Page 78 of Pucks and Likes

Because I need her.

Her existence makes me happy.

These last two months have been a whirlwind. Even though we went seven games with the Griffins, we swept Hershey. I’ll never forget the feeling of holding that Cup above my head, but now it makes me want to hold the Stanley above my head even more than before. I am so proud of my team, my coach, and myself. I’m thankful for being sent back, not only because of winning with the Bears, but because of Elliot.

She makes my life better.

She was the first person I called when I got traded to Utah. Usually, it would have been my mom, and thankfully, Mom doesn’t mind. When she told Elliot she would be her mom, she wasn’t just blowing smoke up her ass. She calls and texts Elliot more than me now, and I am so grateful for that. Because each call and text bring a smile to my woman’s face that hits me square in the chest.

We were looking for a house to buy here when we thought I’d be staying, but then I got traded. It’s going to be a big change but one I’m ready for. I’m ready to kick ass in the NHL and come home to be the best husband and dad for Elliot and our son. We’re still looking for a house, but it’s not a priority. This wedding has been the priority, and once it’s done, we’ll figure out what’s next.

One day at a time.

It’s how we’ve been doing things, and it works the best for Elliot. I know she’s going to miss her sisters, and that means I’ll have to work even harder to make sure she’s happy. Which is why I found myself reading a romance book, and I’m still reading it on my phone.

I don’t want her to ever question how deeply I love her. Or question if we can handle all the changes we are going through. It’s not that she wants to question anything; it’s the chemicals in her brain, and I have no problem going toe-to-toe with those fuckers.

Now that she has my ring on her finger, it isn’t coming off again.

Once was enough to give me plenty of anxiety for a lifetime.

After I park, I quickly get out to help Elliot, in the hope it’ll alleviate some of her discomfort. I pull her to me, and she groans softly, her face twisting and causing my heart to beat out of sync. “Talk to me, mami.”

She bends to the side. “Can you yell at your kid to move? It’s like I’ve got a stitch in my side. You know how when you’re running and it happens? That’s what this feels like.”

“Turn around. Hold the car.”

She flashes me a sexy smirk. “Yes, Daddy. Will you spank me?”

I chortle as I turn her, ignoring my hardening cock as I take her hips in my palms. I rub the spot on her lower back with both thumbs, and she melts into my touch. “You have the best hands.”

Pride burns inside me. “Better?”

She nods. “So much.”

I kiss her bare shoulder and then her neck before I hug her tightly from behind. “You good? Ready to head in? We’re late.”

She leans her head into mine and kisses my cheek. “I want to marry you.”

I grin, my heart kicking up in speed. “I’ll push Ciaran and Lou off the mountain, and we can hijack this wedding.”

She snorts, smacking the arm that holds her. “No need. Our time will come.”

“Soon?”

“Soon,” she agrees as she turns in my arms and kisses my lips. I want to draw out the kiss, but we’re interrupted by Clara.

“Hey, lovebirds, come on! We’re waiting on you two.”

Elliot flashes me a wide grin, and I swear, it hits me dead center in the chest. I kiss her nose then wrap my arm around her as we head to the little white chapel that overlooks the most beautiful view of Gatlinburg. The sky is a gorgeous shade of blue, the clouds bright and fluffy as a nice, warm breeze blows. It’s the perfect day for a wedding.

I hold Elliot close as we head around the chapel to where the gazebo sits, covered in white and light-blue flowers. Ciaran stands in front of the gazebo next to the minister under the book arch that took an hour to make. Along with the books, we added more flowers, and I have to admit, they look great and pop against the white gazebo. Austen, Clara, and Eliza stand on the opposite side from Ciaran, and sitting down are Dimitri Titov and Coleson Katz, who is in a full leg brace. I feel for the dude; the injury he sustained was brutal.

But he’s fighting back.

I walk Elliot down the aisle, and when she looks up at me, I would commit murder to marry her right now. She looks so damn beautiful, her hair in a high bun with little curls falling every which way. The light-blue dress hugs her huge breasts and makes her hazel eyes appear bluer than I’m used to. It also shows off her strong shoulders, which I want to nibble on. She’s breathtaking—and all mine.

I guide her beside Clara and kiss her lips. She leans into my kiss, cupping my jaw, and I know I need to pull back before everyone gets another show. I kiss her top lip, rub her belly, and then head to stand beside Ciaran.

---