“What’s Vivian’s role going to be?” Cormac asked. Of course he remembered I’d mentioned her being involved.
“She’s interested in running the other arm of the nonprofit. A lot of the guys come back and get some kind of cancer—pretty sure it’s because of those burn pits. She’s going to coordinate their care with the correct treatment team at the VA. That’s been a problem for a lot of the guys up until now, but with Camden as the face of the organization and a bunch of other rich guys and politicians saying we’ve got to support our troops, they’ve made some important changes—changes that’ll allow the guys to get the help they need.”
“That’s great, man. Really great,” Naese said.
It was. I was pleased with how things were working out. I hadn’t thought there’d be anything worthwhile for me after hockey, but thanks to Cam and Vivi, I was more excited for my first day at my new job than I’d been in a long time, maybe ever. Plus, my mother was well. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome to this season or my career.
“You guys can all donate, and we’ll add it to the list of Wildcatters charities,” I told them.
“Seems like something the organization could get behind,” Cormac said as he rubbed his chin. “I’m in.”
“Millie will love it,” Stol said. “Though she’ll probably want to meet Camden Grace.” He scowled. “I heard her talking to Vivian about him. They think he’s hot.”
We all grumbled, but it was good natured. None of them would mind meeting him either. “I’ll see if we can do some kind of concert to raise money and awareness for the foundation,” I told them.
“And we’ll all pay the huge fee so we can rock out with you,” Stol said.
“Ida Jane loves the country music, so I’m sure she’ll like this plan,” Maxim said.
I tried to laugh, but I couldn’t. Instead, I smiled. “We’ll plan that after my wedding. It’s going to be this summer. As soon as my lung heals.”
The cheering that ensued woke Irene, who barked, then sneezed, and almost fell off Maxim’s lap. He caught her and placed her gently on the floor. Then we got to talking about the best places for a wedding and what kind of food we should have—and which of the single guys we were going to set up next.
Because we’d had a damn good run on the matchmaking side, too. In some ways, it might have been even better than winning the Cup. I kept that thought to myself.
Epilogue
Vivian
* * *
“I’m getting married, Mom.” I smiled into the full-length mirror and blinked back tears. “You led me to the most perfect man.” I brushed a tear from my cheek as my heart swelled. “We picked today so you’d know just how much you mean to me, too.”
Today was September first, the one-year anniversary of my first date with Lennon and of the day I’d finished spreading my mother’s ashes. I loved how we’d come full circle, both of us having realized how special the other person was from that first moment.
“Thank you, Mom, for being my mother. Thank you for helping me find Lennon.”
Taking a deep breath, I smoothed the front of my gown. I’d found it on my very first shopping excursion with Lola, Nina, Mia, and Hana. As soon as I’d slipped into the silk halter top, with its open back and thick satin waistband, I’d known. The floor-length skirt skimmed my legs with plenty of movement but felt elegant—like fifties Hollywood glamour. There were no adornments to take away from the chic design, and I felt beautiful in the dress. My veil was a soft gauze with tiny seed pearls rimming the hem.
I’d been hesitant to bring it home, but Lennon had promised he wouldn’t peek, so I’d hung it in the guest room closet. He’d kept that promise, just as he’d kept all the others he made me. That realization always warmed me. Lennon Cruz was steady, consistent, and true. I’d needed him in my life and was so thankful he was here.
Lennon’s mother, Lola, and the CATS had gifted me buttery-soft white leather cowboy boots embroidered with dogs and Calla lilies. Somehow, the pattern worked together, and I was utterly besotted with them. They were about to become my favorite footwear.
“Aren’t you a picture,” Lola said, smiling with soft maternal pride. She looked beautiful and healthy in her silvery teal gown we’d chosen that same day. She’d grown her hair back out in an adorable pixie cut. She placed her hands on my shoulders and kissed my cheek. “You ready?”
“Oh, yes. I am so ready to marry Lennon.” I collected my bouquet. We were having a small ceremony of just family and Cruz’s teammates, who really could have been called family as well. They guys were even closer now that they’d won the Stanley Cup again, and they were so supportive of Lennon, who had needed more than eight weeks to fully heal from his punctured lung.
He’d be able to suit up and practice as needed for next season, but Coach Whittaker and Lennon both understood that his role with the team had shifted. He was now the veteran who imparted knowledge and serenity, not the young go-getter the team would need moving forward into its next era.
I was so glad I’d met Lennon in time to see him play at the pinnacle of his career. But I was really excited about the work we were starting with the foundation. Camden Grace had footed all the startup costs and most of the salaried positions, meaning Lennon was able to focus on what he did best—reconnecting dogs to their handlers.
I’d enjoyed meeting Camden and was thrilled that he and his wife, Jenna, were here today to celebrate with us. Already I could tell we would likely become quite close—not just because of the work we did but because Jenna cracked me up. She had the craziest sayings that somehow really clarified a situation.
Now that Lola was healthy again, I’d started taking on some tasks for the foundation, working with the veterans who needed extra care. The work was deeply fulfilling, and I rose each morning with a determination to make those courageous men’s and women’s lives better.
So far, I thought we were succeeding.
Lola cupped my shoulders. “You are just what he needs, querida. Thank you for taking my call.”
