That’s when I notice Harper is studying the group, too, more like one of them in particular. Mason looks our way, smiles at Harper, but then turns away, as if to hide his expression. Harper’s shoulders seem to wilt. As I continue to observe Wade, I make a mental note to ask her about it later.
He must sense I’m watching him because he swivels his head and glances my way. Our eyes lock and, again, I see what I’ve missed for far too long.
It’s almost torture to look away. “I see it now.”
“And?” Mia practically bounces on her toes, much like the second graders she teaches.
“I need—” I stop myself, because I don’t want to explore these growing feelings I have for Wade as if it’s required. “Iwantto find out if there’s something between us.”
“Oh, there is, girl. Big time. Now that you see it in him, you just need to let yourself feel it.” Mia’s knowing gaze offers unexpected reassurance. The last thing I want to do is hurt him. I’ve done enough of that already.
Lily clears her throat. “All right, then. Operation Date Wade is officially on.”
Sophie shakes her head at her. “I think you miss being a bodyguard more than you let on.”
A blush spreads over her cheeks as if she came from the cold air in an ice rink. She rests a hand on her abdomen. “Even if I’d stayed in that field, I would have had to retire.”
We all gasp and squeal as we encircle her in hugs. And surprisingly, she lets us.
I lean back. “Payton knows, right?”
With the biggest smile I’ve seen on her yet, she nods. “We’re telling his family at Christmas, but I wanted you guys to know now.”
“Awww!” Sophie cries as we all go in for another hug.
Lily laughs before playfully shaking us off. “Enough already.”
“I hear wedding bells.” Harper chimes in.
Biting her lip, Lily digs into her pocket, then pushes a ring onto her finger. “We eloped last weekend.”
We all gasp again.
Her smile turns cringy. “After the way the paparazzi hounded the family when his cousin disappeared, we didn’t want to give them fodder to create some nonexistent scandal.”
Mia crosses her arms and stomps her foot. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
Lily’s eyes widen. “I just did! Payton wanted me to wait until after the holidays, but I told him I couldn’t keep this from my best friends.”
We all go silent at her words. Mia and Sophie have known Lily much longer than I have. So has Harper, but even I know how reserved she is when it comes to expressing emotions. So, for her to call us her besties is kind of a big deal.
Mia’s outrage crumbles into a teary smile. “Congratulations!” Her face morphs into delight as she claps her hands in front of her. “I know! We can put together a reception for you and Payton.”
“After Christmas.” Lily tilts her head toward me. “First, let’s get these two figured out.”
As much as I appreciate her dedication to my cause, I’m still clinging a little to what she said about us being her best friends. These women have become that for me, too. I study each of their faces, filled with gratitude again. Even in the midst of whatever trouble Chase may bring this weekend, I know I’m safe, secure, and supported.
“Okay. Operation Date Wade is on.” I don a cheerful tone, belying the rush of anxiety hitting me at the thought of dating my best friend. Tingles spread through me only to be squashed by a sudden wave of crippling doubt.
What if, after the dust settles and clarity rushes in, Wade decides I’m damaged goods and not what he wants after all?
Chapter Thirty-Three
WADE
Fans fill almost every seat in the Sunfire Arena. The place buzzes with energy, excitement, and expectation. Our new mascot, Stingin’ Ray, continues to be a hit with the crowd, especially the kids. Bree had the idea to create kid-sized versions of his sunglasses, which, of course, have sold like hot cakes, especially when the parents find out all the proceeds go to cancer research for children.
Wearing the special team jerseys Bree had had made for the All Goalies Game, netminders from all over the country skate around the rink, resembling a bunch of hulking lumberjacks on skates more than hockey players. It’s a sight that’s hard to look away from, actually.
