Page 36

Blake

Three months later

The original plan was for the two of us to just elope in Vegas, along with Bodi and Bristol to stand up for us.

Rowan’s dad was annoyed about that, wanting to be able to walk her down the aisle. So then we decided to buy one of those package deals where it’s a Vegas wedding but with a few bells and whistles.

Except then Phoebe got wind of it—stupid me, thought she could keep a secret—and my mom said she’d never forgive me if she couldn’t be there. Which meant Phoebe was coming too. And my dad.

Everything snowballed from there.

Then, at Coach Vanek and Autumn’s wedding, the subject came up and suddenly our friends and teammates decided it needed to be a real wedding. Harper offered to let us have it in her backyard. Cheyenne found a couture gown from a couple of years ago that the designer was happy to get rid of—for free. Rowan’s dad insisted on paying for the caterers, and my parents even threw in money for the flowers.

It’s not because we can’t afford to pay for a wedding, we were just trying to be fiscally responsible. Instead, our friends and family forced us to want something we’d convinced ourselves we didn’t need.

And now, as I’m watching the girl I’ve always loved walk down the aisle on her father’s arm, my eyes suddenly feel a little scratchy.

She’s always been beautiful but she’s majestic today.

It’s hot out, but there are tents and fans going, keeping us cool.

Fuck.

Six months ago I couldn’t even dream of a day like today.

And now Rowan’s going to become my wife.

As far as I’m concerned, she already is.

She’s been mine since the second day of British Lit our sophomore year of high school.

“Hey, beautiful,” I whisper as her father stops in front of me.

“Hi.” Her eyes shine as she smiles.

“Be good to each other,” Mr. Taylor says quietly.

“We will,” I promise.

We say our vows, the minister tells us we can kiss, and now we’re being showered with birdseed.

“Congratulations!” We’re immediately surrounded, hugging, kissing and shaking hands.

It’s kind of nice.

We’d been planning on private but this works too.

I don’t care about the details.

Just the fact that we’re married makes me happy.

Sharing it with our friends—and my new fulltime teammates—makes it fun.

Finally making it legal with the woman I’ve loved most of my life is pretty damn special.

“How does it feel, Mrs. Taylor-Rourke?” I ask as we dance after we’d cut the cake and thrown the garter and bouquet.

“Amaze-balls.” She smiles up at me. “How do you feel?”

“Horny.” Just for fun, we decided no sex for the week leading up to the wedding. I had no idea how addicted to being inside of her I’ve become. I’ve been fighting an erection all night, which is a bit much, even for me.

“Slow your roll,” she says, laughing. “We have two full weeks in Hawaii to do nothing but swim, eat, and make love.”

“I’m very ready for the honeymoon.”

I lean in to kiss her.

“Son. Rowan.” I lift my head at the sound of my father’s voice. My mother had given me her word he would be on his best behavior tonight, and so far, he had.

“Hey, Dad.”

“I, uh, I wanted to let you know I’m starting therapy,” he says quietly. “I know I’ve had a chip on my shoulder for a long time, and some anger issues, so I’m going to work on them. I hope I can be a better dad going forward, and maybe someday a grandfather to your kids.”

Well, that’s coming out of nowhere.

But it makes me happy.

Because no matter what, he’s still my dad.

“I hope so too,” I say quietly. “I’m proud of you for taking a step like that.”

“I just want you to know—I’ve always been proud of you. I could never say it. I don’t know if it was jealousy or male ego or some other bullshit, but it’s always been there. I just wasn’t in a place where I could express myself, and every time I looked at that second mortgage payment, it manifested itself in anger. But the truth is, it was our decision—your mom’s and mine—to take out that money. It’s not your responsibility. It never was. We took a chance because you’re our son and we believed in you.

“So, it was never about the NHL or the money or anything else. It was just my own shit. My own disappointment that I couldn’t make it as a pro athlete and our subsequent financial problems. But it had nothing to do with you. I got incredibly lucky with both my kids. I love you both more than anything.” He pauses. “Anyway, I just wanted you to know.”

He turns to go but I reach out and grab his arm.

“Dad, wait.” I’m all choked up. “Thank you for telling me that.”

Then I pull him in for a hug and resist the weird scratchiness behind my eyes.

He hugs me tightly, thumping me on the back before abruptly pulling away.

“Go back to your wife and your party. Welcome to the family, Rowan.”

“Thank you, Mr. Rourke.” She smiles.

He nods and walks away.

“That came out of left field,” I tell her.

“I guess weddings bring out the best in people.”

“I guess they do.”

I stare down at her, thinking I’m the luckiest SOB on the planet.

“Time to get out of here?” I ask.

“Sure.”

I take her hand, and we walk toward the center of the room where our friends are all waiting to see us off.

I didn’t realize it until just now, but this is the god damn pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

And it’s been within my grasp this whole time.

It’s a damn good thing I finally figured it out.

Because this is the first day of forever.

With the love of my life.

I should’ve done this ten years ago, but better late than never.

“Race you to the limo,” I tease as we head out.

“Don’t make me beat you with one of these stilettos,” she responds, laughing.

“Thank you for loving me,” I whisper.

“The pleasure, my love, is all mine.”

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