Page 49 of Pucks, Lies, and Sticktape

His mother’s expression softened. “God works in mysterious ways,” she said gently. “Sometimes it’s a moment, sometimes it’s a chance, and sometimes it’s meeting the right person at the right time under specific conditions.”

She’s right.

The thought flickered through Jeannie’s mind, so absolute that it left her breathless.

If it had happened any other way—if she had hesitated, if she had let fear hold her back—she might not be here now. Might not be sitting in this limo, surrounded by the family she had never realized she needed.

A miracle.

Her throat tightened, her fingers curling into her lap as she forced herself to breathe past the swell of emotion.

“I’m so happy you are both here to share this moment with us,” she admitted, her voice unsteady.

Her soon-to-be mother-in-law squeezed her knee again, her own eyes suspiciously bright. “We’re just thrilled to be included.”

“Speaking of,” Katie piped up, grinning. “Did Matthieu tell you how this was going to happen today? Is it before the game? After? Are we going to a small chapel? Can I be the flower girl?”

The tension shattered, laughter spilling through the limo like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. Jeannie found herselfjoining in, shaking her head as warmth spread through her chest.

She still didn’t know exactly how this day would unfold. But no matter what, she was surrounded by friends, family, and people who would celebrate with her when the moment arrived. Her own family might not be there, but she wasn’t sure that they would share in her joy after threatening to go to the media or Matthieu’s boss to get her back under their thumb.

No, she wanted to be her own person, stand strong in her own path she created for herself, and relish the idea that she could have someone as beautiful as Matthieu encouraging her along. Even if his family couldn’t have come, even if they were alone, got booed among the crowds, or everything fell apart at the last minute,nothingwould ruin today for her.

Hours later, all of the wives and family members were being escorted to their seats. She found out from Jamie that they were given the option to be rinkside or in one of the fancy team boxes above – and she had made the decision to have them close to the ice. Someday, she wanted to see what one of those boxes looked like surrounding the roof of the arena, but not today.

She was wearing Matthieu’s jersey proudly, and so was Katie and his mother. In fact, all of the wives were wearing their husband’s jerseys over their clothing despite some of the fans making comments as they walked past.

“Yall are gonna lose today…”

“Wrong colors, ladies…”

“It’s not too late to change sides…”

“You’re supposed to cheer for the home team…”

“Which is the winning team…”

Jeannie understood that this was all in support of their team – and she got it. There was no begrudging some of what was said, because she would be just as staunchly supporting the Wolverines when it was game time back home, especially now that she was starting to learn a bit about the game from Matthieu.

“All right now,” Jamie said loudly, turning to look at all of them as they were gathered in a grouping – and her eyes settled on Jeannie. “Today, we are queens… and princesses,” she said, glancing at Katie, who curtseyed. “Our boys are playing – and tonight, we are celebrating tonight, win or lose.”

“Preferably win,” Ashley chimed in loudly.

“Pipe down, Mile High…” Jamie tossed – winking at her to take the sting out of her words. “I’m so freakin’ proud of you, ya know…”

“Oh my gosh…” Ashley muttered.

“Momma, what’s she talking about?” Katie asked. “Why did she call her Mile High?”

“NOTHING!” all of them chimed in and Jeannie couldn’t help the chuckle of laughter that escaped her seeing how brilliantly red Ashely’s perfect expression was. This was the first time she’d seen the woman at a game, and usually she was working. The woman was always on the go it seemed and her cool, coiffed appearance was definitely ruffled this afternoon.

And honestly – she understood.

When Jeannie checked into the hotel, she was stunned to discover that Matthieu had secured a very nice honeymoon suite that looked over the city from a high vantage point. There was a massive bouquet of brilliant red roses waiting in the room, a bottle of champagne, and with two robes carefully laid out on the bed that had rose petals sprinkled on it. His mother and sisterwere in another room dropping off their stuff before everyone met up once again to head here.

“Now,” Jamie said again, getting everyone’s attention. “I’ve got noisemakers, fan towels to wave in the air, cowbells, and more… I want to make a scene to show our men we’re here to stand tall and support them.”

“I’ll take a cowbell,” Jeannie said volunteering – only to get shot down.

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