Page 52 of Love in Overtime

“And you’re planning on being with him a lot? In Tennessee and when he travels?”

I shrug. “Well, it’s part of my job description.”

“And you love him.”

I smile. “Yes. That too.”

“Maybe you should just move to Tennessee,” she suggests. “You’ve always said you would be open to going wherever life takes you.”

I’ve already thought about it. It might be too soon to make that big of a decision, but I have no doubt in my mind I’ll end up where Cooper is. And if Cooper is still playing hockey, he will be in Tennessee. He’s made it very clear he’ll be with the Wolves for the rest of his career. And I fully support that.

“We’ll see.”

“I still can’t believe you fell for your client,” she says. “Isn’t there a law against that?”

“No.” I snort. “I’m sure there will be plenty of gossip. But we’re both prepared for anything.

“I’m so happy for you, Blair,” she says. “And if Cooper has any hot single hockey player friends, let me know. Tennessee is a beautiful place.”

Hmm … now there’s an idea.

“I’m sure we can arrange that. I’ll talk to Cooper.”

I’ve always believed in fate. Meeting Cooper and going to Maple Falls together was meant to be. Cooper said I changed his life, but what he doesn’t know is that he changed mine too. What started as just a job has led me to everything I could ever hope for. All because we found Love in Overtime.

EPILOGUE— COOPER

Maple Falls, or what should’ve been named Pine Falls, was a nice town, but there really is no place like home. The only thing that would make it better is Blair living here in Tennessee. Thankfully that’s happening in the next few months. We’re handling the long distance very well so far, but after several visits and a lot of Zoom meetings, Blair announced she was moving. At first, I think she only did it to test if I was listening in on the Zoom meeting. Confession: I was listening—that time anyway.

The Wolves are having a great season, and I haven’t played this well in a few years. Coach Jake continues to ask what happened to me during those weeks in Maple Falls. He laughed when I told him I fell in love. He still doesn’t believe it, although he’s jaded when it comes to love since his long-term girlfriend just ended their relationship.

When Blair came to her first Wolves game, she introduced herself as my publicist. It didn’t take long for the team to figure out there was more to the story. It’s become quitethe scandal, and while I don’t enjoy being in the spotlight—Blair is definitely worth it.

Playing for the Ice Breakers truly has sparked something in me I didn’t know existed. My career is thriving, and so are my relationships. Since leaving Washington, I’ve stayed in contact with all the guys. I even wished Dan the Man a happy birthday. I think he was as surprised as I was after I sent the message. Truthfully, it was Blair’s idea.

Estelle is happily living her best life in retirement. Although she says her husband drives her crazy sometimes. She started playing pickleball, thanks to my suggestion—and loves it.

It’s interesting that I went through most of my life with very few people I could count on. Because of this, it was just easier to keep people at arm’s length and put up a wall to protect myself. When Estelle came along, she started knocking down the walls and became my family. My connection to her led me to Blair and a future I never expected.

“Are you ready?” Blair asks excitedly.

“Sure.”

“Don’t be nervous.”

I roll my eyes. “I never get nervous.”

This is only partly true. I don’t get nervous when I’m playing hockey, but this is a whole different experience.

I’m on my way to meet my girlfriend’s parents for the first time in person. Blair says her father is a die-hard Wolves fan, but I’m still dating his little girl. I’ve heard plenty ofstories about meeting the father of the woman you love. Maybe I should’ve asked if Mr. Radcliffe owns a shotgun.

We pull up in front of a cozy brick house that’s fully decked out for Christmas. The house is illuminated by twinkling lights, full garlands all around the front porch, and a huge wreath on the door. I see where Blair gets her love of the holidays.

“Are you okay?” Blair asks, giving me a concerned look. “You look pale.”

I nod. “Yeah, fine.”

We get out of the car and the driver helps unload our bags from the trunk.

---