Page 16 of Soulmates and Slapshots (Love in Maple Falls #6)

FIONA

T here’s something about this town that continues to pull me in.

I don’t know what they’re putting in the water around here, but it’s working.

Maple Falls has a strange kind of power.

People really come here for a visit and somehow never leave.

I thought their town slogan was just clever marketing.

You’ll never want to leave. But now—I’m starting to believe it.

Honestly, I’m starting to feel it too.

Of course, spending thousands of my hard-earned savings to win a date with a hockey player I barely know might also have something to do with that.

Who am I? This is the kind of thing that happens in romantic comedy novels or Hallmark movies.

But now I’m living it. And if I’m being honest?

I didn’t even think it through. I got caught up in the moment, caught up in him.

It all started with Weston walking out onto that stage at the Hawk River Lodge looking like he’d rather take a puck to the face than be auctioned off.

Still, he stood tall, and the crowd went wild.

Especially the group of women Neesha called“the Seattle girls”—who were clearly prepared to spend some cash on these dates.

Watching them bid on Weston’s teammates made something inside me snap.

Jealousy burned through me, and there was no way I was letting one of them win a date with Weston.

Yes, it makes no sense. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.

But it was for charity, right? I can live with that justification for now.

After the auction wraps up, the crowd begins to thin, and I hover near the back of the room, nervous to see Weston for the first time since I was pronounced the winner.

I have no idea what he’s going to say. It’s one thing to let my friends back in New York believe I’m having a vacation romance, but it’s another thing entirely to have just purchased an evening with the man in the name of charity.

We haven’t seen each other in over a week due to the team’s on-the-road schedule.

But we texted a lot, and that made the distance more bearable.

Truthfully Weston feels like someone I’ve known forever, even though it’s only been a few weeks.

He has such a calming energy, so different from men I’ve dated in the past.

I’ve also been spending my free time doing research on the Blue Rock Thrush, which is more interesting than I thought.

Studying a bird doesn’t seem like much, but it makes me feel like I’m doing something for my aunt and her home.

So between the research and eight grand, I’m feeling pretty good about my contribution to Maple Falls.

As soon as Weston spots me, his eyes light up and he strides toward me like there’s no one else in the room. Then, without hesitation, he wraps me in his arms. My breath catches as I melt into him like I’m meant to be right here at this moment in time.

“Hi,” he murmurs into my neck .

“Hi,” I breathe back.

Neither of us moves for several seconds, falling into this moment like it could be our last.

“How are you?” I ask casually.

He pulls back slightly, running a hand through his hair. “I’m—good. Thanks for…”

“For buying a date with you?” I offer with a teasing grin, trying to lighten the mood.

He drops his lips to my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. “I just want you to know…I’d go on a date with you for free.”

My cheeks grow hot. I’m blushing, and there’s no way to hide it.

“I know…but itwasfor an important cause. Maple Falls is special, and…who needs a savings account anyway? You only live once, right?”

He chuckles. “I guess. And I agree, this town is…home.”

There it is again. That lump in my throat. Because I know exactly what he means. Maple Falls is starting to feel like home. Which makes no sense, because technically, I have a home back in New York. Don’t I?

“Fiona?” Weston’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts.

“Oh—sorry. I zoned out,” I mumble.

He laughs gently. “It happens to the best of us.”

“Anyway,” I say. “We’ve got a date to plan.”

“Absolutely. I’m all yours.”

And just like that, my cheeks are on fire again.

“There you are,” Aunt Dee’s voice rings out as she rushes toward us.

She pulls Weston and me into a group hug before we can react. “Thank you both so much for supporting Maple Falls. It means everything. ”

Then she turns to Weston and flashes a sly grin. “And how about that bid from my niece, huh?”

Weston doesn’t even flinch. He looks at me and says, “I’m just honored she chose me. I would’ve done the same for her—and for Maple Falls.”

My heart skips, then pounds against my ribs. I can feel it echoing in my ears.

Aunt Dee grabs my hand. “I’m feeling hopeful again. Maybe now we can stop Alexander MacDonald’s team before they come in here with bulldozers.”

“We’re not going down without a fight,” I say, gripping her hand tighter.

She hugs us both again. “First we stop MacDonald, then we convince you to stay in Maple Falls permanently. I’m not sure which will be more difficult.”

Weston and I exchange a glance, but neither of us says a word. Because as much as I try to dismiss it, the idea doesn’t sound impossible anymore. There’s just still so much to figure out. And no matter how I feel about Weston or this town, I want to be sure I’m making the right choice for me.

“So,” Weston says, clearly sensing the need to change the subject. “Where are we going on our date?”

“Good question.” I smile. “Any preferences? The options here are endless.”

He grins, lacing his fingers through mine. “I’ll be happy to go anywhere.”

My stomach flutters.

“Which brings me to my next question—are you free tonight?” he asks.

“Yes.”

“Perfect. I’d invite you over, but I’ve got a French guy crashing on my couch. ”

“You can come to my place,” I offer without hesitation.

“Your aunt won’t mind?” he teases.

I laugh. “I can almost guarantee it.”

“Alright, I’ll head home and change. This suit’s okay, but I prefer something more comfortable.”

“You look very dapper,” I say honestly.

He leans in and presses a kiss to my forehead, and my insides practically melt. “See you soon.”

As I watch him walk away, my mind is racing. I might be living in a rom-com plotline, but it’s starting to feel more real. I’m getting so used to life here, but the idea of leaving is weighing on me so heavily.

I came to Maple Falls for a change. I just didn’t expect it to change me .

Since leaving the lodge, my thoughts haven’t stopped spiraling. No matter how hard I try, I can’t quiet the nagging questions. What happens if Alexander MacDonald does win his claim? This place has become more than just a temporary stop for me.

One thing’s for sure—I can’t make any decisions until I know how things play out here.

It’s like everything’s teetering on the edge and the whole town’s holding its breath.

And while I don’t have all the answers yet, I have some big life changing decisions to make.

I’m not the same person I was a few months ago.

If I do go back to New York, I can’t just slide into my old life like nothing happened. I’d need a complete reset .

My thoughts are interrupted by a knock at the door.

“I brought pizza from the Rustic Slice,” Weston announces as soon as I open it, holding up the box.

I smile, instantly lighter. “Ah, great minds think alike. I was going to suggest we order it.”

He grins and steps inside, setting the box on the counter before wrapping his arms around me.

I let myself melt against him again, closing my eyes so I can soak up every bit of comfort he’s offering me.

His familiar scent grounds me. Even with so much up in the air, being around Weston makes everything feel steadier.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” I mumble into his chest.

“Me too,” he says softly. “Being on the road is exhausting.”

I lead him into the kitchen, pulling plates from the cabinet while he opens the pizza box. The scent of garlic and melted cheese fills the air, and suddenly I realize how hungry I am.

“How was traveling with the new team?” I ask, grabbing two slices and handing him a plate.

“Actually pretty good,” he says, leaning against the counter. “The shorter trips help, and we picked up two wins, so that always makes it better.”

“That’s great. And now you have a French man living with you?”

He laughs, shaking his head. “Yep. Clément bought a fixer-upper house. He says it has potential, but right now, it’s barely livable.”

“That’s really generous of you to let him stay.”

He shrugs. “What can I say? I’m a nice guy.”

Weston takes our plates to the couch, and I grab a couple of Diet Cokes from the fridge .

“So, what have you been up to?” he asks after we settle in with our food.

“I’ve been studying birds,” I say casually.

He pauses before taking a bite of pizza. “Birds?”

I laugh and quickly explain Mabel’s idea about the Blue Rock Thrush. “If the bird nests on the property and it’s endangered or protected, then MacDonald can’t touch the land. It could stop everything he’s trying to do.”

Weston nods, impressed. “That’s actually really smart.”

“I know,” I say. “When Mabel first suggested it, I was skeptical.”

“Do you study birds often, or is this a new hobby?”

“You know it,” I say, deadpan. “I’m super outdoorsy. Camping, birdwatching…all the things we city girls are known for.”

He chuckles. “You’re full of surprises.”

His expression changes, suddenly more serious, and I know what’s coming before he even says it.

“Speaking of surprises—about that auction bid…”

I take a deep breath, even though I knew this conversation was inevitable.

“What about it?” I ask carefully.

“It was a lot of money.”

I shrug. “I guess so.”

He looks away, as if he’s trying to process what just happened. I get it. What is there to say to someone who just dropped eight thousand dollars on a single date?

“Are you sure about—?” he begins then stops, his mouth tightening. “Sorry, I’m trying to put my thoughts together.”

“You’re wondering why I would spend that kind of money,” I say gently, offering him a way out. “Especially given everything I’ve told you.”

He gives a small nod. “Yes. I mean, I don’t want to assume anything, but you’ve told me what’s going on with your job, and?—”

“I know,” I say quietly, cutting him off with a small smile. “And I appreciate your concern. But I promise you I didn’t empty my savings account for this. Despite how it looks, I’m not completely reckless.”

He exhales, his shoulders easing as some of the tension leaves his body. His eyes still linger on mine. Clearly he has more he wants to say.

“I didn’t expect it,” he admits. “You kind of blew me away.”

“Good,” I say. “It was actually kind of exhilarating.”

A grin spreads across his face. “I know the feeling. Thank you again.”

I smile. “You’re welcome.”

As we eat, our conversation flows effortlessly.

We replay the evening’s events, chuckling over the fierce, almost bidding war that broke out between a few of the more competitive women.

It was dramatic, but it only added to the fun of the night.

He tells me about their recent away games and some of the explosive moments and close calls.

I hang on every word, loving how excited he gets when he talks about hockey.

There's a natural ease between us, like we have a history with each other that doesn’t make sense.

I’ve heard other people talk about this but never experienced it myself.

I’m already looking forward to the next time we’ll be together.

I never thought I’d say this, but I’m absolutely captivated by these Maple Falls town council meetings. This is better than any show on TV. All we’re missing is the popcorn.

The highlight of the night is the jaw-dropping reveal of a time capsule discovered in the basement of the haunted house at Maple Fest. Talk about being in the right place at the right time.

It’s not just an old box—it’s a treasure trove of Maple Falls history.

You can feel the energy shift in the room the moment it's mentioned. Bailey, who’s been passionately vocal since the last meeting, is practically glowing as she argues for the importance of preserving the town’s heritage.

And with this discovery, her case is stronger than ever.

As the council deliberates, the tension is at an all-time high.

Aunt Dee and I grab each other's hands, sitting on the edge of our seats as we watch it all unfold. The room is packed full of nervous energy, and I’m just as invested as the people who live here.

When the final vote is called, I hold my breath.

And then—it happens. It feels like it’s all in slow motion as it registers in my mind.

The council unanimously votes to designate the area as a protected historic district.

For a split second, there’s nothing but silence.

Then the room erupts in cheers and applause.

I leap to my feet, unable to contain my excitement, and join the celebration sweeping through the town hall.

Aunt Dee dabs the corners of her eyes, and Bailey looks like she’s about to burst with joy.

The only person not celebrating is Alexander MacDonald’s representative who sits still, obviously shocked by what just transpired. I don’t envy him. Delivering this news to his boss won’t be easy.

This makes me wonder…why hasn’t MacDonald shown up to any of these meetings?

If he truly cared about Maple Fa lls, wouldn’t he be here fighting for what he wants?

His absence speaks volumes. I imagine as a billionaire he’s involved in many different business endeavors so it would be impossible to be everywhere.

But this is exactly why he should leave Maple Falls alone.

The people in this room care about this town, it’s their home and hopefully it will stay that way for a long time.