to stand unassisted as Emma approaches, to hold both her hands in mine as we recite our vows.
I’d endure twice the pain for that privilege.
From my position beneath the lakeside arch, I scan the guests one final time.
Seventy-eight people total, seated in white chairs arranged on the gentle slope leading down to the water.
Bears teammates on one side, Wolves players on the other, family and friends filling the remaining seats.
The lake house rises behind the guest seating, its wraparound deck draped with flowers and lights for the reception to follow.
“Two minutes,” Maya calls from her position near the house, headset firmly in place as she coordinates the proceedings .
“Last chance to run,” Miller jokes from his position beside Donny, earning an eye roll from Maya, who’s still annoyed he decided to join the wedding party at the last minute.
The string quartet begins playing, signaling the official start of the ceremony. Maya processes as maid of honor, her simple light pink dress complementing the sky. Donny takes his place as my best man, patting my shoulder.
The music changes to “Saturn” by Sleeping At Last. The guests rise, turning toward the house where Emma will emerge.
And then she’s there, and everything else disappears.
Emma in white, simple and perfect, her blonde hair swept up with tiny flowers scattered through the loose pieces that frame her face.
Jackson’s arm is linked through hers, but all I can see is her.
She’s walking toward me with those steady, sure steps, and when her eyes find mine, the smile that breaks across her face steals my breath.
It’s not possible to look this beautiful. It defies logic, physics, every natural law.
And yet, there she is.
The tears hit me out of nowhere. I don’t even try to stop them. Through the blur, I can see Emma’s crying too, one tear slipping down her cheek as she comes closer.
They reach the arch, and Jackson places Emma’s hand in mine with a nod that somehow manages to be both threatening and approving. “Take care of each other,” he says before taking his seat.
Emma’s fingers tighten around mine, and I realize I haven’t spoken, haven’t moved, haven’t done anything but stare since she appeared.
“Hi,” she whispers, a hint of her sass breaking through. “Still with me, Mitchell?”
“Always,” I manage. “You’re breathtaking.”
The officiant begins the ceremony, but I barely register the words. All I can focus on is Emma’s hand in mine, her green eyes fixed on my face, the reality that soon, she’ll be my wife .
“The couple has prepared their own vows,” the officiant announces, nodding to me first.
I take a deep breath, grateful that Donny presses the small card with my written vows into my hand. Not that I need it. I’ve rehearsed these words a thousand times.
“Emma,” I begin. “When we met again, I was a hockey player with a blown-out knee and a reputation for being impossible to work with. Then you walked into my life, recognized me from a certain party, and proceeded to both heal me and call me on every bit of my bullshit.”
Emma laughs softly, tears already gathering in her eyes again.
“You were supposed to be my physical therapist. Then you became my ‘fake’ girlfriend. And somewhere along the way, you became the most real thing in my life.” I squeeze her hands, needing the physical connection.
“You’ve seen me at my best—holding the Stanley Cup after scoring the winning goal.
You’ve seen me at my worst—unconscious in a hospital bed after pushing my body too far.
And you’ve loved me through all of it, exactly as I am. ”
Another tear escapes down her cheek, and I resist the urge to wipe it away.
“I promise to love you with that same completeness. The sometimes-grumpy morning Emma and the fiercely loyal one. All of you, exactly as you are, for all the days we’re given together.”
I pause, steadying myself for the final part.
“You helped me understand that some victories matter more than championships, that some bonds go deeper than team loyalties, that some commitments transcend everything else. I stand here today, literally stand, thanks to your relentless therapy, promising to be your partner in everything. I love you, Emma Anderson. Today, tomorrow, always.”
Emma is fully crying now, though her smile never wavers. The officiant gives her a moment to compose herself before nodding for her to begin her own vows.
She takes a shaky breath, her hands tightening around mine.
“Chase. My impossible and stubborn hockey player, my fake boyfriend, my very real love.” Her voice, initially unsteady, grows stronger with each word.
“I planned to keep you at a professional distance. I planned to guard my heart after past disappointments. I planned a lot of things that went completely out the window the moment you decided I was worth pursuing.”
She glances down at our joined hands, then back up. “You changed everything for me. My relationship with the ice, my ability to trust again. You built me a rink when I was too afraid to skate in public. You protected my brother despite your rivalry.”
I swallow hard against the tightness in my throat.
“I promise to love you with the same devotion you’ve shown me. To support your dreams while challenging you to be your best self. To be patient during recovery, honest during disagreements, and your fiercest advocate always.”
She pauses, gathering herself for what comes next.
“Hockey brought us together, but what we’ve built goes far beyond any game. I promise to be your teammate in this lifelong journey we’re beginning. To celebrate the victories, learn from the defeats, and always, always have your back. I love you, Chase Mitchell. Today, tomorrow, always.”
The rest of the ceremony passes in a blur—rings exchanged, official pronouncements made, the kiss that seals our union drawing cheers from everyone.
Throughout it all, I maintain my stance without the crutches, though by the time we’re pronounced husband and wife, the pain in my left knee has progressed from an ache to an insistent throb.
Emma notices immediately as she always does, and as we turn to face our guests as a married couple, she whispers, “Crutches from here on out. Non-negotiable.”
“Yes, dear,” I agree, earning a suspicious side-eye that makes me laugh despite the pain. “Married for thirty seconds and already bossing me around.”
“Get used to it, Mitchell,” she retorts as Donny discreetly passes me the crutches. “This is just the beginning. ”
We make our way back up the aisle together, me on crutches, her with one hand on my elbow, both of us grinning like idiots. Guests throw flower petals as we pass, their congratulations a cheerful soundtrack to our first moments as husband and wife.
The reception is in full swing, Maya’s organizational skills ensuring everything proceeds according to schedule despite the complexity of accommodating my medical needs.
I’m seated comfortably at the head table, leg carefully positioned, pain medication taking the edge off without dulling the joy of the celebration.
As the formal dinner concludes and the reception shifts into dancing, there’s a commotion from across the room that has everyone turning.
Jackson appears from the direction of the guest rooms, grinning widely, carrying something small and dark against his chest. As he gets closer, I realize what he’s holding, and I can’t help but laugh.
It’s Max, looking seriously unimpressed with the entire situation despite the tiny black bowtie secured around his neck.
“Oh my God,” Emma gasps, her hands flying to her mouth as Jackson approaches. “Max! You brought Max!”
“Someone mentioned wanting him at the wedding,” Jackson says, carefully transferring the cat to Emma’s arms. “Figured it was worth a shot. Though he’s been hiding under the guest bed for the past hour, hence the late entrance.”
The moment he settles into Emma’s arms, his entire demeanor changes. The disgruntled expression melts away, replaced by purring I can hear from three feet away. He immediately nuzzles against her neck, completely content .
“I can’t believe you did this,” Emma murmurs, her face lighting up with pure joy as Max butts his head against her chin. “Look at his little bowtie!”
“Traitor,” I mutter, watching my own cat completely ignore my presence in favor of his favorite human. “I’m the one who feeds you.”
Emma laughs, scratching behind Max’s ears. “This was your doing.” She looks at me.
“I may have mentioned to Jackson. Figured our family wasn’t complete without our other roommate.”
“Your roommate who clearly has a favorite,” she observes as Max continues to purr loudly.
“Yeah, well,” I shrug, trying to look annoyed but failing completely at the sight of her happiness. “At least one of us knows how to make you smile like that.”
After a few more minutes of Max holding court, Jackson takes him back to the guest room where he’s got a whole setup waiting.
Maya clears her throat, drawing our attention back to her. “Sorry to interrupt the cat appreciation moment, but it’s time,” she announces, looking to Emma for confirmation.
“Time for what?” I ask, glancing between them.
“Your wedding present,” Emma explains, a hint of nerves in her voice. “From me to you. If you’re not too tired?”