Page 8 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

“Wow,” I breathe, impressed by his dedication. “You must have seen a lot over the years.”

“Indeed,” he agrees, his eyes crinkling slightly at the corners as he offers a small smile. “But my job is to be discreet and reliable, so that’s all I’ll say about that.”

“Fair enough,” I say, respecting his loyalty to Gray and the rest of the Archer family. We reach the car, a sleek black sedan, and Charlie opens the door for me. “Thank you,” I murmur, sliding into the plush leather seat.

“Of course, Miss Price,” he responds, closing the door gently before making his way to the driver’s side.

As he drives, I can’t help but look out the window, captivated. The bustling energy of New York surrounds me as we drive through the streets, capturing my full attention. I’ve never been here before, and I can’t help but feel awestruck at the sheer scale of it all—the towering buildings, the endless stream of people, and the vibrant life that seems to hum beneath the surface. My eyes dart from one sight to another, trying to absorb as much as possible.

“Is this your first time in the city, Miss Price?” Charlie asks, his voice interrupting my thoughts.

“Yes, it is,” I admit, feeling slightly embarrassed for gawking like a tourist. “It’s just so…different from what I’m used to.”

“New York has a way of making a lasting impression on people,” Charlie says with a knowing smile. “I believe you’ll find it quite unforgettable.”

As we continue driving, I notice the stadium approaching in the distance, its grand structure dominating the skyline. The closer we get, the more my excitement grows.

We pull into the parking lot, and I can’t help but smile at the sight of the filled spots, each one representing a fan who’s come to support the boys. They’ve come so far, and I couldn’t be prouder of their achievements.

I still remember when they were little boys with dreams of being drafted into the NHL. Even though my dreams didn’t come true, I’m so happy that theirs did.

“Wow, looks like they have a great turnout tonight,” I comment, my heart swelling with pride.

“Indeed, Miss Price,” Charlie agrees, pulling into an open spot. “The Utica Legends’ games always draw a crowd.”

Eager to see the rink and reunite with the guys, I unbuckle my seat belt and reach for the door handle. But as I do, a sudden pang of doubt washes over me. What if things between us have changed? What if our bond has weakened during our time apart?

“Are you alright, Miss Price?” Charlie’s concerned voice brings me back to the present.

“Yeah,” I say, forcing a smile. “Just a little nervous, I guess.”

He hums. “Right this way, Miss Price,” he says, leading me through the bustling stadium.

We make our way to a luxurious premium room, and I can’t help but gasp at its beauty. Ornate chandeliers cast a soft glow over the plush seating area, while a sleek bar lines one wall, stocked with a myriad of drinks. But the pièce de résistance is the enormous television mounted on the opposite wall, broadcasting the game in crystal-clear quality.

“Wow, this is incredible,” I breathe, my eyes wide with awe. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Only the best for Mr. Archer’s friends,” Charlie replies with a polite smile. “Please, have a seat. I’ll fetch you something to eat.”

“Thank you, Charlie.” I flash him a grateful smile before sinking into one of the comfortable chairs facing the TV.

As I settle in, my gaze locks onto the screen. My heart skips a beat when I spot Theo and Reid on the ice. They move with such grace and power, their years of dedication evident in every stride. It feels like it’s been a lifetime since I last watched them play.

“Come on, guys,” I whisper under my breath, willing them to feel my support from afar.

“Nice move, Reid!” I shout, unable to contain my excitement when he dodges an opposing player with ease. A grin tugs at my lips, and I’m reminded of all the times we used to practice together, laughter filling the air as we chased each other across the rink.

“Almost there, Theo!” I cheer as he expertly passes the puck to a teammate, strategizing their next move. Watching him now, so focused and determined, it’s hard to believe that beneath his cool exterior lies the same guy who would tease me relentlessly growing up.

“Get that goal!” I practically scream.

And then, just like that, it happens. Reid breaks away from the pack, skating faster than I’ve ever seen him go. With a swift flick of his wrist, he sends the puck soaring straight into the net. The arena erupts in cheers, and I find myself joining in, leaping to my feet and screaming at the top of my lungs.

“YES! REID, YOU DID IT!”

“Match point!” the announcer booms, confirming the victory I already knew in my heart. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I can’t help but feel incredibly proud of everything they’ve achieved.

I can’t wait to congratulate them in person.

---