Page 39 of Pucks, Lies, and Sticktape

“I’m glad you’re up,” Matthieu said, his voice softer now, intimate. “I need your input on the renewal… do you want to wear a white dress, or do you want to be in the team’s colors?”

Her throat tightened. He was really doing this—taking charge, making it something unforgettable. A lump of emotion swelled in her chest, and she could only answer him with the truth.

“I want to wear your uniform, so the whole world sees it.”

His eyes flared with joy, the reaction so intense it nearly stole her breath.

“You hear that?” he called playfully into the phone, his grin widening. “My girl wants my name all over her.”

Heat flooded her cheeks, but she couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her lips.

“Yup. Casual, but with a few wedding elements,” Matthieu continued, his voice full of conviction. “I want to make it look good. We’ll do bright red roses and blue ribbon… is that okay, Jeannie?”

“Perfect.”

“Come get your coffee, babe,” he invited, already turning away, still engaged in his call. Jeannie lingered in the doorway, her heart pounding as she watched him. He was doing this—for her, for them—making sure it was blasted everywhere so there would be no doubt, no hiding.

She stepped out just in time to hear his nervous laugh before he ended the call.

“Yup, see you in a few, Kenneth—and thanks, Jamie.”

Jeannie folded her arms, tilting her head as she studied him. “You’re up early.”

Matthieu tossed her a lazy smile, but there was something undeniably smug in his expression. “I’ve got a lot to do.”

Before she could respond, he pulled her close, his arms warm and solid around her. The embrace felt different today—heavier, deeper, full of something unspoken but utterly undeniable.

“Good morning,” he murmured, brushing his lips over hers in a kiss so soft it sent a shiver down her spine. “You missed your flight,” he added, pulling back just enough to search her face.

“I canceled my ticket last night after I went to bed,” she admitted.

A slow, satisfied grin spread across his lips. “Want to go on a different one?” His fingers smoothed back a stray wisp of hair from her face, his touch lingering.

“Oh?”

“My next game is in Seattle—and I’d like you there,” he said gently. “I thought we could renew our vows, stay overnight in a suite, and make a brief escape publicly out of it… if that’s okay with you?”

Jeannie blinked, her heart thudding. “Let me get this straight.” She licked her lips, trying to grasp just how much he had already planned. “You want me to fly with you to the next game, renew our vows—which we never actually said—and you’re planning it all for us before we fly back?”

“That about sums it up.”

She studied him, her pulse erratic, but the warmth in his gaze, the certainty in his expression, sent a wave of emotion crashing through her.

“Knock yourself out, Romeo…” she whispered, her lips curving. “I want to wear your jersey so everyone can see Larsson on me – but the rest you are welcome to plan.”

Matthieu exhaled sharply, his fingers tightening slightly against her waist.

“Oh man, that’s hot…” he murmured, his voice rough as he leaned in to kiss her again.

“I want the world to see that…” she breathed against his lips.

“It’s a beautiful sight,” he agreed, rubbing his nose against hers in an affectionate gesture that sent warmth flooding through her. “We’ll do flowers, confetti, and all the good stuff—and Jamie suggested a cake.”

“I love cake,” she admitted playfully, whispering to him.

“Me too, babe… me too,” he murmured, his lips brushing against hers once more before he suddenly pulled back, chuckling. “I’ve got to get to the arena, and you are the best distraction in the world.”

Jeannie sighed, still a little dazed, before teasing, “I need to find a veil or something.”

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