Page 107 of XOXO, Summer
“Fuck off, Landers.”
“Got to keep you on your toes,” He grins, skating away as the crowd grows louder.
“Mav-rick! Mav-rick!” The chants echo around the arena. “Mav-rick! Mav-rick!”
Kovlov moves out of the way, smiling brightly. “Get out there so your fans can see you.”
Slowly, I skate toward center ice and bask in the moment. It’s a victory on the scoreboard, for sure. But it’s also a victory in other ways. I made it another year when not everyone thought I would, I’ve created a warm, stable home for Roman, and I’m marrying the best woman in the world.
It’s good to be me.
I spot Roman and Summer at the glass and skate to them. My son’s wide eyes are filled with admiration, something I hope he never loses for me. I push my forehead against his.
“Love you, kid,” I say.
“Love you, Dad.”
I pull away, my gaze traveling to Summer. She watches me with pride, but also with something that’s way more important. With love.
Her hands touch the plexiglass. “So proud of you.”
I take my gloves, drop them onto the ice, and press my palms to hers on the other side of the clear wall. “Marry me.”
Holding up her left hand, she points at the ring. “I am marrying you.”
“This weekend. Marry me, Sunshine. I don’t want to wait any longer.”
Her smile softens, and she nods. “This weekend.” Nodding toward the ice, she says, “Go celebrate with your team. Enjoy it.” She lowers her hands to Roman’s shoulders. “We’ll see you at the apartment.”
I grab my gloves and join my team as they head toward the tunnel. Slipping my guards on, I look back to see Summer and Roman watching. My whole fucking world waves at me. I raise my hand, committing the moment to memory, then head to the locker room.
Celebrating with the guys used to be fun. Now, I want to see my family. I don’t need loud cheers or bottles of whiskey passed around. I want to listen to Roman give a rundown of his favorite parts of the game, like he loves to do. He slips in a little advice to which I always reply, “I’ll incorporate thatnext time.” And then when he goes to bed, I’ll hold my girl on a lounger on the patio, taking in the crisp fall air, and talking about all the things we want to do next summer in the offseason.
It’s my favorite season, after all.
EPILOGUE 2
SUMMER
I hold no regrets for falling for Daniel—love at first sight or whatever someone says to make it feel less. Time wouldn’t have given more than we have now. I regret not recognizing sooner that we’re allowed to change and evolve—our priorities, goals, and even the rules we live by. They didn’t allow for growth or for seeing what was right in front of my eyes. At least for a bit.
Once I knew how much I loved him, I fought for us.And won.Daniel and I won at love. But seeing him parked where he’s supposed to park, away from the cottage, has me falling for him all over again.
Fall shifts into park and whips her gaze toward me. “Why is Brandon here?”
I pivot my eyes to see him and Spring setting up the chairs on the big deck. “He’s a friend and offered to help.” I study her green eyes, looking for any sign that gives her real feelings away because surely it can’t be hate toward him. “He’s the nicest guy.”
“He’s just . . .” She looks back at him again. “Too nice.”
I open the door and get out when I can tell thisconversation isn’t going anywhere. Dipping back in, I say, “There’s no such thing as too nice.”
I shut the door and pull my dress from the back seat. Pulling a ceremony and reception together in three days hasn’t been as fun as it should have been, but Dolly made it a potluck. Now I’m worried the entire town is going to turn out. Mountain Laurel Cove loves two things: a wedding and a potluck. You give them both, and they show up.
Fall whisks my dress from me and hurries into the cottage. “Hide your eyes. Bride incoming!”
I laugh, which feels so good after the craze of the past few days. Stopping just shy of the front door, I ask, “Safe to come in?”
“It’s safe,” Fall says, and then hustles me inside and drags me to the primary bedroom.
