Mac hadn't slept well after that conversation. His mind had raced through possibilities, each worse than the last. Rachel washiding something. And whatever it was, it was bad enough that she couldn't talk about it.
Until today. Until their 4 PM coffee date.
Practice was a disaster.
Mac missed passes he could normally make in his sleep, fumbled the puck during basic drills, and actually skated directly into the boards because he was too busy thinking about Rachel to notice where he was going.
Coach Davies' whistle pierced the air. "MacKenzie! Are you planning to join us today?"
"Sorry, Coach!"
Jamie skated over during the water break. "You're a complete mess."
"I'm focused."
“Said no one ever.” Jamie studied him. "What's going on?"
"Just... wedding stress. Best man duties."
Jamie looked skeptical but didn't push. "Well, try to keep your head in the game. Coach is about two minutes from benching you for the scrimmage tomorrow."
Mac stopped by Cole and Ellie's house after practice for final wedding prep. Cole answered the door looking slightly manic, holding a clipboard with what appeared to be a very detailed checklist.
"Thank God you're here," Cole said. "I need someone to tell me I'm not losing my mind."
"Are you losing your mind?"
"Probably."
Ellie's laugh floated from the kitchen. "He's definitely losing his mind!"
Cole led Mac to the dining room table, which was covered in papers, folders, and color-coded charts. "Okay, we need toconfirm final numbers with the caterer, pick up the tuxes, make sure the music playlist is finalized—"
Ellie emerged from the bedroom wearing tights and a pink hoodie. "Cole, breathe. Everything is under control."
"Is it?"
"Yes. I called the caterer yesterday. The tuxes are ready. The playlist is perfect. You're panicking over nothing."
"I'm getting married in six days. I'm allowed to panic."
Ellie crossed to him and kissed him softly. "You're very cute when you panic. But it's unnecessary. Everything will be perfect."
Mac watched them together, comfortable, loving, completely in sync. That's what he wanted with Rachel. That ease. That certainty.
If she could just trust him with the truth.
Ellie caught his eye, a silent question in her expression.Did she tell you yet?
Mac shook his head slightly.Not yet. Today at 4.
Ellie nodded.
26
Mac
At 3:45 PM, Mac arrived at Sophie's Café early, too nervous to wait at home. Sophie was behind the counter and gave him a long, assessing look when he walked in.
