Page 72 of One Pucking Destiny

“What?” She sounds shocked.

“I’m sorry. I know I’m not done with school, but I promise I will finish.”

“Ari.” Concern lines her voice. “Do you love him?”

“Yeah.” My voice is thick with emotion. “More than I thought possible.”

“Honey.” She squeezes my leg. “That’s all that matters. I just want you to be happy. I’ve never cared if you went to college or what degree you got as long as you did something that made you happy.”

“You didn’t date until you got your PhD, and I wanted to get my degree, too.”

“My life should not be the blueprint for yours, love. My situation was different. Plus, if you want to knowthe truth, I think my heart was waiting for Beckett. I have no doubt that you’ll finish school in or out of a relationship because you’re a determined woman, and working with animals makes you happy. But school should never stop you from being with someone you love.”

I never knew how much I needed to hear those words. Emotion builds within my chest, and tears fall down my face.

Mom wraps an arm around me and pulls me to her. “Oh, honey.”

Pressing the heels of my hands to my eyes, I groan. “I’m sorry. It’s been such an emotional day.”

“Isn’t that the truth.” She half chuckles. “And don’t ever apologize for having emotions. God, I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like you had to be strong all the time.” Her voice cracks.

“You always were,” I say.

“Because I was scared the other shoe would drop at any second. You don’t have to worry about that. You have people who would catch you if you fall. I didn’t, and I couldn’t risk falling because I had you. But Ari, there’s immense strength in vulnerability. Opening your heart up without a guarantee that it will be protected is a risk, but it’s the only way to have a life full of love. And what is the purpose of life if not to love?”

“Yeah.” I nod.

“Why do I get the feeling that you’ve given sweet Sebastian a run for his money?” She side-eyes me, her lips pursed.

“Because I have. I’ve been awful to him.”

“And he loved you anyway?”

I nod.

“I think that boy’s a keeper.”

“Yeah.” I swipe my fingers beneath my eyes, wiping away the tears. “I do, too. Is there something in the water here?” I laugh.

“Hockey players are passionate and emotional creatures. They love with their whole hearts.”

“Bash loves with his whole heart,” I admit.

“I can see that about him. He’s a good guy. I’ve always liked him.” We’re quiet for a minute. “Bye week?” she finally asks.

“Yeah,” I admit softly.

“Oh gosh. I should’ve known.” She waves her hand in front of her. “I don’t need to know any more details.”

“Good. Because you’re not getting them.” I bump her shoulder.

The mood goes serious. “Ari, you are the very first love of my life, and I hope you know that will never change. No matter who you love or what profession you choose, I will love you because youare you. And all I’ve ever wanted for you is happiness.”

“Thanks, Ma. I love you, too.”

As soon as I step out of the hospital room, I can hear the guys all the way down the hall. The joy explodes through the hallway in waves. I hurry down the tiled floor until the room full of Crane men comes into view. They all wear smiles and look so happy. I scan the space for the one smile I’m looking for.

Our gazes meet at the same time, and I run toward him. Jumping into his arms, I circle my legs around his middle, and he kisses me as if we are the only two people in the world. Of course, we’re not—and the team bursts out in boisterous applause and hollers in response to our kiss.

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