Page 107 of No Rhyme or Roughing
Our recent winning streak seemed to carry into the energy of the day, blending seamlessly with the joy of the celebration.
The reception hall, though small, was warm and inviting. A fire crackled in the hearth, stockings hung around the walls for each guest, and a vibrant tree stood at the center, adorned with colorful lights and ornaments documenting Sam and Sullivan’s journey together.
I lingered at the tree, pausing on photos of my brother and me as kids. Who could’ve guessed we’d end up here?
“I did,” Mom said softly, appearing at my side with a knowing smile.
I hadn’t realized I’d spoken aloud.
Mom wore a pale red dress that billowed gracefully, stunning in its simplicity. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a hug.
She reached for an ornament on the tree, one holding a picture of Dad. “He’d have loved to see both his boys happy,” she said, her voice soft.
I kissed the top of her head, unable to find the right words.
“I wasn’t sure how you’d handle today,” she continued, “but you’re doing better than I expected.”
I hummed thoughtfully. “Sam and I were never meant to be.” Maybe my role was simply to guide her to the person she was destined for—my brother.
“That’s a very healthy way to see it,” she said with a laugh, shaking her head. “You impress me, Ry.”
A familiar laugh rang out nearby, drawing my attention. I spotted Sydney with a few of my teammates, her deep blue gown catching the light. Her blonde hair grazed her shoulders, the sight as effortlessly captivating as ever.
Mom followed my gaze and smiled. “You were always so protective of her when she was young,” she said gently.
That familiar defensiveness stirred in me. “She was a child, Mom. I felt nothing for her, then.”
“Oh, I wasn’t implying anything inappropriate.” She patted my arm gently. “She was part of you back then too, just in a different way. But now... she’s more, isn’t she?”
“I’m going to marry her,” I said, the words certain and absolute. We hadn’t been together long, and maybe she didn’t know it yet, but I did. She was the one.
Mom squeezed my hand, her eyes welling with tears. “All a mother wants is for her children to be happy.”
I hugged her one last time before passing her off to Mr. Mac, her old friend. My gaze fell on Sydney, now standing alone near a table of cheese and meats, distractedly inspecting a pinecone nestled among the décor.
“I don’t think that’s for eating,” I teased.
Startled, she dropped the pinecone and turned to me, a sheepish smile on her lips. “I was lost in my own world.”
“You don’t say,” I replied with a smirk, my eyes locked on hers, unable to look away.
She playfully swatted at my chest, but I caught her hand, pressing it over my heart.
“I’ve never been a fan of weddings,” she confessed, her voice soft. “But... I’m kind of enjoying this one.”
“Yeah?” I asked, smiling.
She nodded. “I never pictured myself settling down or getting married. And I definitely don’t want kids. Did we talk about that? I don’t think we did, but just so you know, I’m not changing my mind. Too much childhood trauma, plus I love my freedom, and I?—”
I cut her off with a kiss, long and slow.
When we pulled apart, her cheeks flushed. “Rambling?”
“Just a bit.” I kissed her again. “For the record, I don’t care about weddings or kids. All I want—everything I’ll ever want—is you. Waking up next to me at fifty when I’m freaking out about getting old, standing by me when my hockey career ends and I’m figuring out what’s next, being the cool aunt to Teddy’s ten kids.”
Her lips quirked into a smile. “All with the same woman or different?”
“Same,” I said, grinning.
“I agree. Teddy talks a big game, but deep down, he’s just waiting for someone who can handle him.”
I let my fingers trail down her cheek, pausing to tapgently against her lips. “Enough about Teddy. What I’m trying to say is... I want to love you forever.”
She froze at my words, her eyes darkening with something deeper. “Ry, I’ve never been in love before. And the doubt…it’s not about wanting to love you for the rest of my life.” She placed a hand over her heart, her voice steady. “I know I will. It would hurt too much to stop.”
My next kiss was a vow, a silent promise to cherish her, let her protect me as I protected her and face the highs and lows together.
How had I ever thought another woman was my forever? Because now, with Sydney, it felt like my life was finally beginning.
