Page 29 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise, and I glance over at him, trying to read his expression. His warm brown eyes meet mine for a moment before he reaches into the back, retrieving a garment bag.

“Reid, stop at that gas station up there,” Gray says. I frown and take the bag while the car comes to a stop.

“Put this on,” he instructs, handing it to me carefully. “No questions, just trust me.”

I unzip the bag, and my breath catches when I see the familiar blue figure skating dress nestled inside, its fabric shimmering under the dim car light. It’s the same one I admired earlier at the store, the one that brought back so many memories of my time on the ice.

“Gray…” My voice wavers, touched by the unexpected gesture. “You didn’t have to?—”

“Please, Oakley,” he interrupts gently, his eyes imploring me to comply. “Just put it on.”

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. As much as I want to ask what he has planned, or why this dress seems so important to him, I decide to trust him.

I get out of the car and slip into the nearest bathroom, clutching the blue figure skating dress tightly. The cold tiles under my feet ground me as I lock the door behind me.

I carefully examine the fabric and run my fingers over the intricate patterns that adorn it. A flood of memories wash over me—days spent practicing on the ice, the feel of my skate blades slicing through the frosty surface, and the exhilaration of mastering a new routine with all the boys watching me.

Slipping out of my clothes, I pull the dress on over my head, feeling the silky material glide over my skin. For a second, I almost forget everything that’s happened recently—the betrayal, the pain, and the uncertainty—as I’m transported back to a simpler time.

“Who would’ve thought I’d be wearing something like this again?” I mutter, gazing at my reflection in the mirror. My green eyes sparkle with a mixture of excitement and apprehension,while the dress accentuates my curves in a way that feels both familiar and empowering.

Taking a deep breath, I open the bathroom door and step back into the world, feeling oddly exposed yet strangely invigorated in the dress. As I approach Gray, Reid, and Theo, their gazes turn toward me with an intensity that makes my skin tingle.

“Wow, Oakley,” Gray says, his eyes wide with admiration. “You look…adorable.”

Their eyes trace my every movement like they’re trying to memorize me. It’s a heady feeling.

“Adorable doesn’t even begin to cover it,” Reid remarks with a smirk, his green eyes dancing with mischief. “You look stunning, Oakley.”

“Thanks,” I retort, rolling my eyes at his exaggerated compliment. I know he’s just being playful, but sometimes his flattery can be overwhelming.

“Alright, so where are we going?” I ask, eager for answers. My curiosity is threatening to burst out of me like an overinflated balloon.

“Patience, Oakley,” Gray interjects, cutting me off with a smile that’s both disarming and infuriating. He takes my hand in his and gives it a reassuring squeeze. “Trust me, you’ll love it.”

I huff in annoyance but follow Gray’s lead without protest. Reid falls into step beside me, while Theo trails behind us silently, his expression sullen.

“Gray, seriously, can you at least give me a hint?” I plead, my impatience getting the better of me.

“Oakley, just trust me,” Gray says softly, his brown eyes filled with warmth and sincerity. “It’s something you’ve been missing, and I think it’s time for you to have it back.”

“Fine.” I’ll have to remind him later just how little I like surprises.

Snowflakes dance in the air as we approach the outdoor ice rink, the lights casting a warm glow on the glistening surface. There are only a few people here, scattered like constellations across the vast expanse of ice. I can’t help but feel my heart race with excitement and nostalgia—it’s been so long since I last set foot on an ice rink.

“Here we are,” Gray announces, his breath visible in the frosty air. “Thought you could use a little time on the ice.”

“Wow.” The word escapes me in a whisper, my eyes wide as I take in the scene before me. It’s more than just a trip down memory lane; it feels like coming home to a part of myself that I thought I had lost forever.

“Got something for you.” Gray hands me a pair of skates with a playful grin on his face. “It’s been way too long since you last skated, Oakley.”

“Thank you,” I say, my voice trembling with emotion. My fingers brush against the cold leather of the skates, both familiar and foreign at the same time. I look up at Reid, who offers me an encouraging smile. “How did you guys even know about this place?”

“Let’s just say we have our ways,” he replies cryptically, opening the door for me. “Come on, let’s get you back on the ice where you belong.”

My hands shake slightly as I lace up the skates, trying to remember the proper technique from my figure skating days.

I finish lacing up the skates, and I stand up carefully, my legs wobbling slightly under the unfamiliar weight of the blades.

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