Chapter 43
Luca
My head was spinning again. Axel was giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to do something I was passionate about. I’d been handed a blank check to create programs that could make a difference to people. I was still reeling with the possibilities when the doorbell rang. “We’re not finished,” Axel said, heading to answer the door.
Excitement thrummed through me as the growing number of voices got me out of the chair. “Welcome home, Luca,” Jenna said. “We’re so happy you’re okay.” She hugged me gently, then gave me a quick appraisal. “I hope you’re hungry. The amount of food we’re about to have is going to rival Thanksgiving.”
“You didn’t have to do all this.” I was momentarily distracted by the number of people entering with large aluminum containers that quickly filled the bar. My stomach growled in approval.
“We wanted to do this, Luca,” she said. “When we heard what happened, we were terrified for you.” She glanced over her shoulder to where Axel was talking to her husband. “Jonas says Axel was devastated when he got the news. Supporting the two of you went beyond team dynamics. You guys are family tous, and everyone here wanted to make sure you and Axel knew that.”
I’d known in my heart he’d been upset, but leaving him devastated was something else. “I’m grateful they were there for him. I wasn’t sure I was going to make it out.”
“He was going to dig you out himself. Deck said they threatened to cuff him to a tree if he didn’t get out of their way.”
I laughed at the visual. “I’m glad that didn’t happen.”
“We are too.” She put her hand on my arm. “This is how the Nighthawk family rolls. When you get one of us, you get all of us. I’ll handle all the food so you can relax.”
“Thank you for everything,” I said as Axel made his way across the room.
“Are you okay, love?”
I hugged him tightly as I looked around our house, filled with friends who were now like family. “I’m great. Is this how all hockey teams work?”
Axel’s usual unemotional expression softened when he glanced at his teammates. It was the same way he looked at Mason. “Not all. But definitely this one.”
“Alright, everyone,” Jenna announced. “Luca and Axel will go first, then everyone else. Enjoy!”
We picked up plates and surveyed the wide assortment of food. Every meat and side imaginable filled the kitchen island. By the time everyone had eaten, we had managed to put a dent in the exorbitant mountain of food.
“When are you coming back, Cap?” Kozlov asked.
“I’ll come to practice, but officially for games in a few days,” he said. “I need to make sure Luca is cared for.”
“That’s code for babysitter,” I interjected.
“Not a babysitter, just peace of mind.”
“I’ll be happy to check in on him.” The voice was familiar from behind the massive wall of hockey players. When the crowd parted, I could see I was right. Davis Kennerly.
He looked from me to Axel. “I just stopped by to make sure you were doing okay, Luca, and to see if you needed anything.” His smile softened as he took in all the people in the room. “But I see you already have lots of support.”
I felt bad for him. Axel’s father was trying to do better by his son, and since it was about me, I made a decision. “Everyone, this is Axel’s dad, Davis Kennerly.”
The prerequisite nice to meet you’s circled the room, and when introductions had run their course, I spoke up. “I’d like that, Mr. Kennerly. Maybe we can have dinner one night.”
His face lit up. “Call me Davis. That would be great, Luca. I’ll get your number from my son.” He turned to him. “If that’s okay with you?”
I glanced at Axel as he peered at his father, his expression not as rigid as before. Maybe he was softening. “Yes, that’s fine. You might as well get to know your future son-in-law.”
Everyone went momentarily quiet, like a giant bomb had been dropped before the room exploded. Axel smirked at me as if to say,they were going to find out anyway.Bombarded with a million questions and suggestions, such as when, where we would do it, on the ice, and, more importantly, whether they were all invited. The observation deck of theEmpire State Buildingand theTop of the Rockwere suggested, but with it being January, no one wanted to be up there in the cold, including me. Then Decker piped up. “I think you should do it at the Midnight Market since Axel already…” he trailed off, wide-eyed as he caught Axel’s eye. “Never mind.”
“Already what?” While listening to Axel fumble for words, I found Heath at the back of the room. He looked uncomfortable in his own skin, not really talking to anyone. He was the outsiderin the group. Much like I had been most of my life. I knew what it was like to love the larger-than-life Axel Hughes. So when the conversation shifted, I excused myself to go to the restroom, but headed for him, unsure what I was going to say. I just knew I had to say something. When he looked up and saw me coming, he nervously shifted his eyes to the floor.
“Hey, Heath. It was nice of you to stop by.” I extended my hand to shake, even though he looked unsure whether he wanted to take it.
He forced a smile, and I could feel his anxiety pulsing off him. “How are you recovering, Luca?”
