Page 31

Gabi

Six months later

As I sit in the Blades arena with Lexi, wrapped in a thick scarf and sipping hot cocoa to stave off the chilly December air, my eyes wander to two uniformed figures out of the dozen or so on the ice.

Giovanni and Jacob glide effortlessly across the ice, a smile on each of their faces. The sound of blades slicing through the ice is oddly comforting.

Especially now.

The thousand-and-one thoughts in my head need a break. It doesn't help that Lexi is adding in a few thoughts of her own.

She’s now the main correspondent covering NHL games for her sports streaming company, and she's never been happier. Her notebook poised like a sword ready for battle, she's half-engrossed in our reigning champs' practice and half-engrossed in asking me heart-attack-inducing questions about the upcoming winter holidays just weeks away.

She sighs, her blond curls bobbing gently underneath her beanie. "So, you and Jacob are officially throwing the Christmas party this year? About time you guys hosted at your new place." She nudges me with her elbow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Maybe this time the two of you will actually stay past nine p.m."

I roll my eyes, but can't fight back the grin tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Hey, leaving that Halloween party early was not totally our fault. Jacob had an early morning practice and game."

"And so did all the rest of his Blades teammates. But I'm pretty sure only the two of you managed to sneak away and bump uglies in the guest bedroom while everyone else was still partying."

I'd deny it. But I can't.

I also can't deny that it was a pretty memorable Halloween party, and not just for that scandalous—or slightly embarrassing—reason.

It was also the night Jacob asked me to move in with him. In front of all our friends, no less.

I can still feel his arms wrapped around me as we stood under the flickering string lights on our deck, his warm breath against my ear as he showed me around the new estate he'd purchased for our little family of three.

Or, should I say, four?

I glance down at my stomach, already slightly rounded at just one month pregnant, and smile.

Just then Lexi's voice interrupts my ruminating. "So, I'm guessing that most of the planning for the party is finished now? Need any help?"

I inhale, blowing out a deep breath. "Honestly? There's a lot going on. You know that Jacob's estranged from his father and stepmother, and now his dad is trying to reconnect with him."

"Hmph. Probably figured he'd get in on his son's bonus check for winning the championship last season."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Maybe. Jacob's not the type to give in to that kind of manipulation. But his dad does seem to want to be a part of little Chiara's life."

"Interesting." She glances down at my stomach, hidden beneath my sweater. "And what about your new little buffalo-in-the-making?"

I cough, nearly choking on my hot cocoa. "How did you…"

"I have eyes and a brain, Gabs. Your face is glowing, and you've been even more emotional than usual lately."

"Thanks for that reminder."

"Not to mention your ‘pregnancy behavior’ is starting to show. The stress shopping, the lasagna dinners with extra dark chocolate desserts, and the sudden interest in floral patterns. It's all very telling."

"Dammit. I...I was trying to hold onto the secret a little longer." I bite my lip, gazing apologetically at my best friend. "I swear I only found out a couple of days ago, Lex. I wanted to tell Jacob first, but between his absentee dad trying to tap-dance back into his life and the Blades' tough schedule, I haven't found a good time. And now, with the holidays coming up…"

"Stop." Lexi's tone is gentle but firm. "Don't apologize for living your life, Gabi. You and Jacob have known each other all your lives. He'll understand. And you already know I do."

I nod, feeling tears prick my eyes. "Thanks, Lex."

She grins impishly and pats my arm. "Besides...I'm sure that man can smell the pregnancy on you. He has Gabi-goggles on at all times. Are you sure he hasn't already figured it out?"

"Knowing Jacob, he probably senses something's off. But I still want to tell him myself."

"Of course." She squeezes my arm before releasing it and sipping her cocoa. "So, when are you planning on telling him?"

"I was thinking maybe on Christmas Eve. We always have a family dinner with his parents and mine, so it would be the perfect opportunity."

"Aw, that's so sweet and romantic!" Lexi sighs dreamily.

"Romantic? More like chaotic and overwhelming."

"But in a good way!" She glances back at the ice. "Some of us aren't lucky enough to find the man we're supposed to be with yet. Some of us have such busy schedules that the only viable men we're around are cocky, swaggering, overly aggressive athletes."

"You mean like my brother?" I eye her over my cocoa, and she winces.

"Is he still mad about that segment I did on him?"

"Pretty much. But after his last fight on the ice, you did say that maybe his nickname should change from Gio 'The Icebreaker' De Luca to Gio 'The Fist'."

"I know, I know. But in my defense, he did start that fight. The man is built like a tank and apparently hits like one, too. One of these days, he's going to really hurt someone."

"None more than himself." I try to take another sip of my cocoa, but the cup is practically empty. I frown and set it down. "Speaking of 'pregnancy behavior', I should probably hit the bathroom before I get another cup. Want anything?"

"I'm good, thanks. Practice is going to wrap up soon, I think. And I could use the time to get my notes organized." Lexi holds up her notebook for me to see. "But when you get back, we'll talk more about this Christmas Eve plan. I want all the details."

I decide to make a quick detour to the "good" bathroom closest to the locker rooms, hoping it’ll be quieter. After finishing up, I step out and pause when I hear familiar voices echoing through the hall.

Curiosity piqued, I edge closer, careful to stay out of sight. It’s Gio and Jacob, standing just outside the locker room, their laughter carrying through the air.

“You really think you can pull it off?” Gio teases, a hint of disbelief in his tone.

Jacob chuckles, his voice confident. “Just wait and see. You’ll be eating your words.”

I can practically hear Gio rolling his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll believe it when I see it.”

"Christmas Eve is perfect. Everyone’s in a good mood, and it’ll be a complete surprise.”

"And my sister..." The mention of me makes me tense up, but I force myself to keep listening. "She has no idea?"

"None." Jacob pauses. "Why? You think she should?"

"I mean, she's still a new mom. Chiara is only six months old. She's still sleep-deprived. Plus, she's arranging that Christmas party of yours. Just make sure she’s not too caught up in the holiday chaos to notice, or you might end up with a lukewarm response."

Jacob's laugh is full of amusement. "Trust me, I've got it all under control. Just have faith in me."

"Fine, fine. But if this doesn't go well, I'm blaming you for ruining Christmas!"

“I’m not going to ruin Christmas. I’m going to make it better. And Gabi deserves better after everything she’s been through this year."

I can hear the sincerity in Jacob's voice, and my heart swells with gratitude for having such a caring man in my life.

Gio must sense that time is ticking because he suddenly quiets down before speaking again. "All right, enough of this. My uniform is sticking to my balls. Let's head back in."

I quickly duck back into the bathroom as they make their way down the hall. The two of them walk back into the locker room, their laughter fading away as they disappear.

After they've left, my mind is reeling with thoughts of what they could possibly be planning for Christmas Eve. Knowing Jacob, it could range from an elaborate candlelit dinner under the stars to a full-blown scavenger hunt through the city.

Or maybe he’s even plotting a flash mob with all our friends singing “Jingle Bells” out in front of the house.

God help me if he decides to break out the Christmas onesie collection.

Whatever it is, it's bound to be memorable.

He has a knack for turning ordinary moments into something extraordinary—just as long as it doesn’t involve reindeer games or karaoke.

My heart flutters at the thought, wishing for nothing more than a magical Christmas with the people I love.

Shaking my head, I return to the Blades staff-only room and refill my cup with hot cocoa before settling back in next to Lexi. She glances up at me, her pen hovering over her notebook.

"What?" she prompts eagerly. "You look like the cat who ate the canary."

I can't help but grin. "I have a feeling Jacob has something up his sleeve for Christmas Eve."

Lexi's eyes widen before she clears her throat. Turning back to her notebook, she now seems to be scribbling furiously.

"I just hope it doesn't involve me embarrassing myself in front of a room of overgrown athletes," I add, remembering our Halloween party where Jacob convinced me to do a dramatic reading of The Raven in front of all our friends.

Lexi laughs. "Oh, come on. You were a hit!"

I chuckle, remembering how red my face had been the entire time. "Don't get me started on what he did for Thanksgiving. Let's just say, I never want to see another turkey again. I'm terrified that if he ever proposes, he'll do it dressed as a giant turkey."

I glance over at Lexi, expecting her to laugh along, but instead, I notice her growing increasingly shifty, her gaze glued to her notebook as if it holds the key to world peace.

"Lex?"

She doesn't look up. "Hm?"

"Hey, you okay?"

She looks over at me, finally, just as a shadow begins to loom.

I glance upwards.

It's Jacob. Showered and dressed in clean clothes, he looks like a completely different person from the sweaty mess he was earlier.

Either way, he's so gorgeous it's almost unfair.

"Hey, ladies," he greets us with a smile. "What are we talking about?"

I look over at Lexi, who still seems tense, before turning back to Jacob and replying with a smirk. "Just discussing your Christmas Eve plans."

Jacob's eyes widen for a moment before he laughs and shakes his head. "I hope nothing too embarrassing." His eyes flicker over to my mug. "Is that the dark chocolate cocoa?"

I stand to my feet. "Uh, yeah. I've been...craving it a lot lately. I don't know why."

Jacob grins. "Well, I was actually thinking of going out to buy some for tomorrow's dinner with Nonna. Want to join me?"

I glance at Lexi, who seems relieved that the attention is off of her now. "Actually, I have some work to finish up here," she says.

I hug my best friend goodbye and follow Jacob out of the arena and towards the car. We walk in comfortable silence until he opens the passenger door for me.

The second I'm settled, he peeks over at me, blue eyes curious in the darkened space of the car. "So, about our Christmas Eve plans...what did you have in mind?"

I shrug, trying to keep my leg from shaking with nervous energy. "Oh. Nothing. Just decorating the tree with the family and having a nice dinner together."

"That sounds...lovely, babe."

"And you?" I squint, examining his face. "What do you want to do for Christmas Eve?"

Jacob's lips tug into a small smile. "Oh. Nothing too exciting. Spending time with the most gorgeous baby to ever exist and her equally gorgeous mother. Professing my undying love for them both, and maybe, I don't know, sacrificing an innocent animal to the gods to thank them for bringing you both into my life."

"Well, let's hope it doesn't come to sacrificing any animals. But spending time with you and our little miracle sounds perfect to me." My heart swells at his words, and I throw my arms around his neck, peppering his face with kisses. “I love you too, Jacob. You're amazing."

He chuckles and presses a kiss to my forehead before pulling away slightly. "Sacrifice-a-goat amazing?"

"More like 'go to the grocery store for more dark chocolate cocoa before going home to Chiara and the baby nurse' amazing."

"That sounds perfect." Jacob's smile grows, and he intertwines our fingers together as we drive toward home. "I can't wait for Christmas with you."

I smile, content and utterly in love with this man beside me. "Me too, baby. Me too…"