“Piper, we’re in public,” Angie hisses.
“What?” She throws her hands up. “It’s not like you weren’t thinking it.”
“I think we all were.” I giggle.
It’s not like Declan and I were together when he used to play for the Knights, but I could always hear how dejected he was when they lost, which was more often than not. Every time he walks through the door, he’s beaming. You can’t erase his smile. He’s downright giddy.
I love seeing him so happy.
“In case Declan didn’t tell you,” Angie starts as the horn to signify the end of the period sounds, “we’re all going out after the game. And you’re not allowed to say no.”
“Right. There will be plenty of time for shenanigans tonight,” Piper says. “I like the afternoon games.”
“Me too,” Angie says. “Is Puck taken care of?”
Piper nods. “One of the neighborhood kids comes over to check on him and feed him.”
“Oh, I bet he loves that.” I smile.
“Puck loves anyone who will give him attention. And the kid is really sweet. He’s saving his money to go to math camp this spring.”
“That’s really kind,” I say.
“Yeah, Cash is a good guy.” Her eyes are focused on the bench as Cash and the rest of the team head to the locker room for intermission. “What the kid doesn’t know is Cash has already given his mom the money to send him, so it’s going to be fun money for him.”
“I love that.”
I remember Cash’s reputation from a few years ago all too well. The bad boy of the league. Hearing him now? You would never know that guy existed.
“Good thing he’s a keeper,” Angie says.
I laugh since she wasn’t around to hear our earlier conversation.
“I’m not giving that man back for anything.” She stares down at her ring. “I still can’t believe he kept the proposal a secret.”
“Oh, I can,” Angie states. “I was in on it and it was hard. You’re too sneaky for your own good.”
“I am not!” Piper scoffs. “Am I?”
She turns her attention to me.
“Umm.”
Piper waves me off. “It doesn’t matter. All that matters is we’re engaged.”
I fiddle with the gold band on my ring finger. I don’t have anything like Piper or Angie, but I don’t care. The simple band is all I need.
It’s perfect for me and Declan. Perfect for working at the shop.
I don’t need anything fancier because as long as I have Declan?
I’ll have everything I need in life.
Chapter Thirty-Two
DECLAN
My eyes lock onto Alice’s the minute I step foot into the family room after the game. Her smile is wide as she spots me and darts over.
