Page 129 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

“About what? Meeting Lachy’s grandmother?”

Soon after Ryan’s mother’s funeral, Lachy decided to speak with the lady who claimed to be his grandmother. It didn’t take much for him to believe her. Jake and Ryan weren’t so trusting and insisted on seeing a DNA test. I agreed with them, although I was a bit nicer about it. In the end, the DNA test confirmed Lachy was related to the woman, and now, she’s coming to spend Christmas with us.

“Not that. The game.”

“No,” I lie. “Why should I be nervous?”

“You’re part of tonight’s puck-drop ceremony. I’d be nervous if I were you.”

It’s the last game before the team takes a short Christmas break, and the Titans invited Louis Miller, his mother, and me to join the team on the ice before the game. Louis will drop the ceremonial puck. I do have jitters. I’ve been to all their home games since the sex tape scandal, but it’ll be different tonight. More cameras, more attention.

“Louis is the guest of honor, not me.”

She smirks. “Sure, sure. Are you ready? Beau said he couldn’t find parking. He’s double-parked in front of the building.”

“I’ve been ready for half an hour. You’re the one who had to come up to pee.”

“Shut up.” We head for the door, and she adds, “You look stunning, by the way. If the Titans lose, I’ll blame you for breaking your men’s concentration.”

“Oh my God. Don’t even joke about that. I can’t afford the fans thinking I bring bad luck to the team.”

Katrina laughs. “Are you rattled now?”

“A little bit.” I give her the stink eye. “Was that your intention?”

She widens her eyes innocently as we wait for the elevator. “No way. I’d never do that to you on purpose.”

I squint. “You’re so full of shit. I don’t know why I put up with your antics.”

The elevator door opens, and she walks in first. “Because you love them.”

The arena feels so much bigger when you’re standing on the ice and facing thousands of fans. I don’t know how my boys don’t feel the weight of the pressure when they play. If do they, it doesn’t seem to affect their game. My heart is beating at breakneck speed, and my pulse is pounding so loudly in my ears, I can barely hear anything else.

I’m glad I’m not the one who has to drop the puck in front of Jake and Leo Wiseman, the Boston Zodiacs captain. I’d probably trip and fall on my face. That’s why I opted for flat boots instead of the high heels Melissa suggested. I don’t care if heels make my ass look hotter. I already have all the male attention I need.

I stand next to Louis’s mother while he poses for pictures holding the puck. He’s supposed to walk back to us before we leave the ice but, instead, Louis takes my hand and pulls me opposite the direction we’re supposed to go.

“What are you doing, Louis? We have to go that way.” I point.

“Not yet, Miss Summers.”

I glance at his mother, wondering why she’s not saying anything. But Anne is smiling like she’s in on a secret. I spot Melissa, Katrina, and Beau coming onto the ice. My accelerating heart beats faster.

When I turn, Jake is there with Lachy and Ryan. “What’s going on?”

“Thank you, Louis. We’ll take it from here.” Jake smiles.

Louis releases my hand and gives the boys two thumbs up. “Good luck.”

Suddenly, I’m hot and cold, and my body is quivering. “What are you up to?”

“We’re bringing our story full circle, lass,” Lachy replies.

“Huh?”

“You were brought into our lives due to a failed marriage proposal,” Ryan continues.

“It’s only fitting that we seal the deal with a successful one—at least, we hope it will be successful,” Jake adds, before the three of them drop to their knees, even Lachy with his goalie padding and all, and each opens a small box with an engagement ring inside.

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