“It’s beautiful,” London said, hugging Maia.“We knew Henry was gaga about you, and this would happen eventually, but I’m so glad you’re joining the family.”
“What she said.”Megan embraced Maia.“Have you discussed wedding dates?”
“Not yet,” Maia said.“It will depend on my game schedule.That was my other news.I made the team.They called me while we were walking.”
“Congratulations,” Jacey said, his blue eyes full of happiness.
He and Gerard hugged her, as did Levi.
“Will you still have time to train with us?”Levi asked.
“When I’m at home,” Maia said.
“Yay!”
“Maia and I will discuss wedding dates, but it will be soon,” Henry said.
Maia agreed.As she’d told Henry, life was too short to waste time.
“We should have a celebratory drink,” London said.
“Tomorrow night when we’re at home,” Henry said firmly.“Maia and I want alone time.”
“Why?”Megan asked innocently, but her blue eyes danced with pure devilry.
Henry growled, and Gerard laughed.
“Stop teasing the boy.We’ll meet you for breakfast at eight and need to be at the airport at ten,” Jacey said, chuckling.“Good night, and congratulations.”
Henry took Maia’s hand and whisked her to the elevator and their room.
Finally, he closed the door behind them.“Alone at last.”
Maia felt herself beaming at him.“I’m so happy, Henry.”
“Want a nightcap?”he asked, winking.“I’ll get it while you peek at the info the Black Ferns sent you.”
Maia plucked her phone from her shoulder bag without hesitation, thankful Henry understood she’d want to see the upcoming schedule.“We have a tour of the UK and Ireland,” she said, speed-reading.“I’ll be away most of November and the first two weeks of December.”
Henry handed her a glass of Scottish whisky containing three ice cubes.“We knew that would be a possibility.We can still talk every day.”
A wave of love engulfed her.“Henry, I appreciate your support.”And she meant every word.Some women who’d attended the training camp didn’t have backing from their partners or families, making playing rugby difficult.One woman’s partner had given her an ultimatum—him or rugby.She’d chosen rugby.
“We could get married as soon as you get home.”He handed her a glass.“What do you say to a Christmas Eve wedding?A summer wedding with the ceremony outside and our friends and family in attendance.”
Maia didn’t hesitate.“Yes, that gives me time to consult Caroline about a dress before I go, and you can take care of the rest.”She grinned.“What do you think?”
Henry sipped his whisky, not giving her much of a reaction.“I can do that and can consult with you.Megan and London will help.”
“I trust you implicitly,” Maia said.“Surprise me.”
“That’s settled then,” Henry said, drinking the last of his whisky in one mouthful.He set his glass aside and prowled toward her.“Our wedding is on 24thDecember.”
“It’s a date,” Maia said.
Henry plucked her glass from her hands and set it on the coffee table, still serious but not grumpy.She could see caring combined with anticipation stamped into his features.“We have other things to take care of now.”
“What might they be?”But she’d guessed, and pleasant nerves stirred in the pit of her belly.
