Page 92 of Back On Ice

“He’s right, babe.” Abbie says, adjusting my veil. “Carter’s gonna have a heart attack when he sees you.” She takes her role as Maid of Honor very seriously, and is determined to make sure not a hair is out of place for the ceremony.

Tom, as Carter’s Co-Best Man, has surprisingly been equally fussy about Carter, making sure he got his haircut and picked out the right tux. While Jake, his Other Best Man, did what Jake does best… plan the bachelor party. All I know is that whatever happened that night pissed Abbie off to no end.

“There’s Mama!” Vivianne’s voice calls as she walks down the hall, pushing a stroller, followed by Abbie’s dad, Michael. After dinner all those months ago, the two of them started dating, and I’ve never seen Mama V look more alive.

“How’s my little man?” I coo, peering into the stroller at the littlest love of my life. Chase has his daddy’s black hair, and my honey brown eyes. He coos at me as I let him grab my finger. “You look so handsome in your dapper ring-bearer outfit.” He’s too cute for words in his little white button up, suspenders and bowtie.

“You look gorgeous, dear,” Vivianne says to me, smiling and pulling me into a hug, unshed tears shining in her bright blue eyes. She’s looking so much more alive than she did only a year ago, her slightly graying black hair swept up in a chignon and a long, flowing navy blue dress wrapped around. She pulls away and dabs at her eyes. “We’ll get him inside so Jordan can push him down the aisle.”

Jordan, while claiming he was too old to be a ring bearer, had jumped at the chance to be a part of the wedding and push his little cousin down the aisle.

Dad steps aside to talk to Michael before Jake pokes his head out the doors. “We’re on in five, folks.” He shoots a wink to Abbie, who bites her lip, before disappearing.

I look between the now closed door and Abbie before asking, for probably the millionth time, “So, what’sactuallygoing on with you and Jake?”

Abbie shrugs as she moves a tendril of hair near my face. “Nothing really. But holy hell, is that man looking fine today. And itisa wedding after all, so I’ll definitely be getting laid tonight.”

I laugh and shake my head. At least she’s over whatever happened at that bachelor party. They’ve had a sort of on again-off again fling the last ten months, but I can never get her to give me a straight answer on how she actually feels about the guy.

He lives in Boston near the Garden since both he and Carter are playing for the Reapers now, but I know that they always spend at least one night together whenever heisin town. Now that the season is over, he’s been in town more often than not, staying in the guest room of our house when he comes to visit.

They had a great first season, the team making it to the playoffs, and almost winning the Stanley Cup. After Carter came home from their last game and completely ravaged me, he admitted that once this contract is over, he’s thinking he’s only going to sign for one more season.

After I had started to protest that this is hisdream, he shushed me with a kiss. “I miss you guys too much when I’m gone. I want to be home more, be with Chase, and help you manage the rinks.”

“Anyone can help manage the rinks.” I had rolled my eyes.

“Anyone can. But I want to. You need it now that your business is taking off.”

He was right. Starting my financial advising company was slow going at first, but once word spread that town local SophieHartwell was open for business, people that I’ve known for years started coming to me for their taxes and even estate planning.

It’s been a lot of hard work, especially with a newborn, but I’m finally doing something I love, and Carter has been supportive every step of the way.

But my company clearly wasn’t the only reason for Carter’s change of heart. “Besides,” he had said, “I refuse to miss any moments of our kids growing up.”

“Our kids? You do realize we only have one right?” I’d questioned.

“For now. I want a hockey team’s worth with you, Angel.” I had laughed when he said it, but in the back of my mind, I wouldn’t be opposed to having at least two more. He had kissed me slowly after that, the act filling me with so much love and devotion, I couldn’t even argue.

If that was what he wanted, who am I to stand in the way?

“Oh, it’s time!” Abbie whispers, peeking through the doors and bringing me back to the present.

“Ready, Pumpkin?” Dad asks, coming over and holding his elbow out to me.

Smiling, I nod, and loop my arm through his.

I am.

Ready to officially start the rest of our lives, with Carter, Chase, and my family by my side.

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