Page 66 of Power Play Pursuit

Our eyes meet, and once again, the air around us charges with a burning intensity. I don’t know how much longer I’ll manage to keep my act together around her, but I do know she’s worth the wait.

Biting her bottom lip, she grabs her purse. “We should go.”

I tear my eyes away and start walking out of the room when she clears her throat.

“You know,” she says. “I expect mydateto offer his arm when we walk together. I'm not exactly used to walking in these things.” She gestures to her high heels.

My heart pounds so hard, my pulse is ringing in my ears. Spinning to face her again, I flash a grin before marching back to her, offering my arm like a gentleman. “Shall we?”

With a soft giggle, she takes it.

“Just to clarify,” I say. “This is a date, right?”

She glances up at me, her beautiful gray eyes trapping me. “Yes, it’s a date.”

The wedding is being held in a beautiful event venue in Brooklyn, with exposed beams and large windows that give the space a lofty opennesswith elegant vibes. The main room is huge and divided into three distinct spaces—the cocktail reception, where we’re now gathered for a pre-ceremony drink; the dining area with round tables covered in white cloths that are clustered around a dance floor; and a ceremony area where rows of chairs face a wedding arch made of white flowers.

“Hey, guys!” Miles calls to us, raising a hand to get our attention. We skirt around a big group of people prattling in French at an incomprehensible speed—probably Beaumont’s family—and join Miles. He’s with Marissa, Wally, Hawthorne, Auston, Deacon, and Lola.

“Where are Alice and Emma?” I ask, surprised to see the guys alone.

“They’re helping Hayley get ready,” Auston explains. “I just checked on Maxime, and he’s fine.”

“You know they only said ‘no bridesmaids and groomsmen’ because they didn’t want us to tease him, right?” I say.

They all laugh. “My thoughts too,” Miles says. “I mean, he was willing to make that stupid bet just so we’d ease up.”

“It doesn’t change anything, though,” I say. “When it’s time for the toasts, we’ll take the stage.”

When our laughter subsides, we all grab a drink and start brainstorming how we’re going to roast Beaumont during the reception.

Finally, an attendant asks everyone to take a seat because the ceremony is about to start.

“After you, beautiful,” I say, inviting Elizabeth to sit down in our row, and she chuckles. Yeah, I’m going to milk this date for all it’s worth. For once, I’m allowed to flirt, and I can’t let the opportunity go to waste.

The officiant begins the ceremony, conducting it in both French and English to cater to everyone present. I love that Hayley is rocking a white pantsuit that matches her personality perfectly. They keep the ceremony short and sweet, but Elizabeth is hanging on every word.

Beaumont stands facing Hayley, his eyes fixed on her with a level of adoration that would convince even the biggest cynic of the whole "soulmate" thing. He’s far from the cocky, annoying hockey player we all know, and I kind of like this softer version of him.

“I never thought I’d find someone who saw me for who I really am,” Hayley begins, her voice steady. “But then you came into my life. You were the real man I never thought I needed, and before I knew it, you surpassed every single one of my book boyfriends.”

“Phew,” Beaumont says, a handto his brow. “That wasn’t easy. I had to read a lot of romance to get there.”

Everyone chuckles, and he takes her hand. “Sorry, keep going.”

Hayley smiles softly, squeezing his hand. “You taught me that love isn’t about finding perfection—it’s about finding someone who makes all your flaws feel like they belong. And I promise to keep loving you, in every page, in every chapter, for the rest of our story.”

Beaumont’s eyes flicker with emotion, but he doesn’t break. When his turn comes to say his vows, he takes a breath before speaking. He’s more hesitant than usual, as though he’s not used to putting his feelings into words.

“Hayley, the second I met you, I knew you were the one,” he starts, his voice rough. “You wanted nothing to do with me.” He chuckles. “But I pursued you, and I’m glad I did. Because now here I am, standing in front of you, the luckiest guy alive.”

As he pours his heartfelt words out to her, I can’t help but glance at Beth. Beaumont and I have a lot in common. Not just our skills on the ice and our position, but also how we both knew from day one that we’d stumbled on someone special, someone we could envision a future with.

“I promise to protect you,” he continues. “To push through your walls, and to love you every single day, even when you’re lost in the pages of abook and I’m just a little bit jealous of your characters.”

A few people laugh, but even in that moment of humor, it’s clear he’s speaking from the heart. And Hayley, despite her usual reserve, is visibly touched. As I watch them, I can’t help but think how perfect they are for each other. They’re opposites in so many ways, but somehow, that balance works. And I hope that someday, I’ll have the same happy ending as they have.

“It’s so beautiful,” Beth whispers as the bride and groom hold hands, about to kiss.

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