One Pucking Destiny (Crane Hockey #4)

Chapter 27

CHAPTER

TWENTY-SEVEN

ARI

I lie beside my mom in her hospital bed with my baby brother, Nolan, between us.

“He’s so perfect,” I say in awe as I run a finger over the soft skin of his cheek.

She leans her head against mine. “Both of my babies are perfect. I’m so lucky.” Her voice breaks.

I kiss her head. “You deserve this beautiful life. You know how much that man out there loves you, how much I love you, and how much this little boy will love you?”

She nods as more tears fall.

“I’m so glad Beckett made it.” She half laughs. “What a birth story this little guy has.” She puts her finger in his tiny hand, and he holds on. “His daddy wins the Stanley Cup, and he’s born within minutes.”

“I’m surprised Beckett didn’t want to name him Stanley,” I tease.

“As if I’d ever allow that.” She smiles. “I wish I could see him out there telling everyone about his son. I love seeing him so happy.”

I think about the guys in the waiting room. “Ma, I have something to tell you.”

Her smile fades, and she looks at me with concern. “What is it, my love?”

Releasing a breath, I force out, “I’m dating Bash, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to marry him.”

“What?” She sounds shocked.

“I’m sorry. I know I’m not done with school, but I promise I will finish.”

“Ari.” Concern lines her voice. “Do you love him?”

“Yeah.” My voice is thick with emotion. “More than I thought possible.”

“Honey.” She squeezes my leg. “That’s all that matters. I just want you to be happy. I’ve never cared if you went to college or what degree you got as long as you did something that made you happy.”

“You didn’t date until you got your PhD, and I wanted to get my degree, too.”

“My life should not be the blueprint for yours, love. My situation was different. Plus, if you want to know the truth, I think my heart was waiting for Beckett. I have no doubt that you’ll finish school in or out of a relationship because you’re a determined woman, and working with animals makes you happy. But school should never stop you from being with someone you love.”

I never knew how much I needed to hear those words. Emotion builds within my chest, and tears fall down my face.

Mom wraps an arm around me and pulls me to her. “Oh, honey.”

Pressing the heels of my hands to my eyes, I groan. “I’m sorry. It’s been such an emotional day.”

“Isn’t that the truth.” She half chuckles. “And don’t ever apologize for having emotions. God, I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like you had to be strong all the time.” Her voice cracks.

“You always were,” I say.

“Because I was scared the other shoe would drop at any second. You don’t have to worry about that. You have people who would catch you if you fall. I didn’t, and I couldn’t risk falling because I had you. But Ari, there’s immense strength in vulnerability. Opening your heart up without a guarantee that it will be protected is a risk, but it’s the only way to have a life full of love. And what is the purpose of life if not to love? ”

“Yeah.” I nod.

“Why do I get the feeling that you’ve given sweet Sebastian a run for his money?” She side-eyes me, her lips pursed.

“Because I have. I’ve been awful to him.”

“And he loved you anyway?”

I nod.

“I think that boy’s a keeper.”

“Yeah.” I swipe my fingers beneath my eyes, wiping away the tears. “I do, too. Is there something in the water here?” I laugh.

“Hockey players are passionate and emotional creatures. They love with their whole hearts.”

“Bash loves with his whole heart,” I admit.

“I can see that about him. He’s a good guy. I’ve always liked him.” We’re quiet for a minute. “Bye week?” she finally asks.

“Yeah,” I admit softly.

“Oh gosh. I should’ve known.” She waves her hand in front of her. “I don’t need to know any more details.”

“Good. Because you’re not getting them.” I bump her shoulder.

The mood goes serious. “Ari, you are the very first love of my life, and I hope you know that will never change. No matter who you love or what profession you choose, I will love you because you are you. And all I’ve ever wanted for you is happiness.”

“Thanks, Ma. I love you, too.”

As soon as I step out of the hospital room, I can hear the guys all the way down the hall. The joy explodes through the hallway in waves. I hurry down the tiled floor until the room full of Crane men comes into view. They all wear smiles and look so happy. I scan the space for the one smile I’m looking for.

Our gazes meet at the same time, and I run toward him. Jumping into his arms, I circle my legs around his middle, and he kisses me as if we are the only two people in the world. Of course, we’re not—and the team bursts out in boisterous applause and hollers in response to our kiss.

“Congrats on the win.” I smile against his lips, attempting to ignore everyone around us.

“Thanks, baby.” He squeezes my ass, and more cheers erupt. “You free to come out with us, or do you want to stay here?”

“I’m all yours.”

“Finally.”

I let my legs fall. Standing with my hands on Bash’s shoulders, I hesitantly peek behind me. Wide smiles shine as I take in the supportive faces of the guys. This group feels so much like a family, and I find that I crave their approval. I want them to celebrate this big milestone in my life and greet it with nothing but happiness. Though I crave one person’s acceptance the most. Despite his connection to my mother, Beckett is more like a friend than a father figure. Nonetheless, I want him to be proud of me.

I find him in the sea of smiles, and he’s wearing the biggest one of all. He gives me a nod and mouths, “Good choice,” and with that, I feel entirely free as if I’m living my authentic life for the first time.

The others return their attention to Beckett and his phone, where he’s showing them picture after picture of his new son.

A few more minutes pass, and Beckett waves us off. “Now go celebrate! In Stanley Cup champion style!”

A raucous round of cheers erupts, and after a few final goodbyes, we’re off.

The city has been transformed into one big party. Navy blue and white jerseys fill every bar on the city’s strip. The joyous fans seep out onto the sidewalks where the party continues. It takes a while to get to our destination. The guys are stopped constantly for pictures with fans, but they don’t seem to mind.

I love watching Bash in his element. Not only is he skilled in the game but he’s also incredible with the fans. He takes extra time with the younger fans, always showing a genuine interest in them as much as they do in him. His smiles are authentic, and I can tell he’s happy to interact with the people. He radiates goodness, and anyone who’s been in his presence for even a second can feel it.

We eventually arrive at The Station, which is the team's regular hangout. More than a few of them have raved about the drinks here. Bash takes hold of my hand as we weave between the crowd to a roped-off section reserved for the team.

A flash of blond that I recognize as Bash’s sister, Hattie, lunges toward him. He releases my hand and catches her in a hug.

“Ari!” She looks at my number 11 jersey before pulling me into a hug. “So good to see you!”

“You too!”

“Come on.” She takes each of our hands and pulls us toward the table in the back. “We’ve been dying for you to get here.”

A middle-aged woman and man stand from the table, and from the father’s smile alone, I can tell they’re Bash’s parents.

“Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Ariana,” he says.

I extend a hand to his mom, but she pulls me into a hug instead. She could be Hattie’s sister in both appearance and demeanor. “So nice to meet you, Ariana.”

“You can call me Ari. Nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.” All at once, I’m overwhelmed as it dawns on me that this is the first “meet the parents” I’ve ever done.

Bash’s dad leans in with a typical dad response, saying, “All good things, I hope.” He, too, hugs me.

“All great things,” I say.

His mom hands each of us a drink. “Your friend Betty brought them over. She says they’re your favorite.”

“She’s been great at keeping fresh drinks coming so you’d have it when you arrived,” his dad says. “Though, Hattie has taken it upon herself to drink a good number of them.”

Bash leans toward me. “Betty makes the best mojitos. I often get one because they’re Hattie’s favorite.” He speaks up so I can hear him over the crowd.

Hattie nods. “It’s true, they are… and these are so good.”

The night is a blast. It’s great to hang out with the guys again. I haven’t seen them much since Texas. Bash’s family is simply adorable. They fit in with everyone in this roped-off Crane area amazingly well. I guess with a social butterfly like Bash, it’s not surprising that his parents can strike up a conversation with anyone.

They take time to chat with me, which is sweet. Bash has clearly spoken to them about me. They already know a lot more about me than I thought they would. After a couple of hours, they say their goodbyes, make me promise to visit soon, and head out with Hattie in tow.

Bash and I stay a little longer, drinking and dancing with the others.

I circle my arms around his neck, and we slow dance to an upbeat song. I melt into him, exhausted from the day.

He leans down and presses his lips to my ear. “You ready to get out of here?”

A jolt of energy sparks new life into my tired limbs, and I stand up straight. “Absolutely.”

He takes my hand in his and squeezes, supplying a beautiful grin. “Good. Me too. Let’s go.”