Page 120 of Slap Shot Daddies

Reggie holds Kingston, his gentle rocking soothing the baby, his hand wrapped securely around the gold wedding band that glints in the soft, ambient light.

My eyes well up with emotion, a warmth spreading through my chest. This is my family, my forever. The ceremony is intimate, each word spoken weaving an emotional tapestry that feels perfect, a moment frozen in time.

I pledge myself not just to Braden, but to all of them, my voice steady yet trembling with sincerity.

“I promise to love you, through every win and every loss,” I say, tears slipping down my cheeks, each one a testament to the depth of my commitment.

Braden slides the ring onto my finger, his voice thick with emotion as he responds, his words a vow etched into my heart.

“With every success scored and every dream lost, with every laugh and every cry, I will love you.”

Then, the kiss follows—soft, sweet, sealing our union with a finality that feels both tender and profound.

Cheers erupt around us like a joyful symphony, but I don’t stop there. I turn to Ambrose and Reggie, pressing a kiss to each of them, my heart overflowing with gratitude and love.

We are a family, bound by moments like this, and nothing will ever change that.

As I slide into the passenger seat of the sleek, black sedan, the rich scent of fresh leather lingers with a hint of Ambrose's musky cologne, creating an intoxicating aroma.

The evening breeze drifts in through the slightly open window, carrying the soft, rhythmic hum of crickets from the nearby fields and the sweet, delicate perfume of the wildflowers that adorned our wedding venue.

I’m thankful Ally and her men could watch our babies for the night. They are true pros.

Ambrose eases into the driver’s seat, his fingers wrapping confidently around the smooth leather steering wheel. Before turning the ignition, he reaches across the console to capture my hand, his touch warm and familiar against my skin.

I pivot toward him, feeling the comforting roughness of his calloused palm against mine, a sensation that never fails to reassure me.

Then, with a deliberate slowness that makes my heart flutter, he pulls me closer, his lips meeting mine in a gentle, lingering kiss that seems to stretch time itself.

My breath hitches, and my heart skips a beat, caught up in the quiet intensity of the moment. When he finally pulls back, his hazel eyes hold mine, flickering with an unspoken depth of emotion.

"I love you, Kenzie," he says, the sincerity in his voice wrapping around me like a warm embrace.

I blink rapidly, overwhelmed by a rush of emotion, my heart swelling with joy. My fingers tighten around his, anchoring me in the reality of this perfect moment.

"Say it again," I whisper, barely able to contain the delighted smile that tugs at my lips.

His lips curl into that familiar, gruff smirk, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, but he indulges my request.

"I love you," he repeats, his voice a gentle promise that makes my heart soar.

From the backseat, Reggie and Braden watch us with wide grins, their presence radiating warmth and their own brand of unyielding love.

This is my family, my forever, and the thought fills me with a profound sense of happiness.

I turn to Ambrose, my grin matching his as he finally starts the car.

With a shared glance full of hope and anticipation, we set off into the twilight, ready to embrace whatever adventures await us down the road.

Epilogue

BRADEN

In the airport lounge,I sink into a worn leather chair, stretching my legs out onto the cool tile floor as I cradle a tall glass of iced coffee.

The smooth, slightly bitter sip of the brew pulls me back to earth while I watch my family buzzing around, laughter and conversation filling the space despite their exhaustion from weeks on the road.

Six years ago, I would have never pictured a scene like this.

---