I hold my wrist up to the camera so my dad can see. “It turns out my husband is a horrible replacement for tattoo partners. You are a lot better at going with me to get tattoos together, but I needed to do this one on my own and in my own time.”
My father squints his eyes. “Is that—?”
“Connor’s hockey number and… your initials.” His mouth falls as the magnitude of the meaning overwhelms him. “Because you’re my dad, the one and only, always a part of me,” I confirm.
Tears swell in his eyes, and I notice that my mom quiets down as she observes. All eyes are on my dad and me. “No need to wait. We’ll be okay,” I tell him in what must feel like code words to the outside world.
But right now, everything fits perfectly. A fleeting few months brought a lifetime ahead of us.
24
CONNOR
The room erupts in low cheers as I arrive at the Vegas hotel penthouse. A mix of friends, teammates, and in an odd twist to the traditional bachelor party, my dad and his friends, including my father-in-law, are in attendance.
This should be completely awkward, especially since Briggs played a role in organizing this evening. But I know there will be no strippers or anything questionable since, well, I’m already married.
Instead, the room is set up with poker tables, a private bar, and a buffet of food to finish off our night. Because all day we’ve been on the go. A helicopter ride over the canyon, car racing at the speedway, and a scavenger hunt that led us back to the chapel where I got hitched yet don’t remember.
Briggs grins as he walks over to me with a bottle in one hand, offering me his hand to pull me into a bear hug. “Keeping it real and giving us a little déjà vu. Oh, and I controlled the guest list, so, sorry, I did not invite Vaugh.”
“That’s kind of a dick move. He’ll be at the wedding, you know. Unlike you, I consider him a friend. He volunteered once at the summer camp for kids.” It’s a lost cause, and Briggs takes a swig of his beer bottle. “We’re going to play poker?” I ask.
“Yeah, and I’m going to give a not-safe-for-the-dads speech.” He winks and cheekily grins, leaving before I can protest, but my half-glare and grin are apparent.
Briggs passes my dad who is approaching me with a whiskey in hand. It’s kind of unusual to see him letting loose a little. He’s always been easy to hang out with, but he’s more of a BBQ type of guy.
He pats my shoulder. “Enjoying your day?”
“For sure.”
“Your brothers are not thrilled about missing out, but they are way too young for this. Your uncle wishes he was here,” he comments.
My lips quirk out. “I get it. Kind of inappropriate for the owner of the Spinners to be at my bachelor party if word got out.”
My dad rubs my shoulder. “He did ensure we have the best whiskey available and sent some cigars our way.”
I chortle. “I think you’re living in your element right now. You didn’t have a bachelor party when you eloped. Plus, you’re off the hook from dad duty for the weekend.”
“Whoa there, Son. I’m never off the hook from dad duty. I’m here to ensure you keep it respectable, as I know you will.” His tone is humorous.
“Lies,” I joke. “I’m a good cover. Now go, go enjoy owning the night.”
His response is to chuckle.
As soon as he’s off, Spencer is before me. Except, unlike my father, Spencer’s smile is subtle. “This is a bit opposite to the lady’s high tea bridal shower,” he notes while he looks into his scotch glass.
I laugh. “I don’t think Hadley minds. Besides, she had a wedding dress fitting today.” We are throwing together a wedding in record time because pre-season games start soon, and we didn’t want to wait until next summer, because that’s what the calendar will do to us, make us wait. Luckily, our moms were ready to go, and this ship is sailing.
Spencer now breaks out in a grin. “Want my advice?”
I smirk shyly. “I’ll hear it anyhow.”
“Next off-season, take it easy.”
I clap my hands together, eager for a drink. “Oh my God, I couldn’t agree more.”
One of my teammates brings me the scotch bottle to freshen up my drink. I’ve been pacing myself all day, and luckily, we had a big lunch too.
