Page 43 of Soulmates and Slapshots
But tonight wasn’t just about money or dates. It was about community, and the love for the town and its history.
When I step off the stage, I glance back toward Fiona again. She’s laughing with Ashlyn, still holding that paddle in her hand. And just like that, I know I’m right where I’m supposed to be.
As the crowd starts to thin, one question lingers in my mind. What if all this effort isn’t enough to save Maple Falls?
At least for tonight, this town believes anything is possible, and so do I.
CHAPTER 14
FIONA
There’s something about this town that continues to pull me in. I don’t know what they’re putting in the water around here, but it’s working. Maple Falls has a strange kind of power. People really come here for a visit and somehow never leave. I thought their town slogan was just clever marketing.You’ll never want to leave.But now—I’m starting to believe it.
Honestly, I’m starting to feel it too.
Of course, spending thousands of my hard-earned savings to win a date with a hockey player I barely know might also have something to do with that.WhoamI?This is the kind of thing that happens in romantic comedy novels or Hallmark movies. But now I’m living it. And if I’m being honest? I didn’t even think it through. I got caught up in the moment, caught up inhim.
It all started with Weston walking out onto that stage at the Hawk River Lodge looking like he’d rather take a puck to the face than be auctioned off. Still, he stood tall, and the crowd went wild. Especially the group of women Neesha called“the Seattle girls”—who were clearly prepared tospend some cash on these dates. Watching them bid on Weston’s teammates made something inside me snap. Jealousy burned through me, and there wasno wayI was letting one of them win a date with Weston.
Yes, it makes no sense. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.
But it was for charity, right? I can live with that justification for now.
After the auction wraps up, the crowd begins to thin, and I hover near the back of the room, nervous to see Weston for the first time since I was pronounced the winner. I have no idea what he’s going to say. It’s one thing to let my friends back in New York believe I’m having a vacation romance, but it’s another thing entirely to have justpurchasedan evening with the man in the name of charity.
We haven’t seen each other in over a week due to the team’s on-the-road schedule. But we texted a lot, and that made the distance more bearable. Truthfully Weston feels like someone I’ve known forever, even though it’s only been a few weeks. He has such a calming energy, so different from men I’vedatedin the past.
I’ve also been spending my free time doing research on the Blue Rock Thrush, which is more interesting than I thought. Studying a bird doesn’t seem like much, but it makes me feel like I’m doing something for my aunt and her home. So between the research and eight grand, I’m feeling pretty good about my contribution to Maple Falls.
As soon as Weston spots me, his eyes light up and he strides toward me like there’s no one else in the room. Then, without hesitation, he wraps me in his arms. My breath catches as I melt into him like I’m meant to be right here at this moment in time.
“Hi,” he murmurs into my neck.
“Hi,” I breathe back.
Neither of us moves for several seconds, falling into this moment like it could be our last.
“How are you?” I ask casually.
He pulls back slightly, running a hand through his hair. “I’m—good. Thanks for…”
“For buying a date with you?” I offer with a teasing grin, trying to lighten the mood.
He drops his lips to my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. “I just want you to know…I’d go on a date with you for free.”
My cheeks grow hot. I’m blushing, and there’s no way to hide it.
“I know…but itwasfor an important cause. Maple Falls is special, and…who needs a savings account anyway? You only live once, right?”
He chuckles. “I guess. And I agree, this town is…home.”
There it is again. That lump in my throat. Because I know exactly what he means. Maple Fallsisstarting to feel like home. Which makes no sense, because technically, I have a home back in New York. Don’t I?
“Fiona?” Weston’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
“Oh—sorry. I zoned out,” I mumble.
He laughs gently. “It happens to the best of us.”
