Page 18 of Seamless Forever (Sleepless November Saga 3)

THE LEVEL OF ENERGY is so high, it’s impossible not to be in the best mood. The guys felt it was only fitting to have the party at Kappa, since they’ll soon be moving out and into their own places. Besides, it’s big enough to fit all the families and friends. Holden is currently talking to his coach, Heather, and Dan, while I’m sitting with our friends.

“I can’t believe he’s not jumping up and down.” I remark, seeing how happy he is talking about hockey. “I thought this was his dream.”

“It is his dream.” Brandon answers.

I pull my eyes away from Holden to look at Brandon curiously. “Then why isn’t he doing it?!”

They all look at me, the same way everyone did in the ER waiting room. No one says anything until Brandon breaks the silence. “Is she always this dense?”

His sister nods. “Pretty much, yeah.”

“Okay, someone please fill me in here.” I beg.

“I’ll take this one.” Bree volunteers, moving so she’s sitting in front of me. “Kayleigh, sweetie.” She addresses me like a child. “Where are the Bruins located?”

“Boston.”

“And are you in Boston?”

I roll my eyes. “Oh, for Christ sake.” Knocking her over as I stand up, I march my way over to Holden. “Excuse me, I just need to borrow him for a second.” I tell his parents and coach, and pull Holden away from everyone.

“What’s up? Is everything okay?”

I run my fingers through my hair and turn to him. “I don’t know. Tell me you’re not about to turn down your chance at being a professional hockey player because of me.”

He groans, throwing his head back. “Babe, do we have to do this right now?”

“Yes, we absolutely do.”

Sighing, he leans against the fence. “What do you want me to say?”

“I want you to tell me why you’re not crazy about the idea of your dream coming true.”

He shakes his head. “I already told you, my dream is coming true.”

“Holden.” I breathe, taking a step forward and grabbing his hands. “You can have both. There is nothing in this world telling you that you need to choose between me and a hockey career.”

“But there is.” His emotions start to show. “Boston is three and a half hours away. I can barely handle being away from you for twenty minutes, let alone multiple days a week.”

I release his hands and grab his face. “Hey, no. Look at me.” I wait until he’s looking right into my eyes. “I am not going anywhere. Do you hear me? You and I are going to get married, whether you’re here with me or playing hockey in Alaska. You’re my forever, and I’ll be damned if after everything we’ve been through, I allow you to give up your lifelong dream to stay here with me.”

A tear slips out and slides down his cheek. “You promise we’ll be okay? You’ll be there every step of the way?”

“I’m not going anywhere.” I confirm.

“Okay.” He breathes. “I’ll do it. I’ll accept the invitation.”

Chapter 7

We walk through the furniture store, looking at all the different sets. Our parents both agreed to split the cost of furnishing the apartment. However, this would be so much easier if Holden’s taste wasn’t vomit inducing.

“What about this one?” He asks, pointing to the bright red leather sofa.

I stare at him blankly. “Are we shopping for our house, or a strip club?”

“Can’t it be both?”

Rolling my eyes, I shake my head. “This is the third place we’ve been to, and I still haven’t found anything that makes me have to have it.”

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