Page 27 of Taking The Shot

“Mrs. Boucher, are you ready to support a new hockey team?”

“I’ll be supporting my husband anywhere he chooses to play,” Constance said smoothly, laying a hand on Keith’s arm. “We’ve got each other’s backs.”

“Keith – does your new wife know about your sordid past?”

And she felt Keith freeze beside her – and her defenses surged to the forefront protectively, making her think of his ‘Mama Bear’ comment he’d tossed her way.

“Let those without sin cast the first stone,” Constance quoted openly, staring them all down as she held fast to Keith’s arm. “We’ve all been young and foolish, made mistakes, and those decisions shaped our futures. You want to know if I am aware of his past? – Yes. But did that factor in my decision to share the rest of my life with a sweet man who puts my family first and gives his all to his teammates? No. I believe in redemption and forgiveness,” she said simply, pausing for a moment as she stared at the man who’d asked the question.

“The past is behind you – just like your backside, which asking a question like that - not two minutes after I married the man of my dreams - makes you look like and act likethat backside, sir.” A ripple of laughter floated around the building that they were currently trying to leave together.

“Now, I would like to be alone with my husband to celebrate because we have so much to be happy for right now,” she said coolly, sliding up next to Keith and hugging him to show a united front. “Does anyone else have a question regarding our marriage or the future with the new team – because we’re both excited about the move, our new hockey family, and the Wolverines. In fact, we’ll be in the stands cheering him on every chance we can get.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Boucher. Keith, we’re gonna miss ya, buddy!”

They answered a few more questions and made their way toward Keith’s vehicle in the distance, practically rushing for the privacy of the car. The moment the doors were closed, Keith leaned over and kissed her cheek once more and chuckled.

“Remind me not to make you mad…”

“Why?”

“You called that man out in the best way possible – and I’m really glad you are on my side.”

“Well, that was ridiculous and rude,” she huffed… and then looked at him, smirking. “Shall we get out of here?”

“Yeah,” he smiled, starting the car in obvious relief. He pulled out his phone, unfolding the marriage license on the seat between them and taking a photo of it. Before she could ask, Keith looked up at her. “Thank you again.”

“Of course. What happens next on your list?” she half-joked nervously, unsure how all of this would go. He’d been very open about everything, but right now, nothing was clicking in her brain as she looked her new husband over, feeling a twinge of guilt along with that same flare of interest.

“I’ll take you home, and I’m catching the next flight to Quebec to start working on a few things,” he said distractedly, backing out of the parking lot and hesitated – obviously catching her shocked look.

“You’re leaving… today?”

“Yeah, I need to go sign for the house and order furniture for the kids. I want them to have the best of everything…”

“Except being around their new stepfather?”

“I figured that would be a good thing,” he chuckled, glancing at her in confusion. “Constance, Paige does not like me – at all.”

“She’s got to get to know you – and that isn’t going to happen unless you are around,” she said bluntly, hating that her voice was almost panicked. She was tied to this man, this stranger, who was promising her everything but leaving the country… without her. “I thought we’d fly out together.”

“I’ve got to have the house set up for you and the kids.”

“Where are you staying?”

“I’m sleeping on Kenneth Salas’s couch for a few days until I get the keys. We were both rookies years ago and…”

“Goody for you – seriously,” she retorted, looking away and trying to hide the hurt feelings… only to feel his hand touch her arm as he looked at her, completely befuddled.

“Constance, I’ve told you this from the very beginning. I want to get the house set up for my new wife and family, which means going there first. It’s going to take a bit to get things handled, and I might have to fly back once or twice. I’m hoping this goes quickly, but there’s the paperwork and…”

“Fine.”

That single word cutting him off hung in the air between them, where he’d pulled into a parking lot nearby. His heavy sigh and her ragged intake of breath were the only things that echoed in the silence between them.

“I’m sorry,” he uttered gently. “I’m not trying to upset you or run away, but I want things to be right for us to get started on the right foot.”

“By starting off on the wrong one?” she asked painfully, looking at him. “I get it – we’re strangers – but Keith, we are also married now. We’re tied to each other, and that comes with certain bonds, certain expectations, and…” She grew quiet as her face flushed wildly, unable to say the words aloud.

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