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thirty-eight

MIRA

“So you’re meeting with the heads of the hockey program, and Griffin is meeting with that gear company?” Isla glances at me out of the corner of her eye as we stand in line to order coffee.

“Mm-hmm. I’m super nervous, but it’s Griffin and Maddy’s old coach, so hopefully it will be okay and I won’t make a fool of myself.

” I shouldn’t. I’ve spent days working up what I think is the perfect proposal for the hockey program, along with some mock-ups so I can show them my vision.

At the same time, this is the biggest pitch I’ve ever made, and I can’t deny my nerves.

“And it’s only you and Griffin going?”

There’s an undertone to that question that, once again, leads me to wonder if Isla suspects something is going on between Griffin and me.

It’s so tempting to spill my guts, but we’re planning on announcing our marriage to everyone the week after we get back.

I can wait a little longer. Besides, seeing everyone’s expressions will make all this subterfuge worth it.

“We won’t be there long enough to make it some big thing, so it didn’t make sense to invite anyone else. It’s just work meetings, nothing fun.”

“Of course,” Isla says as we make it to the front of the line. “Two roommates traveling together for work meetings.”

“Exactly.”

She grins as she orders but thankfully drops it.

As soon as we have our coffees, we settle at a circular table in the corner of the café, where Isla sets her wedding binder.

The date is coming up fast, and it’s crunch time.

If everything is going to be done on time, it’s all hands on deck whenever possible.

So of course, I help as much as I can. Isla has become one of my best friends, and she’s about to be my sister.

After we get through all the boring, important details, talk turns to parties.

“Jess and Nev are planning your bachelorette party, right?” Isla’s best friends have been keeping their plans pretty tight-lipped, so I don’t know what to expect, but I’m sure it will be fun.

“Yeah. I told them nothing crazy, but things have a way of getting out of hand with those two.” Isla chuckles, her blue eyes taking on the faraway look of someone lost in a memory.

She’s probably right. When they decided Isla had spent too much time moping after her jerk of an ex-fiancé, their plan to push her back into the dating pool went a little off the rails. Though that was as much my brother’s fault as anything they did.

“I’m sure they’ll plan something fun. I can always do some recon if you’re worried.”

Isla giggles but shakes her head. “That’s okay. I trust them. Mostly.”

“Speaking of parties…” I clear my throat and shift in my seat. “Griffin and I were thinking it would be fun to have everyone over the week after we get back from Michigan. It’s been too long, and he’s itching to host something.”

My future sister-in-law arches one red eyebrow. “Oh yeah?”

I nod.

“That sounds fun. Do you want us to bring anything?”

“No, we’ll have it all covered. I’ll text you and Maddy the details in the next couple of days. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t have anything coming up that would conflict. Obviously, we’ll plan it around the Rogues’ schedule.”

“I don’t have any scheduling conflicts,” she says, studying me curiously. “Let me know if you need any help planning it.”

I roll my eyes playfully at her. “No way. You have a much more important party to plan. Just make sure you keep the date open.”

“Of course we will.”

“Great. Now, let’s figure out these floral centerpieces.

I found a few inspiration photos I think would be perfect with your vibe.

” Pulling out my phone, I ignore the staccato beat of my heart, and the nerves that fill me from the announcement party talk, and refocus on Isla and Maddy’s wedding.

Because once we’re done here, I’ll be heading home to our empty apartment, packing my bags for our trip, and waiting for Griffin to get home from New York so we can head to the airport and fly to Michigan.

Since the next two weeks will be full of nerve-racking moments for me, I’ll have plenty of time to freak out about everything. Which is why I throw myself into helping Isla. Because I can’t think about my own worries if I’m busy planning her dreams.

“Baby, I’m home!”

My stomach does an excited little flip as Griffin’s voice precedes him.

He strides into our bedroom with a huge smile on his face, even though I can see hints of exhaustion in the lines around his eyes.

Setting my book down on our bed, I launch myself into his arms, giggling when he lets out a soft oomph .

“Miss me, sunshine?”

“So much,” I say before attacking his lips with mine. “I don’t like being apart for that long.”

Griffin’s arms tighten around me, and he sways us while kissing me back with as much hunger as I feel. “Me neither, wifey. Fuck, I missed holding you.”

We sway like that for a few minutes, all the tension of the morning fading away as I relax into Griffin’s strong, lean body. Neither one of us makes any move to let go until the alarm I set on my phone goes off.

“We should head to the airport.”

My sweet, formerly accidental, husband groans. “I feel like I never left.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. But just think—once we’re there, it’s only you and me in a hotel room and two days of exploring where we don’t know anyone.

” Our first day in Michigan is a free day.

We’re going to explore Ann Arbor, enjoy each other’s company, and let loose.

The second day, we both have our meetings.

Griffin’s sponsorship meeting is in the morning, while mine will be right after lunch.

His is far enough away from the college that we’ll arrive separately, but he’s promised to be there, right by my side, while I make my pitch.

It means more to me than he knows.

“I can’t wait, baby. Let me grab my other suitcase, then we can head out. Do you have everything you need?”

“Yeah, I’m good.”

“Yeah, you are.” He smiles affectionately at me, the corners of his eyes crinkling despite his exhaustion.

Before heading to our room to grab his suitcase, Griffin leans down and presses a lingering kiss to my forehead.

It’s a gesture he does often, and one I’ve come to love.

It’s so sweet and tender, much like the man himself.

I can’t wait to spend the next two days alone with Griffin. No matter what happens at this meeting with the university, I know everything will be okay. My future is looking brighter than ever, and I can’t wait to step into it.