Noah cheers and runs off to tell his friends. Aria and I shared a laugh. My gaze goes to the sky. The stars are starting to come out, and I stare at them. Aria’s gaze follows mine.
“My sister is happy for Noah and I,” she comments. “I’d like to think she’s up there looking down and smiling. I think I understand somewhat why she did what she did. She was my parents’ creation, their masterpiece, the heir to their research throne, while I was just the spare. All the pressure was on her to be what they wanted her to be. That’s a heavy burden to carry. For all her faults, I loved her, and she loved me. I forgive her for the lies she told and the fake life she built.”
“Forgiveness is always better than the alternative, but a lot of people don’t understand and wallow in resentment and hatred.”
“Like I did with you?” Her smirk is a mixture of amusement laced with a silent apology.
“A little. You were pretty hard on me.”
“But you emerged unscathed.”
“Barely. You’re ruthless.” I snort with laughter, and she gives me a little pinch on the arm. Being dramatic, I cry out in pain, while she rolls her eyes.
Aria’s gaze returns to the sky. “They’re proud of you. You know that, right?”
“My family?”
She nods.
“Their last visit to the US, things were getting scary in Ukraine. I begged them to stay here, but they wouldn’t. I’ve never forgiven myself.”
“It’s time you do so. They’d want that for you. They made the best decision they could at the time, you can’t beat yourself up. No one can predict the future.”
“Yeah, I know. I see that now.” I feel lighter, as if a weight I didn’t realize I’d been carrying had been lifted off my shoulders and I’ve been set free thanks to this beautiful woman by my side.
“I love you.” I see that love reflected in her gaze, and I’m at peace.
“This is the best day of my life.” I gaze down, and she places her hand on my chest, right where my heart is—the heart that beats for her.
“Until tomorrow. Then we’ll have a new best day.”
“Every day with you will be my best day ever.” We stare into each other’s eyes like two lovesick fools, which we are and always will be.
Thank you for reading COLLIDING. The Portland Icehawks Series continues with Kirby and Eloise’s story in CHECKING.
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If you loved COLLIDING, you’ll be sure to love the rest of the Portland Icehawks series.
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About the Author
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USA Today Bestselling Author Jami Davenport writes sexy contemporary and sports romances, including her Seattle Sockeyes, Seattle Steelheads, Gone Missing, The Scoring Series, and Portland Icehawks.
A third-generation Washingtonian, Jami lives on a small farm near Puget Sound with her Army Ranger turned plumber husband, a Newfoundland drool monster, and two demanding tabby cats.
Jami worked in IT for years and is also a former high school business teacher but recently achieved her life-long dream and is now a full-time author.
