Page 71 of One Pucking Destiny

The giant silver cup is brought out onto the ice and handed to Beckett. He raises it over his head and roars, skating in a circle, hyping the fans up. He meets the rest of the team in the middle of the ice, and the guys cheer, raising their hands up to touch the Cup.

I watch the sight before me, smiling as more tears fall. At this moment, I see my future. This man, these people, and, the most surprising of all, this sport have crept into my soul, and I never want them to leave.

Mom grabs my arm as she doubles over in pain. “We gotta go. Come on.”

Stealing a final glance toward the ice, I commit the scene and the feeling it brings to memory, then I help my mom out of the building and to her car.

She calls Iris as I race to the hospital.

I swerve into the emergency room circle drive. A hospital employee in scrubs comes out to meet us, and I jump out of the car.

“She’s having a baby like right now.”

In minutes, we’re set up in a room, and Mom’s being told to push. She holds my hand, crying and begging for Beckett.

“You have to start pushing. The baby is ready,” the doctor says.

“No! I can’t. Not without my husband.” She clings to my arms, and looking at me, she sobs, “I need Beckett.”

Tears fall down my cheeks, and at this moment, I truly see how much she loves him, the thought making me cry harder. I’m on emotional overload. My mom has never needed anyone, and she finally feels safe enough to need someone. I’ve never seen her this vulnerable, and I don’t want her to be afraid. I want this birth to be a beautiful experience for her. She didn’t get a positive experience when she had me. She was barely an adult—young, alone, and scared. Everyone who had claimed to love her abandoned her. This is her second chance at love and motherhood. This time, she’s infinitely loved and surrounded by people who would do anything for her. This time, she’s the love of Beckett’s life, and she deserves that.

I think of how long she fought for us. It was just me and her against the world. She’s always been so strong, giving me a beautiful life and sacrificing so much in an attempt to make sure I never felt unloved or unwanted. Now my heart rejoices that she doesn’t have to fight anymore. Neither of us do. We can just be loved.

“I’m here!” Beckett sprints into the room. His hair is still wet with sweat, and it’s clear he changed out of hispads and uniform at record speed. He wears a random pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt as he races toward us. “I’m here, baby.”

“Oh thank God,” Mom cries, releasing my hands.

Beckett wraps an arm around her shoulders and holds her hand as if she’s the most precious person in the world.

Taking a step back, I watch the scene unfold from the corner of the room and cry.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-SEVEN

ARI

Ilie beside my mom in her hospital bed with my baby brother, Nolan, between us.

“He’s so perfect,” I say in awe as I run a finger over the soft skin of his cheek.

She leans her head against mine. “Both of my babies are perfect. I’m so lucky.” Her voice breaks.

I kiss her head. “You deserve this beautiful life. You know how much that man out there loves you, how much I love you, and how much this little boy will love you?”

She nods as more tears fall.

“I’m so glad Beckett made it.” She half laughs. “What a birth story this little guy has.” She puts herfinger in his tiny hand, and he holds on. “His daddy wins the Stanley Cup, and he’s born within minutes.”

“I’m surprised Beckett didn’t want to name him Stanley,” I tease.

“As if I’d ever allow that.” She smiles. “I wish I could see him out there telling everyone about his son. I love seeing him so happy.”

I think about the guys in the waiting room. “Ma, I have something to tell you.”

Her smile fades, and she looks at me with concern. “What is it, my love?”

Releasing a breath, I force out, “I’m dating Bash, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to marry him.”

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