Page 26

Elias

Summer:

I can’t believe we’re right back where we started.

We didn’t win the playoffs, but as I stand here, looking at the breathtaking, very pregnant woman beside me—stunning in her wedding dress—I know I’ve already won the greatest prize of all.

We could have gotten married anywhere, by anyone, but Taylor wanted to come back to the Hart Hotel in Vegas, with Rip officiating. This time, though, we actually know he’s licensed to do it, and our friends and family are all here to witness it. Santorini isn’t off the table, though—that’s where we’ll honeymoon. I can’t wait to show her the island. Hell, I can’t wait to show her the world.

We’ve made plans—hiring help for when she goes back to school, figuring things out as we go—but mostly, we’ve decided to take it one perfect, unpredictable day at a time.

“Now…you may kiss your bride,” Rip announces, and I pull Taylor into my arms. I push a stray lock of hair back, just wanting to take her in for a second before I press my lips to hers. When I do, the kiss is deep, lingering, full of everything I can’t put into words.

A loud voice breaks through the moment.

“Get a room!”

Okay, Grandma.

Laughter ripples through the crowd as Taylor and I turn to face the people we love. My heart feels impossibly full as I take in all the smiling faces, including the ones who flew across the country to celebrate this day with us.

But one face stands out. Roman.

He doesn’t look like a guy who just watched two good friends get married, the marriage officiated by his best friend. He looks... distracted. Off. The Roman I know would be chasing after the bridesmaids—especially Avery, who’s grown close to Taylor—but instead, he’s been quiet these past six months. That’s not like him at all.

Something tells me there’s a story there. And maybe—just maybe—it has something to do with that runaway bride from New Year’s Eve.

The fortune teller at Gina’s Halloween party had said something cryptic, saying he wouldn’t be the one to run, but she would. Odd, because Roman is always the first one to walk away. He doesn’t do relationships. But maybe she was right about something. Because he’s here, alone. No plus-one in sight.

I catch sight of Tuck, our team captain, and he’s seated beside Maria. When is that guy going to make his move? They’ve been dancing around each other forever. Then there’s Gunther. I’m pretty sure something happened between him and his best friend Paisley at that Halloween party. He’s been grinning ever since.

I turn back to Rip and shake his hand. “Thanks, buddy.”

He nods, grinning, and I still can’t believe this guy—the wild, reckless, serial heartbreaker—has been traded to the Bucks. Boston has no idea what’s coming. But one thing’s for sure... the local bunnies are thrilled about the trade.

With my arm wrapped around my bride, we walk down the aisle together, laughter and cheers filling the air as our friends and family toss flower petals at us. Hands reach out, pulling us in for hugs, their warmth and love wrapping around us. Honestly, I am the luckiest guy in the world.

Inside the reception hall, we make our way to the head table, and as soon as I sit, I catch Kalen grinning beside me. I brace myself—he’s been way too excited about his speech. I already know he’s going to embarrass me in the best, and worst, possible ways.

Taylor settles in beside Sahara, both of them glowing, and across the room, Grandma is in her element. Thanks to her endless "connections," she’s arranged a full-blown Elvis impersonator wedding station for anyone impulsive enough—or drunk enough—to take the plunge. With the way drinks are flowing, I have no doubt some people will be waking up with a surprise.

But me? I already know exactly how I’m waking up. Married to the woman of my dreams. And that’s all I’ve ever wanted. The old saying what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas doesn’t apply to us. And I couldn’t be more grateful.

We all settle in when dinner is served, and soon enough, speeches are made, the cake is cut, and the DJ cues up the music. Taylor and I spent forever picking out our first dance song, and in the end, we chose Unforgettable —the same song Grandma had at her wedding. When I glance at her, her eyes glisten with unshed tears. She’s given us so much. We owe her more than we could ever put into words.

We head to the dance floor, and I pull Taylor into my arms, pressing a kiss to her temple as we sway together. My heart is so full it aches, and when I see the shimmer of tears in her eyes, I gently wipe them away.

“This is the best night of my life,” she whispers.

“Me too.”

“I never want it to end.”

“It’s never ending, Taylor,” I murmur against her ear. “Because this is only the beginning.”

She lets out a soft laugh, her hand tightening around mine. “I think Grandma loves that we picked her song.”

“We finally managed to keep something from her,” I tease. “It’s a miracle.”

She chuckles as I slide my hand down her back, pulling her even closer. Her growing belly presses against me, and my chest tightens with pure emotion. In just a few weeks, our baby will be here. We decided not to find out the sex—wanting the surprise, the magic of that moment—and I can hardly wait.

The song comes to an end, but before I can pull away, another song suddenly blasts through the speakers. A song we definitely didn’t pick.

“What the heck?” Taylor gasps, eyes wide with happiness. “Did you…?”

“Wasn’t me,” I say, throwing my hands up. But then I spot Rip standing with the DJ, looking way too pleased with himself.

“Seriously, Rip?” The man was a true professional as he officiated our wedding, and now this. God, our team is going to be in so much trouble.

He just laughs, and the rest of us join in—because of course Adam Sandler singing Grow Old With You from The Wedding Singer would start playing at our reception. It’s Taylor’s favorite rom-com, which makes this ridiculous and weirdly perfect. But how would Rip know that?

“What? It wasn’t me!” Rip protests, pointing across the room.

We all turn at once, only to find Grandma grinning like the queen of mischief herself.

“Grandma?” I ask, narrowing my eyes. “How did you know?”

She waves a hand, all innocent-like, which does make me wonder if she really did know Rip could officiate weddings all those months ago. She swears she didn’t, but she has matchmaking—and mischief—in her blood.

“When you get to be my age, you justknow things,” she tells us.

Taylor chuckles, nudging me. “Maybe playing her wedding song wasn’t a surprise to her at all.”

“Probably not.” I shake my head, laughing. “Forget the fortune teller. We need to bring Grandma to the next Halloween party. She’s a match-making queen and clearly has a gift at predicting couples who belong together.”

Taylor’s gaze sweeps across the dance floor. “Who do you think she’d match next?”

Before she can answer, the music abruptly changes—to Love Stinks.

I whip around to find Rip still standing by the DJ, grinning like the village idiot.

“Seriously, Rip?” I groan.

He just gives me a devilish shrug. “What can I say…love stinks.”

Laughter erupts around us, but as I watch Rip soaking it all in, I can’t help but think that one of these days, the right woman is going to come along and turn his world upside down. And when she does—he’s definitely going to change his tune.

I can’t wait to see it.

***

Thank you so much for reading, STICK MOVE in my Boston Bucks series. I hope you loved this story as much as I loved writing it. Stayed tuned for Roman’s story in Stick Fight.

Interested in leaving a review? Please do! Reviews help readers connect with books that work for them. I appreciate all reviews, whether positive or negative.

Happy Reading,

Cathryn