"Natalie Shelly," he says.
The name lands in the room.
"Welcome to the Outlaws."
Everyone lifts their glasses.
"Welcome," Bryce echoes.
"Welcome," Mia says.
"Welcome," Harper adds.
Natalie's cheeks flush slightly as she raises her glass.
"Thank you," she says.
Dex jumps up immediately.
"My turn."
"Sit down," Mason says.
"Absolutely not." Dex raises his drink. "To Gabriel Shelly. The only man in professional hockey who managed to get married without anyone noticing."
"Relax," Gregory says. "Give it a day and half the league will know."
Dex waves a hand. "Yeah but right now it's still our secret."
Bryce lifts his glass next. "To Natalie, for dramatically improving the team's decision-making statistics."
"Low bar," Gregory says.
"Very low," Bryce agrees.
Gregory raises his glass last.
"To Mason," he says calmly. "For somehow allowing this to happen."
Mason flips him off.
Natalie bursts out laughing.
Coach Hale finally stands.
The room settles again.
"This team talks a lot," Coach says.
"Understatement," Annabelle murmurs.
Coach smiles slightly.
"But one thing we do well is look after our own."
His gaze moves to Natalie.
"Gabriel is one of our best leaders."
