Page 108 of The Sin Bin

"Not much to say," Jax began, his deep voice rumbling with emotion he no longer tried to hide. "Except thanks. To Coach Vicky for believing in evolution." He glanced down at Lauren, his eyes soft with a tenderness that still made her heart skip. "To Dr. Mackenzie for teaching me about different kinds of strength and for saying yes when I didn't deserve it."

He looked around at the gathered team. "And to all of you—for being the family I never expected to find. For having my back on and off the ice."

Lauren watched as emotions played across the faces of the team members—these men who had become so much more than just Jax's teammates over the past year. They'd stood by him during the Philadelphia incident, rallied when the service dog program was threatened, supported their relationship through its rocky patches.

"Even when I was being an idiot about playing through injuries," Jax added with a self-deprecating smile that drew knowing laughter.

Oliver raised his bottle. "That's what families do, Thompson. Call you on your bullshit and then help you fix it."

"To family," Kane concluded, bringing the toast full circle. "The ones we're born with and the ones we choose."

As conversations broke into smaller groups, Allison dropped into the chair beside Lauren with the casual confidence that had made her such a valuable guide to navigating life with a professional hockey player.

"So," Allison asked with a knowing smile, "have you set a date?"

"Not yet," Lauren admitted. "We're thinking after next season. Give us time to settle into the house first."

The lakeside property they'd purchased—a renovated craftsman overlooking the peaceful waters of Lake Quonnipaug—had become their project for the summer. The merging of their lives under one roof had been surprisingly seamless, as though they'd been meant to build this home together all along.

"Smart," Allison nodded approvingly. "The season is chaotic enough without adding wedding planning."

Across the yard, Lauren watched Jax crouched beside Charlie, the service dog who had become the unofficial mascot of the Chill. The program had expanded beyond anything she'd imagined, with ten service dogs now in regular training at the arena and corporate sponsorships covering all expenses.

Dmitri appeared at her side, offering a plate of grilled kabobs. "Doctor Lauren, you must eat. Big man says you skip lunch when surgery runs long."

Lauren accepted the food with a smile, touched by how the team had adopted her into their protective circle. "He worries too much."

"Is his job now," Dmitri said with a wink. "Before, protect team on ice. Now, protect doctor off ice too."

"I don't need protecting, Dmitri."

"Everyone needs family watching their backs," the Russian replied with surprising seriousness. "Hockey teaches this. Is why we win—we protect each other."

Ethan flopped down nearby with the easy familiarity of someone who'd spent countless hours at their dinner table. The rookie had become Jax's unofficial protégé, seeking guidance both on and off the ice.

"Still can't believe Thompson's engaged," he said, eyeing the kabobs enviously until Dmitri handed him one. "Thanks, man."

"Why's that so hard to believe?" Lauren asked, amused by his apparent disbelief.

"Because he's..." Ethan gestured vaguely. "You know. Thompson."

Lauren laughed. "Even enforcers fall in love, Ethan."

"Yeah, but Thompson was like, the ultimate lone wolf before you. Now he's hosting barbecues and giving me relationship advice."

"I would not take love advice from Thompson," Dmitri deadpanned. "He got lucky with good woman. Pure accident."

"Says the guy who strikes out at every bar in New Haven," Kane chimed in, joining their growing circle with fresh beers.

As the afternoon stretched into evening, Lauren found herself by the water's edge, watching the sunset paint the lake in shades of amber and rose. She sensed Jax before she heard him, a developed awareness of his presence that still amazed her.

"Happy?" he asked simply, his arms wrapping around her waist as he rested his chin on her head.

Lauren leaned back against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "Very."

"No regrets about taking a chance on a hockey player with a reputation?"

She turned in his arms, looking up at the face that had become so dear to her. The faint scar near his orbital bone—the only lasting reminder of the fight in Philadelphia—only added character to features she now knew by heart.

---