One Pucking Destiny (Crane Hockey #4)

Chapter 31

BASH

I never put too much stock into the idea of destiny. Fate—this unproven concept that if something was meant to happen, it would. My younger self found the whole philosophy flawed. My future was an ever-changing tapestry of scenarios resulting from my present choices. But destiny? No, that was something I didn’t believe in.

Until her.

One night with Ariana changed everything for me. None of it made sense at the time. This innate pull toward someone I barely knew, the desire to find her, the obsession to be with her. All of it was so unsettling in the framework of what I knew to be true. Or what I thought I knew.

Turns out I didn’t know a damn thing. But the universe did.

Ariana was mine, and I was hers long before we were aware of one another’s existence. Our paths led us to one another, even if we didn’t realize it.

Kismet, man… fucking crazy.

The chance meetings that occurred. The signs that continued to surface. The ache in my chest from the desire to be with her. The feelings deep within that I couldn’t explain or even understand but knew had to be honored. All of it led us right where we needed to be. Together.

One misconception I had about destiny is that it’s easy. Maybe some is, but mine wasn’t. I had to work for mine, and even that was part of the plan. My future required me to fight for it as it knew I would. As I always will—for her.

My eyes fill with tears at the sight of Ari standing at the end of the aisle. She’s wearing a form-fitting white satin gown that hugs her curves, ending with a small train that drags behind her. Her long hair is pulled into an elegant updo, displaying her tanned bare shoulders. Her olive skin against the white satin makes me feel almost savage, wanting to touch her. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted and all the dreams I didn’t know to wish for, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

Brilliant bouquets of beautiful pink, purple, and blue flowers line the aisle. Behind the rows of friends and family and the fairy garden of flowers surrounding us is our home. The purchase of the grand house was finalized mere weeks ago.

Three months ago, after the birth of her brother, Ariana finally agreed to be mine. In that time, we planned our future together, purchased our forever home, and are making our love story official today. Some might think the timeline is rushed, but that’s apparently the Crane hockey way. Elena and Beckett were married a year ago before any of us knew they were dating. Cade and Iris also married a year ago after less than a year together. Gunner and Penny eloped last month, a couple of months after we found out they were an item. Once the Crane men find their forever, they don’t wait. And, truthfully, what would be the point?

September is the perfect month for a wedding. It’s still warm without the excessive heat and humidity of summer. Most of the trees still hold the green of their leaves, creating a stunning backdrop for the array of flowers Ari had placed around our backyard. Most importantly, it’s right before the hectic schedule of the season begins. We can enjoy the day without an impending game. And, enjoying it, I am. It’s only just begun, and it’s already the best day of my life.

A tear rolls down my face when the guests release the butterflies, and it’s every bit as wonderful as I’d hoped. Ari’s face lights up, the sight bringing tears to her eyes. She radiates happiness, and that’s exactly what I wanted. Making her happy is the greatest honor of my life, and I plan to spend the rest of my heartbeats doing just that.

The aisle clears, the butterflies thinning and flying away. Ari begins to walk toward me. Each step she takes gets us closer to our happily ever after, and I feel so lucky.

She reaches the end of the aisle, and I reach for her hand.

Hands clasped between us, we face one another with tears in our eyes and happiness in our hearts.

“I love you,” she mouths as the minister begins.

“I love you.”

And that’s what it comes down to, doesn’t it? Two people in love. As long as we have that, we can weather any storms that come our way.

The same feeling that came to me a year ago, the certainty that Ariana was meant to be in my life, fills my soul. Only this time, it’s a sureness that our love will last forever.

Our life together will be incredible and filled with so much love. Not everyone finds their forever, but I found mine, and I’m going to cherish every second of it.

It’s sure to be one hell of a ride.