It’s not our best lie. I guess we’re both a little off our game. Conrad exchanges a glance with Penny.
She leans forward slightly. “I’m sorry about that article inMinnesota Bridal.”
My fork clatters against my plate. “You saw that?”
“Everyone saw it,” she says gently. “But for what it’s worth, I believe you guys. Give it some time. In a few days, everyone will forget all about that article.”
I can’t respond. Can’t process the kindness in her voice when I know what’s coming in less than two hours.
The toasts begin while dessert is being served. The maid of honor goes first with a funny, loving speech about Maya and their friendship and all the adventures they’ve had. Followed by the best man—one of Derek’s hockey teammates—who makes jokes about Derek’s terrible cooking and worse fashion sense before getting sincere about what a loyal friend and good man he is.
And finally, our dad. His voice is raw as he gets up to speak. He tells stories about Maya as a little girl and how proud he is of the woman she’s become. And then he turns to Derek, charges him with being the kind of man that Maya deserves. Derek stands, taking his hand in a heartwarming exchange.
Then the DJ announces: “Now, as you know, our groom tonight is a member of the Blue Ox”—a chorus of whoops and cheers rattles the floors—“and Derek wanted to give a special opportunity to share this moment with his team. So he’s askedthat we open the mic up for a few words from some of the people he’s spent blood, sweat, and years with.”
Wait, what? I didn’t okay this. It’s just asking for creepy Uncle Austin to take over the mic, drunk, and make really cringy speeches. Nope.
But before I can intervene, Conrad stands. Walks to the microphone with easy confidence.
“I’ve known Derek for a few years now,” he says, “and I can tell you right now, he wasn’t always the man he is today. When Derek met Maya, we all saw something in him change. She brings out the best in him.” His gaze flickers to our table for a heartbeat, landing on Brody and me before continuing. “That’s something I’ve learned in my own life, that love can be terrifying and wild, but when it’s real, true love, it brings out the best in you.” He lifts his glass. “To Derek and Maya.”
The room applauds. But I catch the look Conrad gives Brody.
Brody’s jaw tightens.
Another teammate goes up—Torch, I think—keeps it brief and funny. He tells the story of Derek’s first away game after meeting Maya, how the bus broke down on the way home and Derek almost pulled aPlanes, Trains and Automobilesto get back to their first date. Everyone chuckles. He lifts a glass, and then says, “To the kind of love you fight for.”
More applause.
Then Brody stands.
My stomach drops. He’s walking to the microphone. He didn’t tell me he was planning to give a toast. Why is he giving a toast?
He takes the mic. Smiles that easy, charming smile that I know is a mask. “Hey, everybody, I’m Brody, one of Derek’s teammates.” The room quiets. Maya is watching him with interest, her hand clutching Derek’s. “I wasn’t planning to give aspeech tonight, but Conrad said something that really stuck with me. Love worth fighting for.”
He glances over his shoulder at the happy couple. “Derek and Maya are one of those couples that make you believe in love,” he says. “The real kind. Not the performance we put on for social media or the version we think we’re supposed to want. But the kind that changes you.”
He’s not reading notes. Just talking, his voice steady and clear.
“See, I’ve been learning something about love lately. It makes you feel terrified and hopeful at the same time. It makes you want to be better than you thought you could be.” His eyes find mine across the room. Hold. “It sees all your worst parts—the things you try to hide, the flaws you’re ashamed of—and doesn’t run away.”
I can’t breathe. The entire room is listening, but I feel like he’s talking only to me.
“As some of you might know, I go by another name on the ice.Candy Kane,” he continues, still looking at me. “That’s the name people gave me because I’m that guy who plays nice with the media, smiles for the cameras, says the right thing. Polished. Fake.” He shrugs, flashes a smile. “All sugar, if you will.”
That earns a few chuckles from the crowd.
“And maybe that’s who I was. But lately I’ve found someone who makes me want to be more than that.” His voice softens. “Someone who sees the real me—the scared, flawed, imperfect version I try to hide. Someone who sees the dragon underneath the scales. And who loves me anyway.”
Maya is crying. I can see her from the corner of my eye, tears streaming down her face, looking between Brody and me with this expression that’s half hope, half heartbreak.
“That’s how love feels when it’s real,” Brody says. Still looking at me. Still holding my gaze like we’re the only twopeople in this room. “The kind of love that’s worth the risk. The kind that’s terrifying and raw and changes everything. The kind that makes you want to be brave enough to be honest. The kind that makes you want to tear down every wall you’ve built and just be…you.”
My vision blurs, tears pricking my eyes.
He’s not making this easy for us.
Then he pivots, turning to the head table. “And I know that’s how Derek and Maya feel about each other. That’s what we’re celebrating tonight—two people brave enough to choose each other, to be vulnerable, to believe in forever.” He raises his glass. “To Derek and Maya. To true love. To taking the risk.”
