Page 70 of They All Puck Me

Liam nods, his expression serious. “We have. We know it won’t be easy, but we think it’s worth trying.”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. "I... I don't know what to say. This is a lot to process."

"We understand, we're prepared to wait for your decision," Liam says. Ever the understanding one.

"Before we go any further," I start, "I think you should read this. I want full transparency between us."

Noah frowns slightly, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "What is it?"

I slide the printed article across the table to them. "It's the piece I wrote about the team for the Star Tribune. It's personal... more personal than I intended it to be."

Liam takes the paper from Noah and starts reading over his shoulder, his expression shifting from curiosity to understanding as he skims the lines. Ethan leans in as well, his dark eyes scanning the words with a mix of interest and apprehension.

The silence stretches as they read, broken only by the occasional rustle of paper. I watch their faces closely, searching for any sign of their reactions.

Liam finishes first, setting the article down on the table with a thoughtful look. "You really put your heart into this," he says quietly.

"Yeah," Noah agrees, nodding slowly. "It's honest and raw. You didn't hold back."

Ethan's eyes meet mine, and for once, they’re devoid of their usual guardedness. "This is good," he admits reluctantly. "Hate to say I told you so."

Relief washes over me at their positive reactions. "I just wanted to be honest with you all," I say softly.

Liam reaches out and takes my hand again, his grip firm and reassuring. "We appreciate that, Olivia, more than you know." he says sincerely.

"It was important to me that you all felt seen and understood."

Liam leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "You definitely succeeded," he says with a nod.

Noah chuckles, nudging Ethan with his elbow. "Guess we should've known you'd be good at this whole writing thing."

Ethan smirks but doesn't pull away from Noah's playful jab. "Yeah, who would've thought?" he says dryly.

I laugh along with them, feeling lighter than I have in weeks. This moment of connection and understanding is exactly what I needed.

I take a deep breath, trying to process everything they’re saying. The potential for jealousy and conflict is enormous. But then again, so is the potential for something extraordinary.

“So, I’m not saying no,” I begin cautiously. “But we need ground rules. Clear communication is going to be key.”

Liam’s eyes soften with relief. “Absolutely. Whatever makes you most comfortable”

“And no secrets,” Noah adds quickly. “We have to be completely honest with each other.”

Ethan nods in agreement. “I’m on board with that.”

I look at each of them in turn, my heart swelling with affection and hope. “Okay then,” I say finally. “Let’s give this a shot.”

The tension at the table dissipates slightly as they each visibly relax. Liam reaches across and takes my hand again, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“We’ll make this work,” he says confidently.

Noah grins, his boyish charm shining through. “Alright, Teamwork on three everybody…. one… two…”

Ethan whaps Noah in the head, hard enough to cause the coffee mugs to shake across the table, coffee nearly shoots out of my nose.

"Sometimes I wonder if you should retire early, you've hit your head one too many times." He says to Noah, as he gives me a rare smile, one that makes my heart skip a beat.

For the first time in weeks, I feel a sense of peace settle over me. It’s not going to be easy – nothing worth having ever is – but with these three incredible men by my side, I believe we can navigate whatever challenges come our way.

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