“I’m doing well. Taking it easy for another week.”
“I hope it’s okay that I stopped by. Karlsson texted everyone with the invite to come over, so I felt like I needed to show my support.”
“I appreciate that. I’m sure Axel does too.” My education and field experience taught me to choose my words carefully. “I’m sorry you had to find out about our engagement this way. It couldn’t have been easy.”
His shoulders tensed as he tried to laugh. “So, he told you.”
“Yes. And I saw it in the newspaper.”
His eyes cut to mine. “And you’re not upset about it?”
“I was, but I trust him. So I didn’t read it. In fact, I tossed it in the trash where it belonged.”
Heath furrowed his brow. “I don’t get it. Why are you being so nice?”
I stuffed my hands in my pockets. How I responded would determine the tone for the rest of the season, and I didn’t want to cause problems. “Oh, it bothered me when you showed up. But that was my problem, not yours. The night you signed, he came home and told me immediately. I owe him that same measure of trust. You have to be a good person for Axel to have loved you.”
He looked at the floor as he ran his fingers over his chin. “I’m sorry, Luca. The article was my fault.”
“The media is going to do what they do best. Sensationalize things. This is your team too, and I don’t want you to feel unwelcome here in our home.” I looked back at Axel, who was questioning my sanity.
“You’re good for him, Luca. I’ve never seen him happier.”
“He’s the best man I’ve ever met, and I owe him my life, in more ways than one.” I was ready for this conversation to be over, so I motioned toward the kitchen. “Have you eaten? They went crazy in there.” He looked unsure, so I took him by the arm. “Come on. Word of advice, the WAGS get wild if you don’t eat enough.” He chuckled as I led him to get a plate.
Chapter 44
Axel
After almost losing Luca, my priorities had changed. While I loved hockey, I loved him more. The life we were going to build enchanted me, and today was the first step toward the happily-ever-after we both deserved.
When I returned home after what he thought was my morning skate, I’d showered and changed into much nicer clothing than my regular athletic wear. Luca took a look at me and whistled. “You look edible, Mr. Hughes. Are you dressing for the game now?”
I winked at him. “Yes.” That was a white lie. I wouldn’t return to the team until Monday. But I had something very special planned. “We have an appointment to see a property.” I looked at my watch. “In forty-five minutes.”
“For the foundation?”
“That would be the one. Its central location could be very useful.”
Luca’s face lit up. “Yeah, let me shower. I’ll be ready to go in twenty.”
While he changed, I made sure I had everything we needed and made a couple of calls. When he strode out of the bedroom, dressed to the nines, all I could do was smile. Climbing into mycar, we made the short drive to downtown Brooklyn, where I found a parking spot two blocks away from our destination.
The wind coming off the East River was brutal, which allowed me to hold him close.
“Where are we going?
I pointed down the street. “The next block.”
We rounded the corner, then stopped in front of the building he knew well. “Why are we here? And why isn’t it open? The signs are gone.”
I looked up at the familiar spot where we’d met. “They closed right after Christmas. Seems the building got a new owner.”
Luca’s head whipped to the side. “Are you kidding? What happened? I bet Richard was furious. He used to crow about how this was his legacy.”
“Not anymore.”
Luca’s eyes burned into the side of my face as I tried not to show my glee. “You seem awfully smug. What did you do?” I didn’t miss the humor in his voice.
