It was impossible not to see the contrast between this version of her and the Ariana from the executive dinner. A blink and I could see her that night, her shoulders tucked near her ears, eyes never moving without permission, voice held tight in her throat like she was afraid to speak out of turn.
Here, she didn’t have to hold back. She didn’t have to pretend.
By the time we all settled around the long outdoor table — the sun low, the pool lights glowing, babies babbling from their highchairs set up between their parents — Ariana looked like she belonged to this world more than any of us.
Will stood at the head of the table, wine glass lifted. “I know we’ve got a big game tomorrow,” he said, sweeping his gaze around at the team, “but in the spirit of the holiday, I wanted to say… thank you. I’m not a man of many words, but I have infinite love for all of you here. You’ve been the best team. You’ve loved my kid like your own. You’ve welcomed my beautiful wife into our family with open arms.”
“Oh, if you ever get divorced — we call dibs on her in the separation,” Grace said, pointing her roll at Daddy P before popping a piece in her mouth.
“If you ever get divorced, I’ll actually kill you,” Livia threatened, picking up her knife. “Because we all know it’d be your fault.”
Chloe flushed as Will laughed, winking at her. “She’s stuck with me. Promise.” He turned his attention back to all of us. “It’s been an honor to be your goalie. And Coach,” he added, finding my gaze.
Ohfuck.
I saw it, the moment his eyes watered, and I felt mine do the same.
“You are one hell of a leader. I’ve watched you mold this team over the years into something unrecognizable from what you first walked into. It’s been my privilege to play for you, and I know you’ll do amazing things in my absence, too.”
I cleared my throat, holding up my glass of wine with a wordless nod.
“To the Ospreys,” Chloe said, tilting her water to the sky. “And to family.”
“Hear, hear!” Vince hollered, clinking his glass against Jaxson’s.
Jaxson rolled his eyes. “Stop pretending you’re sentimental.”
“I’m very sentimental,” Vince argued. “I put cinnamon in the sweet potato casserole and smothered it with marshmallows. That’s love.”
Grace flicked a green bean at him. “You alsoatehalf the sweet potato casserole before we even put it on the table.”
“I had to test it!” he fired back.
Ariana laughed so hard she nearly spilled her wine. I didn’t think she realized she’d leaned into me until I felt the soft press of her shoulder against mine. And when she did notice, she straightened quickly, cheeks pink, brushing a strand of hair off her face.
God, I missed her.
I knew it was ridiculous, to miss someone right next to me, but I did. I missed her like I missed the leaves changing color in Boston, like I missed the way it felt to be hugged by my parents, like I missed having a hip and knee that didn’t ache every day.
I missed her like she was a part of me, one I’d learned to live without somehow. But now that she was here with me, I knew I couldn’t even pretend to try to live without her again.
“And speaking of family,” Chloe said over the noise, her eyes skirting to Will before she stood and held her glass up higher. “Ours is expanding.”
Three words and the whole table was silent — for all of a second, anyway. Then, it exploded with noise.
“You’re pregnant?!” Maven asked, her eyes already welling with tears.
Chloe nodded, her eyes flooding, too, and then the girls were surrounding her while all the guys ran to congratulate Will.
“Finally, I can talk about it!” Ava burst, lounging in her chair like she was exhausted from holding it in. “I’ve been dying!”
“You’re going to be the best big sister to ever live,” Grace said, giving Ava a big hug.
Carter waited until the clamor of noise died down and everyone was back in their seats before nudging my ribcage with his elbow. “Hey, Coach,” he murmured, low enough not to draw attention. When I hummed in acknowledgment, he grinned. “Not to be dramatic or anything, but I haven’t seen you this happy since… ever.”
I rolled my eyes, but he wasn’t done. He tipped his chin toward Ariana, who was telling Ava she would love her help picking out stuffed animals for the Sweet Dreams toy drive.
Carter smirked. “I’m glad you came. And I’m guessingyou’regladshecame.”
