Page 266 of Beautiful Collide

Laughter ripples through the stands, but my eyes stay locked on Molly.

She’s quiet. Way too quiet. But then, finally, she lowers her hand. “Yes. Yes, I’ll stay married to you.”

The crowd erupts into cheers as I slip the ring onto her finger and then pick her up and fling her over my shoulder.

“I can’t believe you just did that,” she laughs.

“Believe it. You’re stuck with me, Hex.”

“Good. Because I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Molly

Six months ago,I was lost.

My identity was so tightly wound around other people’s lives that I couldn’t see my own.

I thought being fired by Dane was the end of me.

Now, I know that none of my fears were real.

That I was scared, holding on to trauma, and not willing to let go.

Turns out, I did use that card that Hudson gave me.

It took a long time to muster up the strength, but then I did.

When Hudson found the strength to tell Coach about his injury, I found the strength to take the steps to heal myself.

It’s been a long road, but every day, I get closer to finding the closure I need and live in the moment, not the past.

Today, I sit in a hotel room in New York, laptop balanced on my knees. I should be working, but Hudson’s laughter drifting from the adjoining room has me smiling instead.

The guys are all playing cards.

The sound makes me feel alive.

Who knew this was where I’d find my extended family.

Because that’s what they have all become . . .my family.

This is my life now.

I close my laptop, leaning back in my chair and letting out a satisfied sigh. My latest project for the Saints social media team is done—photos, interviews, and short videos ready to upload.

Somehow, this job fell into my lap just when I needed it most.

I get to travel with the team, highlight their personalities, and showcase the work they do off the ice.

It’s more than a job. It’s a purpose.

And it fits.

Plus, I get to work with Josie, who has quickly become one of my best friends. Cassidy being the other, but she’s often busy with school.

“Molly.” Hudson’s voice booms as he leans into the room, his grin wide enough to light up the entire city. “Get your ass out here. We’re starting a new round, and Mason is already crying about losing to me.”

“I’m not crying,” Mason yells from the other room. “You’re a cheater.”

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