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forty-nine

MIRA

The energy in the arena is electric as the guys celebrate their win on the ice. Fans cheer, lights flash, and music blares over the sound system.

“Oh my god,” Isla shouts. She and Lexi have their arms around me, jumping up and down as we hug, much like the guys are doing below us on the ice. “That was amazing! My man is going to get laid tonight!”

That makes me groan. “Ew. That’s my brother you’re talking about.”

She giggles. “Sorry, not sorry. The way he set up that last goal was…” She mimes a chef’s kiss.

“I’m sure Logan won’t have any trouble finding someone to celebrate with, either,” Lexi says, giggling right along with Isla.

“One day, he’s going to find some woman who knocks him off his feet, and he’s going to regret sleeping around.” I know Griffin does, and he wasn’t nearly as bad as Logan.

“I don’t know.” Lexi watches the guys file off the ice and down the tunnel. “From what Ryder’s said, it sounds like Logan is very anti-relationship. I could see Bash ending up in a relationship and Logan being the lone single guy in their group.”

Isla does a little head wobble. “I think he’s got a softer center than he lets on.”

“Only time will tell. All I know is that, right now, I couldn’t care less about Logan Byrne’s slutty ways. I just want to see my husband. I still can’t believe he wore my name on his back.”

“That was seriously romantic.” Lexi clutches her hands over her heart. “Who knew so many of these guys were secret softies?”

“Me,” Isla replies with a shrug before turning my way. “I won’t say I knew something would happen between you two when you moved in, but I’m also not surprised. Griffin’s always been a romantic. Just look at what he did for me and Maddox.”

“So, are you two officially back together?” Lexi asks. “Were you ever really not together?”

“Both great questions. And I’m not sure how to answer them,” I tell her honestly.

“I guess we never really broke up, but I asked him for some time to figure things out.

After the thing in Michigan, I freaked out a little.

When we woke up married in Vegas, I never believed he could be my forever.

Then when I started to fall for him, it was amazing but terrifying, you know?

“I don’t have a good framework for forever.

And I know I’m not doomed to live my mom’s life or anything, but I let the fear that maybe he’d leave fester, and I was pulling Griffin toward me with one hand while pushing him away with the other.

Then, when I pulled a Maddox and assumed things were over without ever talking to Griffin, I realized I have some work to do if I want to be the wife he deserves. ”

“No one is perfect,” Isla says, a gentle look in her eyes. “Everyone has work they need to do, right, Lexi?”

My blonde friend nods. “Absolutely. You’re not the only woman in the room with daddy issues.” She says it with a smile, but I know how hurtful the whole situation with her dad was. That kind of pain leaves a mark. I’m glad she has Ryder by her side to support her as she heals.

Just like I have Griffin.

“I’ve been seeing a counselor, and I plan to continue. She’s been really helpful. I need to talk to Griffin tonight, but I think I need a little more time to focus on healing while he focuses on the postseason. After that, I’m all in. No more holding back.”

“Because you’re in love with him.” Isla says what I haven’t, and even though hearing her speak the words out loud makes my heart beat faster in my chest and a lump form in my throat, I can say with absolute certainty that they’re good responses.

Not because I’m scared—and okay, I’m still a little scared, but who wouldn’t be? —but because I’m excited.

“Yeah. I’m really in love with him.”

My future sister-in-law and the woman I’m certain will end up being one of my best friends squeal and wrap me in a hug.

Lexi beams at me. “Then, let’s get you down to him. The rest of your life awaits.”

Hell yeah, it does. And I’m ready.

The moment Griffin strides out of the locker room, I’m throwing myself into his arms.

“Oh my god, babe. You played so well. I’m so proud of you.” Pulling my face away from his neck, I peer up at the man I’m hopelessly in love with and lick my lips.

He groans, holding me tighter. “Fuck, baby. Keep looking at me like that, and I won’t be able to control myself. I’ll take you in a janitor’s closet or something, and that is not how I want to reconnect with you for the first time.”

I chuckle, but I know exactly how he feels. It’s taking every ounce of my self-control not to grind against him with my legs wrapped around his waist the way they are.

Griffin’s expression goes soft and he whispers, “Can I kiss you, sunshine?”

Without bothering to answer, I press my lips to his. He’s kissed my cheeks and my forehead since everything went down in Michigan, but we haven’t kissed in the weeks that followed. He’s been so sweet and good, following my lead and never pushing me. But I’ve missed kissing him. So much.

He groans against me as his tongue sweeps against my lips, and I allow him entry, deepening the kiss. It stokes the rising flame in my belly, and I sigh into him. Until someone jostles us.

“Get a fuckin’ room,” my brother grumbles, elbowing Griffin. “I don’t need to see this shit.”

Chuckling, Griffin turns to Maddy with one raised eyebrow. “You want me to get a room with your sister? Damn. You were always a solid wingman, but I never thought you’d be encouraging me to fuck your sister.”

My cheeks are hot and no doubt bright pink as the people around us laugh, having heard all of that. Luckily, Isla is there to put a hand on my brother’s chest and softly remind him that he can’t start a fight with his brother-in-law in the locker room. Especially not with the press outside.

“Speaking of press,” Maddox says with a sigh, “we need to go answer a few questions.” He levels Griffin with a pointed look. “And you know they’re going to want to talk to you. Let’s go get this over with so we can celebrate.”

The guys grumble but move toward the press room. None of them love giving post-game interviews, but they just won the first game of the playoffs. There’s no getting out of it.

“Drive with me to the bar after?” Griffin asks me softly. His eyes are full of hope and vulnerability.

“Of course. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Watching Griffin walk out of the friends and family room with the rest of the guys makes my chest physically ache.

He’s not wearing his jersey anymore, but I can still see the phantom Graves stitched there.

A very public declaration that he will do whatever it takes to make me happy, including taking my name.

Suddenly, all the excuses I’ve been making about needing more time to get myself in a better place feel flimsy and hollow.

What was it that Griffin said when he proposed to me that night after flying back to the Twin Cities alone because I’d left without him?

Something about how he’d been waiting for the perfect time to propose, but love isn’t about perfection.

That it’s about choice and commitment and putting someone else before yourself?

I’m an idiot .

While working on my issues is important and necessary, it could take me years to feel like I’ve really gotten a handle on them.

I may never feel that way. So what, I’m just supposed to lock myself away and live a half-life without love or commitment or risk in the meantime?

I’m supposed to look my husband—my best friend in the world—in the eye and tell him I’m not perfect enough yet to love him?

Griffin has never once asked for my perfection. Not once. So why would I think he’d ask for it in this?

No, all these barriers between us have been laid, brick by brick, entirely by me. And it’s time I tear them down.

Heart hammering in my chest, I turn to Lexi and ask, “Do you know someone who can get me into the press room? It’s important.”

My friend grins. “My dad may not be the coach anymore, but I still have some connections. Come on.”

“No way are you leaving me behind,” Isla says, grabbing my hand. “I have a feeling I won’t want to miss this.”

We trail behind Lexi, who taps a man wearing a Rogues polo on the shoulder and leans in to whisper in his ear. My heartbeat picks up speed.

Isla’s right. She definitely won’t want to miss this.