Page 46

Six Months Later

M averick fakes to the right, like he has all night, and my eyes immediately search to his left for number Forty-Four.

Instead, I find royal-blue jerseys already anticipating this move.

But too bad for them, they missed the twin intelligence.

We all did, because the left winger is suddenly on the right, and instead of Mav going left after his fake, he continues toward the right, sending the puck into Cash’s waiting stick.

Within seconds, Cash’s lining up and shooting the biscuit right into the goal.

Holy shit. They just won the Frozen Four Championship!

And my man got a hat trick!

Our family and friends surround me as we jump up and down in celebration. Gigi’s banging on the glass, rivaling the student section at a home game.

We continue to watch on as the team’s huddle disperses, with everyone celebrating the big win. A win that will go down in history.

Tears spring to my eyes as I watch Cash and Mav in an embrace after all their other teammates have moved away.

Cash may have scored more today, but without Mav’s leadership and assist, this team wouldn’t be what they are.

Mav is the type of player who makes things happen, and I know the NHL scouts in the stands were impressed by him during this off season.

This is a day that neither twin will ever forget.

A birthday I’ll never forget.

Forty-Four brought home the win.

“So whatcha want to do to celebrate the big win?” I ask, kissing Cash again like the proud girlfriend I am.

When I lean back, my eyes trail over him in all his sexy hockey glory, and I make a show of licking my lips, asking him another question before he can respond to my first. “Can you fuck me in this jersey tonight, Number 44? I’d really love that.”

He smirks, tugging me in closer. “That can be arranged. I’d love to fuck you and those freshly pierced nipples right now,” Cash groans as he leans back, glancing down at my chest and biting his lip.

On spring break last month, I got my nipples pierced with Willow.

Even though they’re still healing, Cash loves the sight of them and his reaction every time just makes me that much happier that I went through with it.

His brown eyes find mind again as he moves to my ear and whispers, “But we need to get to the airport right now.”

I rear back, totally perplexed. “Who does?”

“Me and you,” he says as Berkley walks up with a small suitcase.

“I hope I did good.” She smiles widely and kisses my cheek.

My eyebrows pinch together as flutters take over my belly. “What’s going on?”

“Come on, we have a plane to catch.” He smirks and links my pinkie with his.

“To where?” I ask, a mixture of excitement and confusion running through me. “Did Berkley pack my bag?”

Cash nods, a huge smile on his face as he says, “Key West.”

I gasp, recalling an old dream I told him about years ago.

“Yep, that’s right. You didn’t think I was going to let this special day go by and not celebrate my girl, did you?”

“Oh my gosh, are you for real?” I jump up a little in excitement, and he laughs.

“Yep! We’ll be in Key West by tonight and sky-diving tomorrow. Happy 21 st birthday, baby.”

This man. He goes above and beyond for me in a way no one else ever has or ever will.

Emotion overwhelms me and tears of joy spring to my eyes. This feels so surreal, just another moment when it truly hits me that I almost missed out on this. On him. On us.

But then I quickly remind myself he’s mine now and forever. This will be another memory Cash has made special for me that I’ll never forget.

“I love you, Cash Leblanc.” I smile up at him, and he cups my cheeks in his hands.

“I love every piece of you, Bella,” he says, tracing his fingers across my freckles. “Including all thirty-six of these.”