“Thank you,” Vivian said.
“We also needed to eat a bit of crow,” Millie said. “The guys did better than we did with you two.”
“Did you just admit—” Stol began.
“Don’t push your luck, big guy,” Millie said, smirking at her husband.
He chuckled as he reeled her to his chest. “Wouldn’t dream of it, Millie, my love.”
“They really did do a good job,” Keelie said. “The doggy date was inspired.”
Vivi looked up at me and smiled. “I like to think Lennon and I figured it out all by ourselves. Though I did enjoy meeting all those wonderful dogs and their people.”
“Whatever helps you sleep at night—or not,” Naomi said with a wink. “Now, let’s party!”
Chapter 34
Chapter
Lennon
* * *
The engagement party wound down early—another reason Coach had hosted it at the arena, no doubt. We knew what was at stake: our chance to win the championship. Life continued to ebb and flow around us, but we needed to stay focused on that goal.
The next week passed quickly—even with my mom’s last round of chemo—thanks to watching film and lots of practice and weightlifting. I hated to admit it, but I could feel the bruises from my tumble to the ice more than I would have ten years ago. The weights weren’t a problem, and my overall conditioning was excellent—I could beat the rookies in sprints. But as this season pushed into the playoffs, I was feeling my age, and I wasn’t sure how many more seasons I had in me. I wasn’t sure how many more I wanted to play. What a change of mindset this year had wrought. I was starting to see what retirement could look like, what I wanted it to be—more time with my family, more time with Vivi.
I hung up the phone as I settled back on my mom’s couch. Vivi had been getting Mom ready for bed. Mom hated that she was so weak after her treatment, but Vivian had a gentle, no-nonsense way of working through ordinary tasks that made them more palatable.
“Hey, fiancé,” she said as she plopped on the couch next to me. She wore a pair of mid-calf leggings and a flowy tank top. She looked relaxed, and I liked her that way. She leaned closer and kissed my throat then wrapped an arm over my chest and threw her leg over my thighs. I couldn’t help but grin at having Vivian so close.
“Who were you talking to?” she asked.
“First, how’s Mom? Really?”
Vivi patted my chest as she nuzzled into my neck. “She’s good, Lennon. She’s doing everything she can to get back to healthy, and it really seems to be working.”
I blew out a breath. “So…Dr. Carmichael wasn’t overstating her current situation?”
She shook her head. “She wasn’t. I think your mom’s going to live a healthy life for a long time.”
“She’s been so upset since her hair fell out…”
“I know. That’s a hard part of this process.” Vivi squeezed me. “It’ll grow back, though. And your mom won’t have any cancer cells left.”
I took a deep breath, easing tension out of my shoulders. “You’re right. I know you are. It’s just…”
“She’s your mother, and you’re worried about her.”
“Exactly.”
We were quiet for a while. I kissed her temple because I could. “I was talking to Camden Grace.”
Her eyes went wide. “Really?” she breathed.
I frowned, not liking how dreamy her expression had become. “Do you like him? Because he’s happily married.”
Vivi grinned. “I think there are many women and probably quite a few men who enjoy looking at him. Plus, his voice is very pretty, too.” She flicked my lower lip, making me aware I was pouting. “Stop that. I love you, and I’m very, very happy with you. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t fan-girl all over Camden Grace.”
