Page 15 of Rules We Break

Jax is quick to pull her back and wrap his hands around her middle, nuzzling his face into her neck. Whatever he says has her blushing.

I stumble back, and River’s hand braces me as my mom and dad step into view. Their eyes dash around the room, both looking a little intimidated to be here.

“I wasn’t sure you were coming.” I pull my mom, then my dad in for a hug.

“Well, your girlfriend was very convincing,” my mom replied.

Mia stands by my side, hands on her hips. “I’m glad you made it. I’ll expect to see you both more often.”

My dad clears his throat. “Of course.”

She nods and gives them a genuine smile. “Good.”

“Mia! Come sit up here.” Piper cuts in from the other end of the long table where she and Lucas are standing. My parents take their seats at the other end. It’s weird to have them here, but not a bad weird.

We make our way there, followed by a sea of congratulations, and Lucas slaps a hand on my back when I take the seat beside him. Mia next to me, and River on the other side of her.

Lucas leans in and whispers. “You should’ve been the captain in university. I’m happy someone finally smartened up and gave it to you.”

I shake my head. “You needed it then. In hindsight, our college Coach was less of an asshole than I thought he was.”

The room erupts with the sound of the guys chanting “Speech.”

As the new captain I really should have expected this. I stand a little off balance and clear my throat.

“Well, would you look at this? Captain of the Boston freakin' Bruins! Can you believe it?”

One of my teammates shouts. “They ran out of options.” and a laugh bursts out of me, killing any nerves I had.

“That’s probably true. But hey, here we are, and I gotta say, it's an absolute honor. Thanks to the organization for trusting me with this C. I promise not to let it go to my head. Or maybe just a little.”

“Big shoutout to the boys in the locker room. You guys are like my dysfunctional family, and I wouldn't want it any other way. To the rookies, welcome to the madhouse. You'll get used to the weird pre-game rituals and the strange superstitions. And, of course, to the vets, thanks for not scaring off the newbies too much.”

“Coach, I don't know how you put up with us, but you do, and you do it well. I'm gonna try my best not to make your job any harder. Emphasis on "try."”

“And to the equipment guys, I'm sorry for all the times I've made you dig my lucky sock out of the laundry. I swear I'm working on my organizational skills. Not really, but I'll try. Now, let’s fucking eat.” I lift the glass of champagne that’s in front of my plate and raise it.

“To the cup. We’re coming for you.”

A chorus of “To the cup.” rings out, I take my seat.

Lucas leans over. “Nice speech.”

“Thanks, buddy. Might’ve learned something from you.”

There’s rustling to my left and River stands holding his own glass. He looks over the table and quiet settles over us.

“I’ve been playing with Alex most of my career. He’s always been the first to practice and the last to leave. He’s the one that knows everyone’s name and the small details I couldn’t really give a shit about, like they’re expecting a new baby and their kids’ names.”

River pauses as the guys laugh before continuing. “It’s why he’s going to be the best captain the Bruins have ever had. He has the biggest heart, and he’s going to care about each and every one of you. You better fucking appreciate it. I have no problem laying any of you out on the ice.”

There’s more laughter, but the way Riv’s looking at them, he’s dead serious. He catches my gaze and speaks directly to me, sending butterflies fluttering in my chest. “Alex is one of the most important people to me. Take care of him.”

One by one each player stands and says their own speech. Some long and others short. Lots of joking and teasing to go around. Jax told stories from university of what it was like to live with me and how he felt bad the team has to share a locker room with me. Lucas told the story about how he became captain, even though everyone knew it should’ve been me, and how much he appreciated that I supported him anyway. I whisper “fuck you” at him and he just laughs before sitting for the next person.

I couldn’t help looking over at my parents, who are watching everyone with wide eyes. My mom turns to me and smiles. I smile back, not ready to completely forgive them for not being around, but happy it’s a start.

Our food is here before the last person speaks and my stomach is rumbling as the smell of pasta fills my nose. Mia’s small hand strokes my thigh closest to her and gives it a squeeze, pulling my attention off my plate and to her.

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