The party kicks into full swing. Music pounds through the speakers, drinks flow freely, and the energy is electric.
“So,” Cade says, leaning against the bar beside her, “you ready for what dating a hockey player is really like?”
Tessa glances at me, then back at Gunnar. “What do you mean?”
“Summer’s over, sweetheart,” Jaden says, joining the conversation. “Season starts in a couple of weeks.”
“Which means,” Cade adds, “no more lazy mornings in bed. No more spontaneous day trips. Logan’s about to become a ghost.”
Tessa looks at me, concern flickering across her face. “Really?”
I shoot the guys a look. “They’re exaggerating.”
“We’re really not,” Miles says. “Training camp starts next week. Then preseason games. Then the regular season. You’ll be lucky if you see him for more than a few hours at a time.”
“Don’t scare her,” Iris cuts in, swatting Cade’s arm. “Yes, the season is demanding. But you’ll adapt. We all did.”
“Plus,” Anna adds, “the upside is you get to go to all the games. Watch your man play. It’s actually pretty fun.”
“It really is,” Miranda says. “Anna and I knew nothing about hockey when she first started dating Jaden. Now, we’re obsessed. The home games are great. We’re all in the VIP box together. When they’re away at road games, we fly out to meet them. It’s exciting.”
Tessa nods slowly, processing. “Okay. So I need to prepare for you to be busy.”
“Very busy,” I admit, pulling her close. “But it’s good.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” She leans into me.
I’m grateful for the summer we’ve had—the uninterrupted time to build our relationship and fall in love without the chaos of the season looming. Our relationship grew hot and heavy and fast, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Every moment has been worth it.
I’m happier than I’ve ever been. As I stand here, surrounded by my team, my family, with Tessa in my arms, I’m reminded again of what happiness looks like.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-THREE
TESSA
“Here you go,” Miranda says, handing me a giant navy-blue foam finger with CRANES #1 printed in white letters.
“And don’t forget these,” Anna adds, passing me a pair of blue-and-white pom-poms so fluffy that they’re practically the size of my head.
I stare at the collection of items now in my hands. “Wow.”
“I’m so envious of you,” Miranda says, her eyes sparkling with genuine excitement. “What I wouldn’t give to experience my first game again. It’s magical.”
Anna nods emphatically. “Seriously. Your first time watching your man play? There’s nothing like it. You’re going to lose your mind.”
“In a good way,” Miranda clarifies.
We’re in the luxury VIP suite with the friends and family of the Crane hockey team, and admittedly, I’m quite excited to see Logan in his element.
“We take the game very seriously. And we’re kind of obsessed with the merch.” Anna smiles.
“I see that,” I say, laughing as I wave the foam finger.
Miranda grins. “Though the most important piece is the jersey. And you’ve got that covered perfectly.”
I glance down at the Cranes hockey jersey I’m wearing—navy blue with white and silver accents, number 91 emblazoned on the front and back. WRIGHT is spelled out in bold letters across my shoulders.
