Page 64 of Pucks and Likes

“I’m in no rush.”

Especially not for Alex to divorce me the moment he knows the truth. I scold myself for that thought and wish like hell I’d stop doing that to myself. I’m only on day three of the new meds, and I wish they worked instantly. I hate how cruel I can be to myself. Everything Alex says and does can only mean one thing—that he truly does love me. All the used, broken, and in-between parts of me, he loves. It’s mind-blowing, but he does.

“How are things?” Louisa asks, pulling me from my damaging thoughts.

I can’t help the little grin that pulls at my lips or how I hold my belly in my hands. I see the way my sisters’ eyes light up at the motion, and it only makes me smile bigger at them. I thought they’d be bummed it was a boy since all we know is girls. But nope, they are all ready to spoil him absolutely rotten. I can’t wait to see them do just that, knowing they’ll spoil me too, and I love snacks. Though, the possibility that they might not get to breaks me a bit.

With Alex doing so damn well and shutting out the last three games, a lot of eyes are on him. NHL teams are watching, especially the ones that need a goalie. They are wanting to use their first-round picks for an experienced goalie instead of drafting a young player. He’s not a young buck; he’s seasoned and has proven he is a beast to be reckoned with, mentally and physically. I don’t blame them for wanting him. When I heard him on the phone with his agent last night, I lay there on my side trying not to cry, because as much as I don’t want to leave my home, I’m starting to realize that a life without him isn’t one I want.

I knew this would happen. I knew it! Which is why I tried to keep him at arm’s length. Which is why I pushed him out that damn door and tried to hide from him. Alex is too easy to completely fall for. To crave and want to be with. He always has a quick smile. His protectiveness with me is overpowering but in a refreshing way. His insatiable need for me matches my own for him, and God, I love him.

Wholly.

“Great,” I say because it’s true. “He blocked twenty-six shots last night, came home to find me pissed that I’d bought the wrong ice cream, and while I was showering, he went out for the one I wanted.”

Clara beams as she sings, “He loves you.”

“I do.” A voice I know and love comes from behind me. I whip around as two arms cage me against his chest, his lips coming to my jaw. I can see that his eyes have drifted shut as he murmurs, “Hey there, mami. Miss me?”

I bring up my hand, cupping the side of his head as I turn to kiss his mouth. He lingers against my lips even after the kiss is over, and our eyes meet with pure heat. “How’d you know I was here?”

“Duh. I got your location.”

I shoot him a dry look. “I didn’t give you that.”

“You’re right. I took it and gave you mine.”

“I don’t want yours.”

He laughs, cuddling me into his arms, my belly pressing into his stomach. His eyes are full of mischief as he mock-glares at me. “You don’t want my location?”

“No. I always know where you are. Rink or my bed.”

His lips curve as he brings me in closer. “Yup, the only places I want to be.” Then he leans in, his lips at my ear. “Or my absolutely favorite, which is deep in your perfect pussy.”

Heat floods me as I smack his chest. “Stop it, stalker.”

Alex flashes me the most feral grin that has me forgetting how to form a thought or even how to breathe. “For you? Yup, total stalker.” He kisses my nose then cups my belly. “How’re my two favorite people doing?”

I lean into him, my temple pressing to his lips. “Tired.” I point to Louisa. “But happy.”

He follows where I pointed and smiles. “Well, if you want my boy in tears when he sees you, Lou, you’ll succeed. Most gorgeous bride I’ve ever seen.” But then his gaze falls to me, and admiration swirls in his caramel depths. “That is, until I see you in a white dress, walking toward me.”

I smack him again as Clara does a little jig.

“We told her we could pick her out a dress. She said there was no rush.”

“There isn’t.” He wraps his arms around me tighter. “I’m a patient man.”

I snort at that. “Hardly.”

“What does that mean? I have been patient. But if you want to get married, go get a dress, and I’ll drive you down to the courthouse real fast.”

“Please,” I laugh, rolling my eyes. “We can’t just go get married.”

“Yes, you can,” Clara says. “At least we’ll get to be there, unlike with our other sister, who did it without any of us.”

Eliza shoots her a look. “Wow. So I guess we are still upset?”

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