Page 18

Xander

T he table quiets. Even the music fades into the background.

“It was a long time ago. Before I came to Raleigh. I got drafted into the league right after college. Playing for Boston was my dream growing up,” I say, remembering my childhood bedroom covered in posters.

“We met during the second year of my career. She wanted to be a model, had a couple of big campaigns. Two years in, I proposed during vacation. She said yes. Everything seemed fine.”

I pause and take a sip of my water.

“A couple of days later, my trade to the Carolina Red Wolves was announced. I had to fly immediately to Raleigh. Tiffany came back to our place to pack and left the ring on the table by the door. Said her career would always come first, so she left.”

“Damn, what a—” Miles starts.

“Miles,” Joss warns.

“Sorry, Mama. But come on.” He smiles at me.

“How long ago was that?” River asks.

“Eight years.”

Rain squeezes my thigh, and I cover her hand with mine.

“Her loss is definitely our gain. We’re happy you’re here now, Xander,” Joss says warmly.

“Thank you.” I turn to Rain. “There’s no other place on earth I’d rather be right now.”

She grins. I wrap my arm around her shoulders and kiss her hair. Applause and catcalls fill the air.

The babies fuss, and Gio and Ruin head over to soothe them.

“If everyone is done eating, perhaps we can take the annual MacAllister women’s picture now,” Granny says. ”That way, Ruin can go feed the babes.”

Everyone stands, clearing the dishes and leftovers in no time. I smile at the natural rhythm of this big, warm family.

“I’ll start the bonfire while you take the pictures,” River declares, heading toward the barn.

Rain helps Granny with her flower crown. When she looks at me, I motion toward River. She nods.

I jog to catch up.

“Mind if I help?”

He nods.“Take this pile. I’ll take this one.”

I grab a stack of logs and follow him to an iron fire pit about thirty feet from the house. Gio plays photographer while Miles holds Indigo. The women pose with their crowns—even baby Sage has a little crown on her almost-bald head.

“Xander, this way,” River calls, and I trail him to the pit, where he douses the logs in starter fluid and lights a match. A bright flame flares to life.

“I hear you’re the one in charge of the orchard,” I say.

He pauses, surprised, then nods. “Yeah. I took on the task after Dad passed away. It keeps me busy and helps my family, so I don’t mind it.”

He finishes the fire setup. Then, before heading back, he says, “I know I’m quiet and can come across as rude and moody, but I’m glad Rain met you. She needed someone like you in her life.”

And then he’s gone.

“Ruin and Gio are inside changing the babies and feeding them. I think it’ll be a while before they come back out,” Rain says, joining me near the fire.

I grab her hand, lacing our fingers together.

Granny’s voice rises above the quiet hum of the night. “Okay, everyone, gather ‘round. Tonight’s fire is special. We welcome into our family the next MacAllister generation who will roam these mountains.”

She rests her hand over her heart. “When Grandpa and I married and took over his family’s orchard to continue the MacAllister legacy, our biggest wish was to be able to see our kids, our greatest wish was to see our kids—and their kids—grow up happy and free.

Tonight, with Indigo and Sage here, I can tell Dougie in heaven that our family legacy lives on. ”

Joss steadies her as Granny’s voice breaks, but she waves her off gently.

“Tonight, I want each and every one of you to think about something you want to let go—something that’s weighing you down.

Toss it into the fire. We can’t raise the next generation of MacAllisters if we’re hurting.

So tonight we move forward and say goodbye to the sadness, to the sorrow, to the anguish.

Tonight, we’ll be purified by this bonfire. ”

She bows her head, and silence falls over the gathering.

I close my eyes, still holding Rain’s hand, and think about what I would like to let go.

At first, I think about Tiffany, but I quickly realize there’s no pain left there.

Then I think about my injury. The anger. The anxiety. The fear of losing everything. That’s what I need to release.

I breathe deeply. Inhale Rain’s warmth beside me. Exhale the weight I’ve carried.

Ruin was right. It’s time to rethink my goals.

The first thing that comes to mind is Rain, and how much I want to make this work.

Next, I think about my teammates and how I know I can’t let them down. I need to come back stronger, physically and mentally, to be a key player in the ultimate goal: the championship.

I smile, feeling happy that I can finally see a path for my future again.

When I open my eyes, everyone’s still watching the flames. A sense of peace washes over me.

Rain’s eyes are trained on me, a smile playing at her lips.

Granny claps her hands once. “Very well. Before everyone starts saying it’s time to go home, I have one last ritual tonight.”

I glance at Rain, confused.

“This is new. Every year after the fire, we’re usually done,” she says.

“Xander, dear. Please come stand next to me,” Granny says.

Rain looks stunned. I chuckle and walk over.

Granny smiles brightly. “I’m going to spray you with some herbs and a magical potion to help you heal faster and come back stronger for next season.”

I nod. “Thank you, Granny. That’s very kind of you.”

She pats my forearm. “Please remove your shirt.”

I give her a puzzled look. “Uh… what?”

She just stares.

Miles and River are losing it behind their hands while Joss shakes her head and covers her face. Rain is blushing furiously.

“Go on, dear. We don’t have all night.”

I laugh and pull my shirt over my head.

Granny retrieves a small bottle and a bunch of herbs from her apron pocket. She sprays them, thick flicks the blend at my chest while reciting what sounds like a chant—or maybe a prayer.

The scent hits me: strong cinnamon and citrus. Sharp, but not unpleasant.

I keep my eyes closed, trying not to laugh or inhale the mist.

She gently passes the herbs over the scar on my collarbone.

“That’s good. That was good, dear,” she says proudly.

Then she trails her fingers over my abs. I tense, frowning at her.

She gives me a devilish grin .

“I had to check if they were real, dear. I haven’t touched a man in so long, I needed to make sure I remember how it felt.”

I double over, laughing.

Then, louder, she declares, “Watch out, everybody! The next hockey champion is here!”

Laughter erupts around the fire while I use my shirt to dry off.

“Oh my gosh, Xander. I’m so sorry. I had no clue she was going to do that,” Rain says, mortified.

I grin and give her a peck on the lips. “Nothing to be sorry about. It was actually entertaining.”

She groans and hides her face behind her hands.

“As fun as this night was, it’s time for me to hit the hay. I have a new construction crew to train tomorrow,” Miles announces, already folding up tables.

River starts breaking down the babies’ camp. Joss and Granny head inside.

Rain and I walk hand in hand. I offer to help River, but he waves me off.

Rain hugs her brothers, and I shake their hands as we follow the others into the house.

“Oh, Ruru, I’m so sorry you missed the main event,” Rain teases.

“No kidding. Mama was just telling me.” Ruin laughs, and the sisters share a hug.

She whispers something in Rain’s ear, and Rain nods, grinning.

We say our goodbyes, then head to my SUV.

I open the door and help her climb in.

“You think you want to spend the night with me?” I ask. “I don’t think I can finish that cherry pie your mom gave me all by myself.”

She winks. “Yeah, who can say no to a slice of cherry pie?”

Fuck, yes. The night is just getting started.