Page 115 of Over the Moon

“So what did you do?”

“Well, the short version is that it all eventually worked out. But not without a lot of stress, which is tough on a new relationship. We kept it a secret, and then I considered going elsewhere. But in the end, there are relationships that happen in the workplace. You’ve met my sister, Dylan. She’s the chief legal for the team, and her last name is now Wayburn.” She arched a brow and shrugged.

“I knew Dylan was married to Wolf, but I assumed she joined the team after they were married.”

“Nope. They worked closely together, and they fell in love, and it was explosive and stressful and passionate all at the same time.” She shrugged. “But at the end of the day, they were able to make it work because they are professional at the office and husband and wife when they go home.”

“He also owns the team, so I’m sure the rules can be bent for the owner,” I said, arching a brow, because we both knew that was the truth.

“Hawk wasn’t the owner of the team when we were dating,” she reminded me. “He was a player, and I was the team psychologist.”

“I’m guessing he had a lot of clout,” I said. “Being the rock star that he is.”

“He did. And I’m sure that helped. But I ultimately made the choice to stay. I had other offers. I’m sure your…” She paused, tapping her chin. “Your special friend has other opportunities, but if this is where she wants to be, I suggest you both fight for it. You’re a very valuable player, Clark. And I believe you’re a free agent after this season, right?”

“Correct.” I studied her.

“Trust me when I tell you, this team will do whatever it takes to keep you. You are not only a valuable player who scored the winning goal to win the Stanley Cup, but the players love you, Coach Gable loves you, you stay out of trouble, and you aren’t in the press, so you’re kind of the golden boy of this team. Remember that if anyone is—unreasonable,” she said. “Because I’ll tell you something that I’ve learned after being married for a long time to a professional athlete, raising our children, and living our life outside of all of this.” She waved her hands around.

“What?”

“This was just a piece of our life. Yes, I still work for the team part-time because I love the Lions, and it allows me to get out of the house and have a career of my own while still being a mother. A huge part of Hawk’s life is still hockey, and he loves it—but not the way that he loves us. This team, this sport, it enriches our life. But my husband, our relationship, our family—that is our life.It’s way bigger than hockey, so at the end of the day, if someone tells you that you can’t love the person you love, they can suck it,” she said.

I barked out a laugh. “They can suck it. The best words I’ve ever heard from the famed Everly Madden, sports psychologist extraordinaire.”

She smiled. “Life is short. I learned that at a very young age when I lost my mother. And after Hawk came back into my life, I realized how important love is. If you’re lucky enough to find it, you should always fight for it. The question is, is she worth it?”

“Yes. Without a doubt,” I said, no hesitation at all.

“Well, then remember, she has a lot more to lose than you do. Her job, her reputation, and if I’m reading the situation correctly, and it’s who I think it is, it also complicates things for her father.”

I nodded, knowing everything she was saying was true. “Correct.”

“You’re the one who has the most power in the situation. It isn’t fair, but it is what it is. Hopefully, it doesn’t come down to that. But you could always remind the Wayburns that they’ve had several office relationships on this team that have gone the distance and caused no drama to the organization. I think that ethics clause is in there to protect teams from lawsuits when there are inappropriate relationships, which, from what I’ve heard from the rumors around here, there is some of that going on, as well. But a consensual, loving relationship, those aren’t threats to the team from where I’m sitting. But I’m also just theteam psychologist,” She chuckled. “Sebastian and Wolf are good men. Reasonable men. You can talk to them. They consider the players on this team part of their family. They would hear you out.”

I blew out a breath. “This is all good to know. I’ll talk to—” I paused before saying her name, just to be safe. “I’ll talk to my special friend about these options.”

Her head tipped back in laughter. “You do that. And just know that I’m here if you or she want to talk. And consider talking to Sebastian and Wolf. It might be better than being outed by someone else.”

That was a fair point, but I didn’t know if Eloise would consider it.

“Man, I can’t tell you how much this helps. I hadn’t realized we had options. You know, I haven’t been in a relationship in many years, since high school really, so this was all new for me when we were back in Rosewood River. We didn’t want to cause a big uproar by saying anything, but the truth is, I love her. She loves me. We want to be together. She only helps my career, as she understands the sport and the training as well as I do. And working for the same team, it should be a good thing.”

“I agree.” She shook her head. “I think those contracts need to be rewritten. They’re old and dated, and there are always exceptions to every rule.”

I nodded. “Thanks, Everly. This really helped so much.”

There was a knock on the door, and she smiled. “That’s my husband coming now because he knows I’m talking to you, and he’s a big fan.”

My jaw hit the ground. I met Hawk Madden last season a couple of times, but I didn’t think he knew who I was. “You’re kidding me.”

“I kid you not.” She walked to the door and pulled it open. “Don’t go all fangirl over the guy, baby.”

Hawk dipped her back and kissed her.

“I only fangirl over my wife,” he said. Then he pulled back and looked over at me. “And maybe I’ll fangirl a little over Clark Chadwick.”

I pushed to my feet and extended an arm. “Good to see you, Mr. Madden. I’m a huge fan. I know I told you that last year, but I was a little starstruck when I saw you.”

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