Page 35 of Your Love (Merrimack Mavericks Hockey #3)
Chapter 35
“You Get What You Give”
Landry - Age 23, 1993
I ’m in a good place right now. The constant knot of anxiety in my stomach has loosened, and I feel lighter. Kerri is back in my life, and although we haven’t acted on our feelings past that kiss, the sparks between us are still there. We’re not done yet.
My latest project is pitching a proposal to Earl. With my experience and connections in the agriculture distribution industry, I think I can help turn part of his unused land into a thriving vegetable farm. My goal is to get his produce into local stores and restaurants, boosting both his income and the community’s access to fresh, healthy food.
I think he will be on board with the idea, but I want to do my due diligence first. I’ve been researching market demand, potential partnerships, and sustainable farming practices to present him with a comprehensive plan before he makes any decisions.
That’s going to happen when we return, but for the next few days, my friend group is in Edmonton, Ontario, to celebrate Ivy and Delzy’s first place together. He decided to make the entire thing more complicated than necessary, so we’re standing around and waiting to surprise Ivy when she gets here.
As I’m chatting with Delzy’s teammates, Cupid himself saunters over to me, a smug grin on his face. “Chewbacca,” he says, giving me a playful nod.
I roll my eyes and reply, “I hate you.” He shrugs in response.
“Thank you for taking care of Kerri in Hawaii.” I’ve meant to tell him that for a while now.
“Anytime,” he replies nonchalantly. “Can you believe how many people from Merrimack are here? It’s like a mini-reunion.”
Curious, I ask, “Who were you just talking to?”
“That’s Natalie,” he says, gesturing towards Ivy’s little sister, a girl with dark blonde hair and a friendly smile.
“ That’s Natalie? We got old fast, man.”
“Speak for yourself,” he says. “Some of us are still skating every day.”
“EVERYONE GET DOWN! SHE’S HERE!” Delzy whispers urgently.
We hear keys fumbling with the front door, signaling Ivy’s arrival. The anticipation builds until, finally, the door swings open, revealing her silhouette against the bright hallway lights. Suddenly, the room is flooded with light, and we all shout in unison.
“SURPRISE!” A chorus of excited voices fills the air as Ivy stands in shock.
Delzy approaches his clearly overwhelmed and emotional fiancée, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Welcome home, Ivy Girl.”
“How did you know I was coming home early?” she asks, her eyes shining with surprise and excitement.
He turns to look at us, a mischievous glint in his eye. “I had some help,” he admits, gesturing towards Sascha, Kerri, and Sarah, who are all beaming with delight.
“What!” Ivy exclaims, rushing over to embrace her friends.
“Your fiancé is quite resourceful,” Sascha remarks with a grin.
“Now that the party is starting, let’s go man the bar,” Taz suggests.
We hand out champagne, beer, and wine before Sash approaches Taz. “It’s time,” she says. Taz shakes his head, a small smile appearing on his lips. He follows her to the middle of the room.
“Listen up, everyone,” Sascha begins. “Many years ago, I made a bet with Taz and ended up losing a game of HORSE. The payment? A Marathon bar. Unfortunately, I could never pay him back due to unforeseen circumstances.”
“A candy bar is like fifty cents.” I point out.
Sascha’s head whips around to me as she snaps, “You, Landry. Zip it!”
I shake my head and let out a soft chuckle. These two always seem to put on a show full of dramatic gestures and exaggerated expressions. It’s almost comical how they can’t seem to have a conversation without some form of theatrics involved. But I’ve grown used to it over the years—it’s just part of their dynamic.
Sascha continues her speech. “As I was saying, I owed him something and was never able to settle my debt.”
“You also tried to have me killed with a psychotic farm bird,” Taz reminds her.
Kerri’s hand lands on Taz’s arm. “Let’s not speak ill of the dead, Michael Tazman.”
Sascha rolls her eyes and snaps again, “Can you people please let me get through this?”
“I recently faced off against Taz once again in a mighty rematch,” she announces. “And once again, I was defeated.”
The crowd lets out a collective, exaggerated gasp. “So listen up,” she continues, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she mimics air quotes, “Taz is not just the ‘Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of our time,’ but also ‘the best number 23 in sports, including Michael Jordan.’”
“Thank you for that impromptu and very impartial opinion, Sascha,” Taz says. “But there’s more. Right?”
Her eyes flicker with annoyance. “Yes, Michael. Thank you for the reminder,” she replies, her voice laced with heavy sarcasm. “I also need to tell you all that Taz is my boyfriend and the love of my life.”
Fucking finally.
“I’ve loved him since I can remember.” Her voice holds a sincerity and depth that surprises everyone. “I will now field questions for exactly five minutes.”
Ivy’s excitement is palpable as she bursts out, “Are you really moving to Denver?”
A smile creeps across Sascha’s face. “Yes, I am moving to Denver. I’ll be living with Michael Tazman again. May the Lord help me. Next question.”
Kerri’s eyes light up with excitement as she asks, “Are the two of you planning on getting any adorable pets together?”
I love this woman.
“Yes, we’re thinking of getting a dog. We have our hearts set on a Golden Retriever, which we will name Cindy Clawford or something equally dorky and adorable, as a nod to Grammie Ida.”
Kerri bounces up and down and claps at the news.
“How long has this been going on?” I ask, gesturing between the two.
“Christian Landry,” she scolds, a hint of exasperation creeping into her voice. “You know damn well this has been in the works since eighth grade. The question and answer period has come to a close.” Sash declares.
“Baby, that was awesome!” Taz says, wrapping her in a hug.
We surround them, offering our congratulations. “Congratulations, you guys! I’m so happy for you.” Kerri beams.
“Good job, Taz,” I tell him, playfully slapping his back. “Only took you a decade.”
“You’re one to talk,” he says, nodding toward where Kerri is now animatedly talking with Ivy, Sarah, and Sash.
A grin spreads across my face, my cheeks aching from the effort. As I look up at Taz, his blue eyes bore into mine with a playful curiosity.
“What are you hiding from me?” he asks, his voice laced with teasing.
My smile falters slightly, and I shrug, trying to keep myself composed. “It’s nothing.”
Taz raises an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Have you heard from your ex?”
“She’s engaged again,” I say casually.
Taz lets out a low scoff. “Well, you dodged a bullet there.”
“What about the douche nozzle from Texas?” he asks.
“Beau?” I scoff. “Last I heard, he was in rehab.”
“He’s lucky he’s not six feet under,” Taz muses.
I nod. “There’s nothing I could do to him that he isn’t doing to himself.”
“Damn straight, brother.”
“Let’s go join the rest of the group,” I suggest.
As we make our way over to them, I’m struck by the bond between this group of friends. Through thick and thin, we have been there for each other. In this moment, surrounded by love and laughter, I can’t help but feel hopeful that things will work out for all of us.