Page 73 of One Pucking Destiny

“Congrats on the win.” I smile against his lips, attempting to ignore everyone around us.

“Thanks, baby.” He squeezes my ass, and more cheers erupt. “You free to come out with us, or do you want to stay here?”

“I’m all yours.”

“Finally.”

I let my legs fall. Standing with my hands on Bash’sshoulders, I hesitantly peek behind me. Wide smiles shine as I take in the supportive faces of the guys. This group feels so much like a family, and I find that I crave their approval. I want them to celebrate this big milestone in my life and greet it with nothing but happiness. Though I crave one person’s acceptance the most. Despite his connection to my mother, Beckett is more like a friend than a father figure. Nonetheless, I want him to be proud of me.

I find him in the sea of smiles, and he’s wearing the biggest one of all. He gives me a nod and mouths, “Good choice,” and with that, I feel entirely free as if I’m living my authentic life for the first time.

The others return their attention to Beckett and his phone, where he’s showing them picture after picture of his new son.

A few more minutes pass, and Beckett waves us off. “Now go celebrate! In Stanley Cup champion style!”

A raucous round of cheers erupts, and after a few final goodbyes, we’re off.

The city has been transformed into one big party. Navy blue and white jerseys fill every bar on the city’s strip. The joyous fans seep out onto thesidewalks where the party continues. It takes a while to get to our destination. The guys are stopped constantly for pictures with fans, but they don’t seem to mind.

I love watching Bash in his element. Not only is he skilled in the game but he’s also incredible with the fans. He takes extra time with the younger fans, always showing a genuine interest in them as much as they do in him. His smiles are authentic, and I can tell he’s happy to interact with the people. He radiates goodness, and anyone who’s been in his presence for even a second can feel it.

We eventually arrive at The Station, which is the team's regular hangout. More than a few of them have raved about the drinks here. Bash takes hold of my hand as we weave between the crowd to a roped-off section reserved for the team.

A flash of blond that I recognize as Bash’s sister, Hattie, lunges toward him. He releases my hand and catches her in a hug.

“Ari!” She looks at my number 11 jersey before pulling me into a hug. “So good to see you!”

“You too!”

“Come on.” She takes each of our hands and pulls us toward the table in the back. “We’ve been dying for you to get here.”

A middle-aged woman and man stand from thetable, and from the father’s smile alone, I can tell they’re Bash’s parents.

“Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Ariana,” he says.

I extend a hand to his mom, but she pulls me into a hug instead. She could be Hattie’s sister in both appearance and demeanor. “So nice to meet you, Ariana.”

“You can call me Ari. Nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.” All at once, I’m overwhelmed as it dawns on me that this is the first “meet the parents” I’ve ever done.

Bash’s dad leans in with a typical dad response, saying, “All good things, I hope.” He, too, hugs me.

“All great things,” I say.

His mom hands each of us a drink. “Your friend Betty brought them over. She says they’re your favorite.”

“She’s been great at keeping fresh drinks coming so you’d have it when you arrived,” his dad says. “Though, Hattie has taken it upon herself to drink a good number of them.”

Bash leans toward me. “Betty makes the best mojitos. I often get one because they’re Hattie’s favorite.” He speaks up so I can hear him over the crowd.

Hattie nods. “It’s true, they are… and these are so good.”

The night is a blast. It’s great to hang out with theguys again. I haven’t seen them much since Texas. Bash’s family is simply adorable. They fit in with everyone in this roped-off Crane area amazingly well. I guess with a social butterfly like Bash, it’s not surprising that his parents can strike up a conversation with anyone.

They take time to chat with me, which is sweet. Bash has clearly spoken to them about me. They already know a lot more about me than I thought they would. After a couple of hours, they say their goodbyes, make me promise to visit soon, and head out with Hattie in tow.

Bash and I stay a little longer, drinking and dancing with the others.

I circle my arms around his neck, and we slow dance to an upbeat song. I melt into him, exhausted from the day.

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