She gives me a wink before walking away.
“That’s true, you know,” Sage says softly once we’ve all sat down. “This town will always have a special place in our hearts. We’ll be back.”
She’s right. Cedar Creek is not a place we’ll soon forget. We’ll be back. For milkshakes and for memories.
41
SAGE
“Wait, I need to take a picture,”Fiona cries as Brady and I are about to put on our coats.
“Fi, we’re going to be late,” I say, even as we turn back around.
“I know, but come on, we have to get at least one. You look stunning.”
“She’s right, Hurricane, you do.” Brady’s warm hand grazes over my back, or at least the part that is bared, thanks to the cutout on the gorgeous cocktail dress Fiona loaned me for tonight.
I shiver at his touch and lean in. “Fine. One photo.” I reach up to touch his tie. “Because you also look really, really good.”
His lips quirk up as he dips down to kiss me.
“Okay, keep it PG, please,” Fiona interrupts, breaking us apart with a laugh.
We pose for a few shots, then I can’t help myself as I dart over to where Ivy lies, napping in her little swing. Ipress a light kiss to her forehead. “See you soon, baby girl,” I whisper before straightening.
Then I let Brady help me into my coat, and we’re off to the Cedar Creek Thunder’s second annual holiday party. It’s also a bit of an unofficial goodbye party for Brady, even though he’s tried to say he doesn’t want that. But we’re moving right after Christmas, so his apartment is mostly packed up and this might very well be the last time we see some of his teammates.
The hotel in nearby Westport that Luca and Dom rented for the event is beautiful, with Christmas lights and wreaths adorning the exterior and even more elegant decor inside. Soft instrumental holiday music is playing in the background of the lobby, and I gasp when Brady nudges me and points out the live five-piece band responsible for it.
“This is fancy,” I murmur as he places his hand on the small of my back and escorts me toward the ballroom where the Thunder party is happening.
“Sure is,” Brady agrees. We walk into the large, open space, and immediately run into Luca and Isla. I’ve only met the former owner of the Thunder a couple of times, but after what he did to get Brady home in time for Ivy’s birth, I feel nothing but gratitude toward him.
“Hey, you two, welcome. Glad you could make it,” Luca says warmly, shaking Brady’s hand and then mine. “How’s your little one?”
“Hopefully driving her aunt crazy while we’re gone so she’ll sleep all night when we get back,” Brady replies with a grin.
Isla shakes her head and laughs. “Oh, to be a newparent. So naive. And you, Sage? How are you settling into motherhood? I have to admit, sometimes those early days are a blur. An exhausted and sore blur.”
“Sounds about right.” I nod. “Ivy’s a wonderful baby, but still. I can’t believe she’s almost three months old already, time is flying.”
“And you’ll be moving to the mainland soon, right? We’re sad to see you go, but when Dom told me about the offer, I was really happy for you.”
Brady ducks his head, and I know he’s blushing. “Thanks, Luca. It’s a bit surreal, but yes, we’re moving over on the twenty-seventh.”
“Let me know if you need anything.”
Brady nods and gives the former owner of the Thunder a smile. “I will. Thank you.”
Luca and Isla are called away by someone from the hotel staff, and we move farther into the room.
“Do you want a glass of wine?”
I nod and let Brady lead me to the bar. He orders our drinks, hands me mine, and lifts his in a toast. “Cheers, Hurricane. Thank you for making me feel like the luckiest guy in the world.”
“Cheers,” I reply softly, clinking our glasses together. We take a sip, and then Brady cups my chin, tipping it up so he can kiss my lips.
“Break it up, break it up.” Foxxy’s voice intrudes on our moment. We pull apart to find several players from the team, all with drinks in hand.
