I shift slightly in my seat.
"If he chose you," Coach continues, "that's all I need to know."
Natalie looks genuinely touched.
Erwin stands next.
"The Outlaws organization prides itself on the character of the men who wear our jersey," he says.
Dex whispers, "This feels formal."
"Be quiet," Mia whispers back.
Erwin smiles slightly.
"Natalie, welcome to the family."
Glasses clink again.
Annabelle pops up immediately.
"Okay," she says, pointing her fork toward Natalie. "Just so we're clear, Mason might be your brother, but tonight you officially inherited the rest of us."
Natalie glances slowly around the table at the loud, grinning collection of hockey players.
"This entire crazy army?" she asks.
Dex raises his glass. "We're a lifestyle."
Natalie smiles and lifts her own glass slightly. "Well… if this is the family I married into, I think I'm the lucky one."
Dex nods his head. "Good answer," he says approvingly. "Very good answer."
Laughter rolls around the table.
And just like that something makes my heart skip a beat.
She doesn't just survive this room.
She charms the hell out of it.
Mia raises her glass next.
"Welcome to the WAG survival club," she says.
Harper lifts hers.
"Wine helps," she adds.
Dinner finally begins.
Steaks arrive. Plates move. Conversation explodes in every direction.
Natalie is laughing with Mia when her knee brushes mine under the table.
Neither of us moves.
My entire focus shifts instantly.
