“Okay, fine. Go on and plan my wedding without me. Just send me a text with the date and time, you know, since I clearly don’t have a say in this conversation,” Em huffs out, folding her arms over her chest and leaning back in her chair like a sulking child while frowning at all of us.
We all laugh at her comment, which makes her frown deepen. “Better be prepared to see that ugly dress coming down the aisle,” she tells me with a wicked grin.
She may act like she doesn’t like the idea of what I’m offering, but I know my Bunny. She absolutely loved the lodge and all the snow and even made a comment about how amazing a wedding there would be. And even though my girl loves planning events, I want her to enjoy her wedding, not be focused on every other detail. So if I can plan some of it for her or get others to help, I will.
I clear my throat, now entering a more serious topic. “There is something I’d like to talk to you two about.” I look over at my parents, gaining their undivided attention.
“What is it, sweetie?” my mom asks with concern.
“As you all know, my current contract is up for renewal. When they offer me a re-signing deal, which will most likely be the case, or else I would have heard something by now about a trade, I’m going to ask for a no-trade clause. And I’d like you to move down here.”
My mother and father stare at me with huge eyes. “Greyson… we’d love nothing more than to be closer to all of you. But we still have our jobs back home,” my mom says delicately.
“I know that. I don’t mean this instant, but maybe in a year or two. I know you’ve both drastically cut down on your hours and are looking into retiring soon. I was hoping that once you did, you’d consider moving down here. We could keep the house there for vacations and Christmas holidays to keep up the tradition,” I offer them.
“I don’t know, son. Everything we know is back in Toronto…” my dad adds hesitantly. I knew they wouldn’t be easily convinced. Their whole life is back home. It’s hard to just pack up and leave everything behind.
“I get that, but I have no intention of ever moving back. My life is here with Gracie and Emma. And eventually we’ll have more children; same goes for Aubrey. She loves it here, and one day she’ll have a family of her own, most likely down here as well. Don’t you want to be more a part of that?”Yes, I’m playing the grandbaby card.
Em takes my hand, lacing our fingers together. “We would help you find a place down here and cover all the costs. Just think about it, no pressure. But we would really love to have you both around more often. I know Gracie would love that, as well as Aubrey when her time comes.”
Her expression then shifts with a hint of sadness. “I can’t imagine giving birth without my parents there, well, my dad. And with you two being a few hours away, it might not be possible to make it on time. Some babies come quickly. Just look at Cecilia. We never know when it can happen.”Oh, she’s good.And judging by the look of regret that flashes through my mom’s eyes, I know we’ve convinced them.
“You’re right, I would hate to miss all my grandchildren’s births. We don’t need to think about it. We’ll do it.” My parents smile at each other, decision made.
Gracie starts to fuss in her chair, long done with her food and no longer interested in sitting at the table. “I’ll clean her up and get her changed,” Emma offers. She stands and bends at the waist to kiss me when I turn my head to the side and offer my lips.
My mom waits until Emma has gone upstairs with Gracie before speaking in a hushed voice. “Were you serious about the lodge?” Stars twinkle in her eyes.
“Yes.” I smile. I have every intention of marrying Emma this Christmas. I already have a ring. I’m just waiting for the perfect moment to propose.
The buzz of excitement around the table warms my heart as Lance leans over, patting me on the back. “Welcome to the family, son.”
Chapter forty-seven
Greyson
Can we add Eric Gale to the hit list?
~ Two Days Later ~
“All right, boys. Listen up! Tonight’s a big night for us all. All we’re missing is one win. One win to finally take home what should have been ours years ago. We may still have two chances left, but wouldn’t it be great to win the cup while being home? Where all your friends, your families, your fans are here to witness this historical moment? Now wouldn’t that be fuckinggreat?” Coach smiles as we all hoot and shout our agreement. He’s not much of a swearer, but when he does, it hits deeper.
He goes on to explain tonight’s game plan and the line-ups, then addresses some of us specifically. “Ford.”
“Yeah, Coach?”
“Tonight, I’m giving you a free pass. Don’t let that Gale fella get to you. And if he does, don’t hold back. I’ll be turning a blind eye to the penalty box for the night.” He winks, and I smirk.
Everyone knows how much Eric Gale is always on my case. I try my hardest not to engage in fights, but sometimes I’d love to just ram into him and send him away in a stretcher.
“Okay, gentlemen, time to go. Make me proud by making the dream I never had the chance to accomplish come true.” There’s a touch of yearning in his voice.
Silas stands first, lifting his stick to the air. “For Coach.”
We all rise and join in. “For Coach!”
We make our way to the ice, starting off with some pregame drills before heading over to our families for a quick hello. The energy radiating off the fans in the arena is hypnotizing, the buzz and screams louder than usual. Everyone can feel it—how important this moment is for all of us. Blue, yellow, and white lights flicker all over while music plays loudly. This is what I live for, this thrill. There’s nothing quite like it.
