Page 68 of One Pucking Destiny

“You keep saying that you need to accomplish your goals in thislifebefore you think about loving someone else. Do you think life is a destination? It’s a journey, Ari. One that you’re condemning yourself to walk alone. As much as I love you, I can’t wait forever because it’s hurting me. I would burn the world down for you if you needed me to, but the one thing I can’t do is allow myself to be caught up in the flames.” My voice trembles with the last sentence, the hurt I’ve been suppressing this year coming to the surface.

Still—Ari is quiet. Her lips press together in a tight line, not giving anything away. As always, her feelings are locked up tight in her vault.

I swallow. “Tomorrow is a big game, and I don’t want to let my team down. I need you to really thinkabout this, Ari, and let me know before the game. I promise to accept whatever you decide, but please be honest with yourself. I play the game tomorrow with you at my side or with a broken heart, but either way, I’ll know and can go into the game with a clear head.”

She dips her chin in a nod. Staring down at her hands, she fidgets with an invisible thread.

“I love you. I knew from our first night together that I’d never meet another person like you. I want to spend my life with you. I want to support and cherish you. I want to create a beautiful life, knowing it’s with the one person the universe made for me. I promise no one could ever love you as deeply as I do. And if you could be honest with yourself and admit that you feel the same way, we could have something incredibly special. I know that we’re young, and you’re still in school, but that just gives us longer to share this beautiful life together. You can’t always choose when you meet your person, but you have to hold on to them when you do. We get one fucking destiny, but you have to be strong enough to fight for it.”

I wait a moment, foolishly hoping she will jump into my arms, confess her love, and agree with everything I said. But that wouldn’t be Ari’s style. I give her a small wave. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

With an ache deep within my chest, I exit her apartment and walk away.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-SIX

ARI

Islide the navy blue jersey over my head and stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. The white number 11 across my chest looks good as if I was always meant to wear it. And, if I’m to believe Bash, I was. The fact is, I do believe him. I trust that man with my life, and I’m finally ready to trust him with my heart.

The things he said to me yesterday were the gut punch I needed. Pushing my stubborn pride to the side, I can admit that he was right about all of it. It comes as no surprise that Bash knows me better than I know myself.

Yesterday evening was spent in a pool of self-made misery trying to put a finger on when my life spiraledso far off course. In an effort to excel in my profession and reach my goals, I somehow became a stunted version of myself in all other aspects of my life.

I suppose I felt safe constantly pushing Bash away because I knew he’d always come back. And I hoped that I’d eventually be ready when he did. Yet fear is a scary thing. It had me locked up so tight I almost lost him forever.

The rational part of my brain realizes that Bash’s words should’ve been common knowledge. Logically, I’m smart enough to understand it all. However, the self-preservation skills ingrained in me from birth were fierce. I was raised to protect myself at all costs, and I did so even when it was detrimental to my happiness.

Watching Bash walk away yesterday broke something within my soul. Maybe he would’ve come back, as he’s always done—the lovestruck masochist who will forever fight for me. Or perhaps he was done fighting. Either way, I couldn’t risk losing him. As it turns out, of all the fear I’ve harbored over the years, the greatest of all was the fear of losing him.

How could I ever take that chance?

Bash is the love of my life. He’s a beacon of goodness. He’s beautiful, sweet, loyal, and funny. He’s perfect and loves me. I can no longer take that for granted. Because he’s right—no one could ever love me the way he does.

I shoot my mom a text, letting her know I’ll be at our seats in a few minutes. It’s game seven of the Stanley Cup finals against Vancouver in our home arena. My mom was due to give birth over a week ago, yet she insists on being here for her husband, and I get it. There is something special about these Crane men.

The arena is packed with rowdy fans. There’s a palpable buzz in the air as chants and songs sound inside the dome. While I’ve never been a sports girl, I get it now. Being here among the fans brings unmatched excitement. The love surrounding me, for both the players and this game, feels like a giant hug of happiness. The joy it brings is addicting. It only takes truly experiencing it to understand it, and now I do.

I weave through a sea of blue jerseys, trying to get to the tunnel leading to the locker rooms. The security guard’s back is turned away from me as he deals with another fan, and I sneak by. I’m sure there’s a better way to get access, but I’m not familiar with the building. I have a single driving force, getting to Bash. He needs to know where I stand before the game starts, and I have to tell him in person.

I run into Penny in the tunnel leading to the locker rooms. “I need to talk to Bash.”

She looks me up and down, her brows knit in confusion. “They’re kind of busy.”

“I know. It will only take a second, but it’s reallyimportant. I need to speak to him before the game,” I plead.

“Let me check and see if he can step away. Wait here.” She takes off through the double doors, and I wait, rocking back and forth on my feet.

Seconds later, Bash pushes through the door. He immediately notices my jersey, and the most beautiful smile forms on his face.

I run toward him and throw my arms around him, crashing my lips to his. “I choose you. I choose you,” I promise between kisses.

“For real?” He moves his head back, holding my stare.

“For real.” I cradle his face in my hands. “Forever.”

I giggle as Bash peppers kisses all over my face. “I love you so much.” The pure happiness in his voice sends a bolt of love right through me.

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