Page 38 of Pucking Tangled
THIRTY-SEVEN
Luca
Mia had finally fallen asleep.
The four of them sat in separate rooms, their eyes glued to separate screens, but still united in purpose.
Their approach wasn’t planned. Not in the way things like this usually happened. They had no strategy.
No PR coaching.
Just a deep, abiding love for one woman that would see them through this.
Luca sat by the window in his room, the camera on his laptop pointing slightly off center, but he didn’t care. This wasn’t about optics or perfection. It was about taking initiative. It was about taking back control and protecting what was his.
Theirs.
“Hey. It’s Luca Blackford. You all know me as the rookie defenseman for the Lancaster Barn Raisers. What you might not know about me though is I’ve always been a quiet person. I’ve never liked the spotlight, or noise, or complicated conversations.
But there’s nothing complicated about what I’m going to say to you now. In fact, it’s really simple.
I love Mia Abbott, and I don’t care how unconventional that is.
I don’t care what that love costs me.
I’m proud of her—to know her, to love her
I’m proud to call her mine.
Ours.
You’re welcome to say whatever you want about me.
But keep her name out of your mouth unless you’re going to speak it with the respect she deserves.
And, uh, Mom. Dad. I’m sorry you found out about Mia like this, but I can’t wait for you to meet her. I love you guys. I’ll call home soon.”
He didn’t wait for the replies to flood in. He just copied the link to the live stream and posted it everywhere he was supposed to and logged right back out.
Then he left his room and walked back down the hall, crawling back in bed with Mia and holding her close as she continued to sleep.
Owen
He wasted no time. He hit the button and began to speak.
“Judging by the comments I’ve seen today, you all already know that I’m Owen Hawk.
Team Captain for the Lancaster Barn Raisers.
You know my stats, the awards, my record.
What you don’t know is that I’m in love with a woman who reminds me every day what strength looks like.
Her name is Mia Abbott, but you already know that, too.
And before you go starting any other rumors, yes, I still love Casey Novak. I love them both.
I will not tolerate the public twisting something good and consensual into something cruel.
If you came here for gossip, I’ve got nothing for you. But if you’re looking for a man who’ll protect the people he loves, you found him.
And I will protect them at all costs. All day. Every day. On and off the ice.”
They could take it or leave it. He was unapologetically in love and would never hide it again.
Waylon
Waylon picked at his cuticles while he waited for everything to load.
He was still reeling from the bullshit the press and internet strangers were putting Mia.
Fire blazed in his eyes as he watched himself on the screen and the little button flicked red.
Recording. Live.
“Waylon Ryan. Defenseman. Fighter. And loudmouth, according to most.
And this is my truth:
I’m crazy about Mia Abbott.
She’s smart as hell, funny, and the only person who’s ever made me want to be better without asking me to change.
I don’t give two shits how many people think it’s weird, or wrong, or wild. What’s wild is the way she loves all of us without ever making any of us feel like less.
You don’t have to get it. But you will respect her. Because if you don’t, I will find you. And I will make sure your wifi connection doesn’t survive the week.”
There was so much more he wanted to say, but he knew if he did, he’d end up banned and probably even fined from the league. Hell, this recording already skirted the line of what was appropriate. He didn’t care.
He hit end and waited for the video to post. Then he closed his laptop.
Fuck anyone who thought they could steal the happiness that lived in this house.
Casey
Casey took the longest to speak his truth.
He saw the notifications pop up letting him know the other guys had already posted.
He recorded a statement, then deleted it. Re-recorded it twice. Deleted those too.
Then finally, he decided to just hit record and let his heart speak.
“I’m Casey Novak. I’ve been a Barn Raiser from the beginning. I’ve also been in love with my best friend, Mia Abbott, since I was thirteen years old. Like Owen Hawk, she’s my safe place. My future. Together, they’re my whole Goddamn heart.
It took me a long time to step into my truth when Owen and I got together. But if you think I’m going to sit back while the world shames Mia or us for something beautiful—something ours —then you don’t know me at all.
Say whatever the hell you want about me. But leave her out of it. Because it won’t just be one of us coming for you, it’ll be four.”
His voice cracked, just slightly, before he shut the screen.
Casey blew out a breath and sought out Owen.
He wouldn’t wake Mia, but he needed at least one of his anchors to hold him steady in this storm.
Of course Owen was waiting for him just outside the door because the man knew exactly what Casey needed.
Always.