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Jemma

Two years later

A s the goal horn sounds, the entire arena erupts into chaos.

People rise from their seats, hands raised, yelling and chanting Trent’s name.

Kane echoes throughout the Prudential Center, where Trent plays for the New Jersey Devils.

With Teddy in my arms, I jump out of my seat, excited about Trent scoring the game’s last goal.

After they drafted Trent into the NHL, I stayed behind with Thea and Teddy to finish my degree at Strickland University.

I lived with Trent’s parents in South Jersey until we moved permanently last month to the outskirts of New York City.

The temporary separation was hard initially, but seeing Trent pursue his dream was all worth it.

Now that I’m finished with college, I joined Sports Buzz , my soon-to-be mother-in-law’s online newspaper, as an associate reporter.

My goal is to one day write for a paper like The New York Times , but until then, I’m learning the ropes of the business from Kennedy.

She’s been doing this for nearly thirty years, a journalism major like me.

I can work from home, which helps with the twins.

And today, my job requires me to interview the players on Trent’s team, starting with my man.

He’s all smiles after he finishes congratulating his team on their latest win.

His eyes meet mine through the Plexiglas, and his smile widens, mirroring mine.

Teddy squirms in my arms when he sees his father. He pushes out his hand to reach for Trent.

“Da,” he says, even though he can say Daddy.

“Daddy.” I plant a kiss on his forehead. He giggles, his blue eyes pointed up at me. “Daddy won the hockey game, Teddy.”

“Da,” he says again, his adorable face lit up with excitement. “Hockey.”

I laugh and hug him tight against my chest.

I met Trent because I was running away from starting a family. It almost seems ridiculous now that I have one. I couldn’t imagine not having Trent and my babies in my life. They’ve rounded out my life and made me feel complete. Now, I have everything I want.

Kennedy stands next to me, holding Thea. “Can you take Teddy for a few minutes so I can interview Trent and his teammates?”

“Sure, honey.” She smiles as I hand Teddy to her. “Take your time. I’ll keep my grandbabies busy.” Kennedy smacks a kiss on their cheeks.

They both giggle, too busy paying attention to Kennedy as I escape.

Kennedy has been an immense help with the kids.

I couldn’t have done any of this without her or Tyler.

Trent has terrific parents who love and care for our children.

They’ve helped us through the rough times and have made it easier for Trent and me to transition to our new lives.

Being parents at our age isn’t easy, but we make it work.

Now that we’re in the same city and house together, things have gotten easier, though I can see Kennedy missing the kids not running around her house.

She’s staying with us for the next two weeks, and by the looks of her luggage, I assume she plans to stay much longer than planned.

And I’m okay with the extra help and support.

I approach the ice, where I find Trent leaning against the glass. He’s waiting for me with a greedy look in his eyes.

“You were amazing.” I throw myself into his open arms. “I’m so proud of you, Trent.”

He gives me a sexy smile. “I couldn’t have done all of this without you, Jem. You’re my lucky charm.” He says the last part with a wink, releasing me from his firm grasp.

I smile up at him and remove a recorder from my jacket pocket. “Ready for your interview?”

Trent leans into the recorder I hold out between us, and before I can ask him a question, he hooks his arm around my back and presses his lips to mine, smothering me with his manly scent, devouring me as his tongue slips into my mouth.

Trent consumes me, the rink closing in, his kiss taking me to new heights. I don’t even care that one of his teammates whistles behind us or the fact people in the stands are now chanting Kane. Their cheers only egg Trent on, and his fingers weave through my hair.

He pulls me closer, deepening the kiss, and when I’m at the peak of my high, he peels his lips from mine. I’m breathless once our lips separate, my balance so off I have to press my palm to his chest to steady myself. From the first time we kissed, he’s had the same effect on me.

“That was one hell of a kiss, Jemma with a J.” He winks, a smirk slowly forming on his lips. “In another month, I get to call you Mrs. Kane. I can’t wait to make you my wife.”