Page 97 of Golden Goal

Brody’s wedding is making me want to get married, too. Something I didn’t think I wanted. Even though Kat hinted about us getting engaged all the time. She even talked about her dream wedding reception at the country club her parents belong to. The fancy church ceremony she wanted, even though neither of us went to any sort of church regularly. How she wanted to invite hundreds of guests.

Every time she talked about it, a knot would form in my stomach. I always thought it was because I didn’t want to get married. Now, I know Kat was the problem. My gut always knew deep down I didn’t want to marry her, even if my brain hadn’t realized it.

With Becca it’s different. I will do everything in my power to keep her in my life for the rest of my time here on earth. Make her my wife one day. There is zero doubt in my mind that I am falling in love with her. I really hope she feels the same way.

“I think I’d enjoy a wedding similar to this. Casual. Laid back. Fun. Nothing too fancy,” Becca says, breaking into my thoughts.

“Me too,” I agree, wrapping my arm around her.

Brody and Aubrey decided not to do a formal dinner, nor assigned seating, so we find an empty table and set our drinks down before filling up our plates at the buffet. Hadley, Sutton, and the rest of the crew eventually join us. I smirk at the way Sebastian follows Sutton around, pulling out a chair for her when they reach our table. I’ll give it to him; he never gives up. She thanks him but then turns to chat with Ansley.

We eat and talk, and I lose track of time, enjoying the afternoon with my friends. Eventually, the band begins to play.

I lean closer to Becca, whispering to her, “Dance with me?”

“If you insist.”

“I do.” I get to my feet and help her to hers.

We make our way to the dance floor, and I pull her close to me. We sway gently even though this is most definitely not a slow song.

“This is nice,” she murmurs against my chest.

I grin. “I agree.”

We spend the rest of the evening dancing and hanging out with our friends at the table, chatting and telling stories.

It’s almost midnight when we finally head home.

A long day, but definitely worth it.

Chapter thirty-six

Rebecca

I glance around at my sparkling clean apartment, all the boxes finally gone since I unpacked the very last one earlier today. I decided it was time I fully moved in. It was time. Plus I’ve lived here for four months now. The boxes needed to go.

Since it’s the All-Star break, Holt’s utilizing his time off to move into his new house, so I’ve been keeping myself busy with all the things I’ve been putting off and avoiding, like spring cleaning and unpacking.

I offered to help him with his move, but he insisted he and the guys had it under control. We made plans to hang out later in the week and have a date night, which I’m excited about.

My stomach growls, and I check the time on my phone.

“Shit. How is it dinner time already?”

I’m not usually one to miss meals, but I guess there’s a first time for everything. I intended to go grocery shopping after I finished cleaning, but that’s not happening now because there’s no way in hell I’m going to the store hungry. Instead, I make my way into the kitchen to see what I can scrounge up.

Peaches comes out from wherever she was hiding and sits in front of her bowl, glaring at me.

“I know, Peach.” I lean down to pet her before digging out a can of her food and scooping it into her bowl.

That done, I browse the contents of my fridge and pantry for a few seconds before grabbing an apple and the package of sliced cheese. That’ll have to do.

I pour myself a glass of water and take my snack into the living room. Once settled on the couch, I turn the television on and flip to SportsCenter, mostly for background noise.

I’m scrolling aimlessly on my phone a little while later, having finished my food, contemplating getting up and starting a load of laundry, when one of the hosts says, “We’re getting reports that Holt Abbott, starting goalie for the Orlando Storm is on the trading block.” I gasp, grabbing the remote and turning up the volume. “Vancouver and LA are apparently interested,” he continues.

No.