Page 64 of Soulmates and Slapshots
Before I can say another word, he leans in and kisses me, assuring me he’s all in. Around us, leaves move in the breeze, just a few steps from where we first met. This is really happening. I’m home, and the most amazing man is right here beside me. This city girl ended up in a small town, exactly where she’s meant to be. Maybe it’s not so cliché after all.
“I never should’ve let you go to that stupid town,” Hayley wails dramatically, her voice already thick with tears. “You could’ve stayed here, and we would’ve worked through your issues like we always do—with therapy and wine.”
I press my lips together to keep from laughing. That would only make things worse after delivering the news of my move. “You know I needed to get away.”
“I know,” she sniffs. “But now you’re leaving mepermanently, and I’m devastated.”
I try to soften the blow. “I’ll be back every month, remember? And I’m staying with you while I’m there.”
“You better,” she snaps, “unless the company puts you up in a five-star hotel. Inthatcase, I’m staying withyou. It’s the least you can do for abandoning me.”
I smile. “Absolutely. It’s a deal.”
She lets out an exaggerated sigh. “Honestly, theonlyreason I’m still speaking to you is because you’re dating a hot professional hockey player. And he has hot hockey player friends. Otherwise, you’d be getting the silent treatment from me until further notice.”
“Fair enough,” I reply with a laugh. “Speaking of hot hockey players…when are you coming to visit me?”
She groans. “Ugh. I don’t know. Give me at least a week to process the fact that you’re officially leaving me.”
“I understand,” I say. I’m relieved because she’s handling this way better than I expected.
She grows quiet for a few seconds before continuing. “Maple Falls is really lucky to have you.”
My chest tightens and tears prick my eyes. “Not as lucky as I am to have you as my best friend.”
“This is true,” she says.
I laugh. I’m glad she’s at least trying to be funny.
“And Iwillcome visit,” she adds. “I’m very curious to meet Weston.”
“You’ll love him,” I assure her.
“Well, then…that’ll make two of us.”
I chew on my bottom lip, unsure how to respond. I haven’t said the wordloveout loud, but the feelings I have for Weston are strong. Maybe even stronger than I’m ready to admit.
“Anyway,” I say, steering the conversation, “I’ll see you in a few days.”
I’m heading back to New York to meet with my new boss and start preparing for the move. My next chapter is right around the corner, full of new possibilities. And I know anything can happen.
As the sign at the edge of town says—Welcome to Maple Falls. You’ll Never Want to Leave.And for me, this is true.
EPILOGUE— WESTON
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. And not just because I like the food and lounging in comfy clothes while watching football. I’ve always enjoyed times with friends and family, especially since my job keeps me on the road so much.
This year is different in so many ways.
I’m spending the holiday at the Hawk River Lodge with my parents, Fiona, her aunt, and her parents. My parents came to town to catch some of my games and see Maple Falls. They are staying at the lodge and have become best friends with Fiona’s aunt.
The Ice Breakers have been playing great, and we’re on quite a winning streak. The best part is Fiona has been able to be at almost all my games, except when she went back to New York to meet her new boss and pack up her things. She’s since started her new job and is officially a Maple Falls resident. I still can’t believe she’s staying.
We finally went on our big date, even though I don’t think poor Fiona got her money’s worth. A fancy dinner at the Glass Olive and some bird watching doesn’t exactly addup to eight grand. Although it was exciting when we caught a glimpse of Benny the Blue Rock Thrush on the land behind the lodge. That bird played an important role in preserving the land in Maple Falls. And gave Fiona a reason to stay longer. He’s practically a celebrity in my mind.
It seems the bird matters to more than just us. Fiona and Mabel just learned a huge donation was made to the preservation of the Blue Rock Thrush by the one and only infamous Alexander MacDonald. And this is just the beginning.
We’re all overjoyed by the news that Maple Falls is safe from corporate development. The talk of the town right now is that the billionaire decided to abandon his quest for taking over his family’s land. I don’t know all the details yet as they are still emerging, but the Maple Falls Gazette got the scoop and is featuring an article containing more information.It sounds like when he learned about the time capsule and how important the town was to his family’s legacy he had a change of heart. The best part about this news is the Ice Breakers are here to stay, leaving a permanent footprint in this town. As for me, I have no plans to leave Maple Falls any time soon. Hopefully this is only the beginning of a long career with this team.
“You okay?” Fiona asks, slipping her arms around my neck.
I nod and press a kiss to her cheek.
“Never better.”
“We’ve got a lot to be thankful for,” she says.
“That we do.”
This town has given me more than I ever imagined—a chance to grow in the sport I love, incredible teammates and friends, and the woman of my dreams, who believed in me before I believed in myself. I couldn’t be more grateful to be here, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
