The room quieted as Mac accepted the microphone from Sophie. His hands shook slightly before he steadied himself.
Mac's speech started with humor, something about Cole being Ellie's most stubborn, grumpy patient, which earned laughs and Ellie's enthusiastic nodding. But then his tone shifted, grew serious.
His eyes found Rachel's across the room.
He talked about love requiring trust, patience and vulnerability. Showing up every day, even when it's hard. And the entire time, he was looking at her.
Rachel could barely breathe.
When Mac raised his glass: "To Cole and Ellie. May you have a lifetime of choosing each other", the room erupted in applause.
Cole immediately pulled him into a hug. "Perfect speech, man."
But Mac was already looking at Rachel again.
Mac
The reception continued. Dinner was served, that incredible meal Sophie had orchestrated. Cole and Ellie cut the cake. The DJ started playing music, classic stuff, Motown and oldies that got the older crowd dancing.
Mac was at the bar getting drinks when Jamie appeared beside him, both of them finally starting to relax.
"Told you Matthews was all talk," Jamie said, nursing a beer. "Got his attention on TV. That was enough for his ego."
"Maybe." But Mac still couldn't shake the uneasy feeling.
"Mac, relax. The ceremony was perfect. The speeches were great. Matthews is probably back in whatever expensive hotel he's staying in, congratulating himself on being a controversial prick." Jamie took another sip. "We won. He didn't show."
"You're right. I'm being paranoid."
"You're being protective. There's a difference."Jamie's eyes drifted across the room to where Sophie was managing the catering staff with her usual efficiency, laughing at something one of the servers said. "That's what you do when you care about someone."
Mac followed his gaze. "Jamie—"
"Don't." Jamie rubbed a hand over his face before answering. "I'm happy for you and Rachel. That's it."
"Sure. That's why you haven't stopped looking at Sophie since we sat down."
"Tyler's counting again?" Jamie groaned. "That guy's like a surveillance system."
"He's observant." Mac studied his friend. "Jamie, why don't you tell her?"
"Tell her what?"
"That you have feelings for her."
Jamie took a long drink of his beer, staring into the glass like it held answers. "Because Sophie deserves better than me."
"That's bullshit."
"Is it?" He wasn't smiling anymore. Wasn't even trying. "Mac, look at her. Really look at her."
Mac did. Sophie was in her element, directing servers, checking on guests, making sure everything ran smoothly. She'd planned this entire reception down to the smallest detail. And was a guest.
"She's got her whole life together," Jamie continued. "Built a business from nothing. Takes care of everyone. She's the most competent person I know." He set down his beer. "And what am I? A hockey player for a small-town team who spends half his time reorganizing equipment rooms because I can't sit still. I've got no plan beyond next season. No real skills outside of hockey. No... future."
"Jamie—"
"And even if I did, even if I were good enough, she sees me as the team's comic relief. That's all I am to her." Jamie's smile was self-deprecating. "You don't build a life with the comic relief,Mac. You build it with someone serious. Someone who has their shit together."
