He pulls away, then kisses Gracie’s crown before taking her from my arms. He throws her in the air then catches her, covering her face with kisses. This goes on for a while as everyone comes around to congratulate him.
I hand Gracie over to my father and make a quick round to find Silas, Clay, Gabe, and Noah, offering them each a hug. I’m about to make a last stop to Shane but find him with his armswrapped around Aubrey. I think he might even be sniffing her hair.Yup, not breaking up that moment.
I make my way back to Greyson once the crowd around him seems to have died down, most people off to take family pictures with the cup. When I’m within reach, he bends slightly, picking me off the icy floor by the waist as I wrap my arms and legs around him.
We kiss some more before he leans his head back, peering into my eyes. “Say it again.”
A beaming smile splits my face when I realize what he’s asking for. I cup his face between my hands as he holds on to me tightly.
“I love you, Greyson Ford.” I kiss his cheek.
“I love you, Wolf.” I kiss his jaw.
I bring my lips a hair’s length away from his as I breathe him in, his breath mingling with mine. His hand comes to my hair, fisting against my scalp as I whisper those words he’s waited so long to hear once more.
“I love you so fucking much.”
Chapter forty-eight
Epilogue
Just ask the question already!
GREYSON
~ One Month Later / End of July ~
“Bunny?” I climb onto the bed beside my girl, brushing her hair out of her face as I slowly wake her up. It’s just past noon, and Ihave plans for us today. “I need you to get in the shower and get ready.”
She blinks a few times before her eyes focus on me. “Why?” she says in a quiet, raspy voice.
“There’s somewhere I want to take you, it’s a surprise.” I kiss her forehead.
“I’m not really in the mood, Grey…” she says, turning her face into the pillow.
“I know, baby. But can you try for me? Just today, okay? We won’t be gone for long. I promise.”
She takes a deep breath, then nods. Slowly, she stands from the bed, wrapping her robe tighter around her body and walking into the en suite without saying another word, shutting the door behind her. I sigh heavily and drop my head into my hands.
This last month has been a roller coaster of emotions. It started off great. After winning the Stanley Cup, there were a lot of celebrations and parties. I also got my request for a no-trade clause and re-signed for another five years.
Then we had our vacation trip with the whole gang to Fiji, where we rented out the whole island to ourselves and the staff. It was fantastic and probably the best vacation I’ve ever had. But things took a drastic turn the day we got back.
Maddison ended up passing away the day we arrived home. Throughout our getaway, Emma stayed in touch with her and Bryan, video calling daily to talk with her. She was rapidly deteriorating, but Em kept a smile on her face the whole time. Acting like everything was fine and paying no attention to the disease slowly killing the little angel. But the minute Bunny would hang up the phone, she’d break down in my arms. It was the most painful thing to watch.
The second we stepped off the plane, we rushed to the hospital to see her, and an hour later, our Little Lotus passed away in her arms. Bryan and I are convinced Maddie only held on so long tosay a proper goodbye to Emma. Watching Em cry while holding that tiny lifeless body in her arms ripped my heart open.
Since that day, Emma’s been going through a depression. She sleeps most of the day and refuses to get out of bed, crying every hour from morning to nightfall. I try to give her the time she needs, but it’s hard. I miss my girl, and our daughter misses her mommy.
The launch party for their organization is this weekend, and she’s an important part of it. But I’m afraid if she doesn’t start to get better soon, she won’t be in any state to be there. Which is why I’m dragging her out of the house today with a little surprise I’m hoping will bring her back to me. At least long enough for the launch party. Although I know we’ll hit another bump when the funeral takes place in two weeks.
I stand from the bed and head downstairs, walking over to the living room where Lance and Amanda play with Gracie. I asked them to babysit today while I take Emma out. And depending on how today plays out, they might keep her for the night in their new home just a street over. Normally I would have asked Sam to come in, but he’s already been here all week helping out. I thought he deserved a day off.
“How is she doing?” Amanda asks when I join them on the couch.
I shake my head and watch my girl walk over to her toys. It’s something she started doing perfectly on her own the week after our big win. “Not great, she doesn’t leave the room much, but I convinced her to come out today. I’m hoping things will be a little better after what I have planned.”
“Emma’s always been like that. She feels so deeply for others. It’s one of her best qualities. Yet in cases like this, it’s also her worst. Don’t beat yourself up over it, son. She just needs time to grieve, but she’ll pull through. Today might work in your favor,knowing my daughter, but don’t be surprised if next week she’s back in bed,” Lance tells me with a sympathetic smile.
