“Oh my God! We did it!” she shrieks.
“Yeah, baby, we sure did.”
Dinner is a celebratory affair. I look over at Joslyn and see she’s in her happy place. Surrounded by all the people we care about, I see a table full of joy and laughter. A feeling of deep contentment washes over me. This is what it’s all about. I scan the table, taking in the view of everyone’s happy faces, except Liam. He looks grumpy as hell as he stares at… Madison and Kenji.
Madison’s oblivious and deep in conversation with Lillian. Kenji, however, is far from unaware. Despite being deep in conversation with Sebastian, he darts an occasional curious glance Liam’s way. Isn’t that interesting? I make a mental note.
The best thing I see, by far, is Jacob talking to Mel at the other end of the table. It’s been months since I’ve seen him smile or show any kind of emotion, really. Joslyn and I have been so worried about him. Seeing him smile and joke with Mel is such a victory. Maybe he’s finally on the road to recovery.
Joslyn reaches for my hand, clasping it. Her face is the picture of love and happiness. This is what she’s always wanted. An organization that operates more like a family. I lean over, brushing my lips against the soft skin of her cheek, smiling at the joyful tears in her beautiful gray eyes.
“Look at what we made, baby. We made a great team, and we also made a family. That’s even better than hockey,” I murmur in her ear. She smiles at me through her tears, then wipes her eyes quickly.
“Damn it, I hate that I cry when I’m happy,” she mutters, but she’s still smiling.
“I got you.” I reach for my glass to draw the attention away from her and give her time to regain her composure. I tap my spoon against the glass to get everyone’s attention.
“I’d like to make a toast,” I announce when all eyes are on me. “We’ve put our hearts and souls into changing this organization for the better, and sitting here with everyone shows me that we’ve succeeded. Now we just need to succeed right into the playoffs.” Everyone chuckles at that. “To the Wolves and to family!” I raise my glass before clinking it with Joslyn’s.
“To the Wolves,” Joslyn raises her glass again, grinning from ear to ear. “And to family.”
Chapter Forty
Epilogue - February All Star Break - Joslyn
It’s finally All-Star week, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. It’s been a crazy season already, and it’s only half over, so it’s really nice to get a break in the middle. I can’t wait to do absolutely nothing for a few days. I literally have no plans for the first time in weeks, and it feels wonderful. I wander down the hall, looking to see if Damon’s ready to leave, but his office is empty. I wander around for a bit before heading to the lobby to ask Eddie if he’s gone yet. That’s odd, he never leaves without me.
Eddie smiles cheerfully when he sees me walking over from the elevator. I’m only halfway there when he says with a laugh, “He’s in the arena, product testing the ice.”
We all pretend that’s what’s happening when Damon takes a break to skate. I understand. I know he misses playing, and that even though he plays once a week at the local arena, he still misses his ice time. I smile and wave as I head toward the rink. Damon on skates is super hot. I love watching him on the ice almost as much as I love watching him work out. The way that man moves is mesmerizing, and I’ll take any opportunity to ogle my sexy boyfriend. It feels so weird to use that word at my age, but then what else do you say? I have no idea, so boyfriend, it is, at least for now.
I settle on the bench even though I’m wearing a skirt and my rear end is cold, but I don’t care. Watching my man glide across the ice like it’s his second home is so amazing. He is taking a lap when he sees me. He keeps skating but gives me a slight wave. A few seconds later, he comes to a stop outside the bench. He tries to climb over the top, like the players do in a game, and ends up on his ass in front of the bench. I can’t stop laughing as I rush over to check on him.
“Oh my God, are you okay?” I can barely speak past the giggling. I peer over the boards at his prone body sprawled out on the ice. He gives a disgruntled groan as he sits up, shooting me a sulky look. Damn, he’s cute when he’s grumpy. I try to control my mirth, but it’s a losing game.
“Are you hurt?” I manage to blurt out.
“Only my pride,” he grumbles as he slowly gets to his feet. I don’t point out that he’s moving slower than usual. Now’s not the time to tease him about his age, however tempting.
“Aw, babe, maybe your pride needs a good hug?” I give him a leer and a wink. His face brightens as he opens the door this time. The grumpy look is replaced with a grin, and he pulls me into his arms. My guy is an epic hugger. He feels so warm, and I pull him a bit closer because it feels good, and I’m cold.
“Hey, beautiful,” he whispers softly, his plush lips tracing the shell of my ear. I shiver. I love how he knows all my spots. I can feel him smile against my skin, and as it ripples with gooseflesh. Jesus, I love that.
“You ready to go home, handsome?” I murmur into his broad chest. I’m seriously contemplating skipping dinner and heading straight for dessert. What this man does to me!
“About that…” he hesitates. “I was thinking that we should maybe look for a home… together? I know that we kind of split our time between your place and mine, but what if we looked for something that’s ours?” His nervousness about this subject is incredibly endearing.
“Are you asking me to move in with you, Mr. Hawk?” I tease with a mischievous smile.
“I am most definitely asking you to move in with me, Ms. Robertson.” His boyish grin is wide, eyes alight with humor, and all nervousness has vanished. God, I love this man.
“Then, I am most definitely saying yes. I would love to wake up with you every morning and go to sleep with you every night.”
“Well, we do have some time in the next week or two to take a look around town.”
“Well then, I guess we’re looking for a house together, handsome,” I say, smiling right back.
Chapter Forty-One
