Page 86 of The Forever Game

“We’re expecting to see you at our Fourth of July party, guys,” Baxter says, finally joining the conversation. “No shirking off just because you’re newlyweds.”

I laugh. “We wouldn’t miss it.”

The annual event has become one of my favorite days of the year.

“Oh my gosh, can you believe it? The next time we get together as a group, we’llallbe married.” Rachel’s voice is sweet with excitement. “Our Hockey House family has grown so much, and I’m just so grateful to each and every one of you. I love our family so much.”

My eyes glass with tears because I can hear how much she means it. I canfeelhow much she means it, because I mean it too.

“I love you, guys,” I tell them, emotion getting the better of me.

Asher brushes away my tears and leans in for another kiss. I’m not sure when everyone hangs up, but his lips and hands distract me all the way back to the hotel… and we spend the rest of our time in Vegas making love on every surface of that hotel room, eating delicious food from the various restaurants, and walking the bedazzled Strip at night.

By the time we get back to Nolan, I’m more loved up than I’ve ever been and ready to celebrate Independence Day with my favorite people.

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