Page 81 of Her Puck Daddies

Love.

“Whoa, maybe we should keep both feet on the ground,” Eric teases. “Especially if we want this floor to stay vomit-free.”

Sven chuckles and gently sets me down, his hands lingering around my waist.

Leighton lets go of any worries about what this could mean down the line and instead lights up, squealing as she launches herself at me. “You’re going to have a baby!”

“I’m having a baby,” I smile, wiping a tear from my eye.

Her excitement is contagious, spreading through me like warmth I didn’t know I needed. As I look over at the three men by my side, the ones about to take this journey with me, something inside me finally settles.

For the first time, I feel grounded.

I have a home.

I have a family.

Andmy heart fills with overwhelming joy knowing that I’m going to build my life with the men who saved me in more ways than one.

EPILOGUE

LEVI—FOUR MONTHS LATER

It’s been four months since we found out Ava’s pregnant. Four months of late-night planning sessions, extra practices, and stolen glances in the hallways like we were a bunch of teenagers. Chaos that all led to our victory, the Stanley Cup. Between the grind of playoffs and the finals, somehow we still found time to buy a house big enough for all of us, finally escaping our separate condos and making space for what’s next.

Now, with a huge masquerade ball on the horizon to celebrate both our championship win and the coach’s 50th birthday, today marks another milestone—moving day. And I can’t help but smile. There’s so much to celebrate: a new home, the new title we fought for, and the tiny life growing inside Ava. Everything we’ve worked so hard for is finally coming together.

I never saw any of this coming, especially not when we first ran into Ava on the plane. Back then, I had my doubts—about her, about us, about whether this could ever work. But now, watching her move through the house, I know one thing for sure. I wouldn’t change a damn thing about having her in my life.

But if I could take away the pain she went through because of Dean, I would. She shouldn’t have had to endure any of it. Yeah, she needed to face him on her own to finally close that chapter, but that doesn’t mean she ever should have had to. If I could erase him from her past, I would. And I know the guys would agree. Our lives would’ve been a hell of a lot better without him in it.

As we settle in, I stand in the doorway, watching Ava unpack the last of the kitchen boxes. She’s completely in her element, focused and radiant. At five months along, the curve of her belly is noticeable. The bump beneath her tank top is a silent reminder of everything that’s changed and everything that’s still to come.

Sven steps behind her, his arms sliding around her waist, his hands spreading over her stomach. He nuzzles her neck, his voice a low, teasing murmur. “I can't wait to meet our son.”

Ava glances over her shoulder, lips curling into a smile. "Me, too. I've already started thinking of names."

Sven chuckles, kissing just below her ear. "We've got plenty of time to fight over names, his room decor, and of course…. future sport."His tone is playful with a hint of anticipation beneath it. "But you know what I have in mind right now?"

Ava tilts her head, all wide-eyed innocence. "What's that?"

I step closer, already feeling the heat crackling between us. “We have to break this place in the right way.”

She lets out a soft laugh, but it turns breathless when I press my length against her, my hands grabbing her hips possessively.

Eric walks in, rubbing a towel over his damp hair, fresh from the shower. “What’s so funny?”

Sven and I exchange a look. I arch a brow at Eric, a slow smirk spreading across my face.

Eric catches on quickly, his grin widening as he tosses the towel aside. “Well then,” he says, stalking toward Ava. “Let’s get to it.”

Before she can respond, he lifts her onto the kitchen counter. His hands move with purpose, unbuttoning her shorts and sliding them down her legs, leaving her bare and exposed to his hunger.

Spreading her thighs, he leans in, exhaling a warm breath over her clit, teasing her sensitive nub with growing need. His lips hover for a minute, before his mouth finally claims her. His tongueworks in slow, deliberate strokes, circling her bud with expert precision, each flick making her shudder.

She gasps, her fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer.

He groans against her, not holding back anymore. His tongue plunges deep, licking, sucking, feasting like he's starving for her. And then, as if possessed, he buries his face against her core, pressing hard, shaking his head back and forth with reckless hunger.