Page 98 of Pucking the Team

Slade watches us all with a content smile, his role as captain extending even to this dinner table as he ensures everyone is included and enjoying themselves.

As the meal winds down, a comfortable silence settles over the table. I lean back in my chair, savoring the feeling of pure bliss. I’m here, celebrating a huge career milestone, surrounded by the four men I love most in this world. Men who support me, challenge me, and cherish me. Men who each hold a piece of my heart.

“Thank you for doing this,” I say, glancing around the table at each of them. I wish we could have dinner together every night like this, like the family that we are. “But seriously…whose house is this?”

Slade lets out a chuckle, giving the other guys a knowing look that I can’t quite read. “It belongs to my buddy Travis and his family. Do you want a tour?”

I nod eagerly, curiosity piqued. “Definitely! Lead the way.”

We all rise from the table, leaving the dirty dishes for later. Slade takes my hand again as he guides me out of the kitchen and into the main part of the house.

“This place is gorgeous,” I marvel as we enter the spacious living room with vaulted ceilings and huge windows overlooking a lush backyard. Velvet couches and armchairs are arranged around a stone fireplace, and built-in bookshelves line one wall.

“Just wait until you see upstairs,” Lukas says with a mischievous grin, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

I elbow him playfully in the ribs. “Is that all you ever think about?”

“With you around, can you blame me?” he quips, dodging another jab.

Slade leads the way up the winding staircase, the rest of us following close behind. As we make our way through all the beautiful rooms of the house, I can’t help picturing myself living somewhere like here, surrounded by my gorgeous guys.

Eventually, Slade pauses dramatically in front of a set of heavy wooden double doors before throwing them open with a flourish. “Behold, the master suite!”

I step into the room, and my jaw drops in awe. It’s massive, easily twice the size of my entire apartment. A plush California king-sized bed dominates the space, piled high with silky sheets and pillows. Gauzy curtains billow in front of a wall of windows, and flickering candles cast a soft glow. Rose petals are strewn across the floor and bed.

“What is all this?” I breathe, turning to face the guys. They stand together just inside the doorway, matching expressions of love and desire on their handsome faces. Slade steps forward and takes both of my hands in his larger ones.

“Emma, my friend owns this house, but he’s selling it. He’s moved out of town already, actually—this is all staged furniture. The house is going on the market later this week. The guys and I brought you here tonight because we have something important to ask you,” he says, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

“These past few months with you have been the most incredible time of our lives,” Ryan adds, moving to stand at my side. “You’ve brought so much joy, passion, and love into our world.”

Lukas takes my other side, one strong arm wrapping around my waist. “You’re our missing piece, princess. The one who makes us whole.”

Alex steps in front of me. My pulse pounds wildly as his intense gaze meets mine. “Emma, what we’re trying to say is…will you move in with us? Into this house?”

I stare at them in shock, my mind reeling. Move in with them? Into this stunning house? Tears spring to my eyes as the magnitude of what they’re offering hits me.

“You want me to live here with you? All of you?” I whisper, hardly daring to believe it.

“More than anything,” Alex confirms, cupping my face tenderly. “We want to build a life with you, Emma. A home. A family.”

“It’s a big step, we know,” Ryan adds gently. “But we’re ready, if you are. We love you so damn much.”

“So what do you say, princess?” Lukas prompts.

Tears are streaming down my face now as I look at each of my guys, seeing the sincerity and love shining in their eyes. My heart feels like it’s about to burst out of my chest.

This is everything I’ve ever wanted—a home, a family, a future with the men I love more than life itself.

“Yes,” I gasp out through my tears. “Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!”

Slade whoops with joy, scooping me up and spinning me around. The others are on us in an instant, arms wrapping around me from all sides, peppering my face with kisses.

“We love you, angel,” Alex murmurs against my lips before claiming them in a searing kiss. “So fucking much.”

“You’ve just made us the happiest men in the world,” Lukas declares, nuzzling into my neck. “I can’t wait to wake up next to you every morning.”

“And fall asleep with you in our arms every night,” Ryan adds softly, brushing a stray tear from my cheek.

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