Perfectly Wedded (Perfect Crush #1)

28. Vale

TWENTY-EIGHT

Vale

“ I want to sign the contract,” I tell my agent the next day over the phone. I scored two goals in last night’s game, more than any player, which gives me leverage for renegotiating my contract. Adding the no-movement clause will allow me to be home with Sloan as much as possible. The sooner I can provide the stability Sloan needs, the better.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Marco has a full schedule and can’t join us, but the operating manager can be there,” Jimmy says. “You wanna wait?”

It would be nice to have another person in the room who’s on my side, but I can’t delay this any longer.

“No, I’m ready to sign,” I decide.

If I’m staying with the Crushers, I want to finalize the no-movement clause before our wedding ceremony. There’s no question—I want to be with my wife as much as possible. Adding this clause keeps me in Sully’s Beach. I’ll still have to travel for away games, but I won’t get moved to another city. I can’t wait to see Sloan’s face when I reveal this surprise.

“How’s your wife?” Jimmy asks when he arrives at the Crushers’ office.

“Feeling better than ever,” I say. “Thanks to this new medication.”

“That’s what I want to hear,” Jimmy says with a pleased smile. He knows that gives us leverage for our negotiations today. Forget Zach’s allegations that I wouldn’t be able to fulfill my obligations to the team. This proves I’m unlikely to miss a game due to Sloan’s health.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Jimmy studies me when we sit down at the conference table in the Crushers’ office. “You know Tampa has been hounding me ever since we talked last. They really want you on their team and are willing to make a very nice offer.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. “I’m not taking an offer from Tampa right now. Only reason I’m here is to add the no-movement clause.”

Jimmy lets out a disappointed sigh. “I understand, even if I think you should reconsider. I have the feeling that Tampa’s contract would have blown away what the Crushers are going to offer you today.”

“It’s not about the money, Jimmy,” I say, leaning my elbows on my knees. “I’d rather have my wife than an NHL career.”

This time, I’m not just saying it. I mean it. Hockey has always been my focus, until Sloan walked into my life and flipped everything I thought I wanted on its head.

Jimmy nods once. “I’m glad it was a straightforward decision for you. How about this? I’ll tell Tampa you’re not interested for the next few months. We’ll reevaluate later.”

“I won’t need to,” I reply. “I’m staying here.”

“Vale, this is just smart business. Keep your opportunities open. You don’t know how things could change down the road.”

“What if I’ve already decided?” I say, more determined than ever.

Jimmy shakes his head. “You’re not my first player who’s said that and then changed his mind. I’ve asked for the new contract to only include half the season. If the Crushers give you a lowball offer, you can always renegotiate later in the year. This is in your best interest.”

“Then I’ll want the same contract drawn up later,” I insist. Does Jimmy think my marriage might not work out? That I’ll wish I hadn’t added the clause? Because he’s wrong. I’m staying in Sully’s Beach with the Crushers, even if it means I might let the opportunity of a lifetime slip away.

Zach enters the room in a frenzy, barely even offering a nod as a greeting.

“Sorry I’m late. We’ve got a situation that’s blown up today,” he says, frazzled. “We’re headed into a meeting with everyone next.”

“About?” I ask, sensing this isn’t good news.

He avoids looking directly at me as he sorts through a pile of papers. “I’ve been told to keep it strictly confidential.”

He opens a folder and takes out two identical contracts and slides them toward us. “As we discussed previously, we’ve offered the no-movement clause in your contract. But like your agent warned you, it doesn’t give us flexibility, so we’ve made adjustments to your salary and given you some performance bonuses instead. They don’t make up for your previous contract, but it’s the best we can do.”

I look over the numbers. They’re definitely much lower than I’d expected. But I’m doing this for Sloan, not for the money. Isn’t that just what I told my agent?

Jimmy furrows his brow as he looks over the contract. “Seems like a big difference from his last one. Especially since Tampa would love to have him.”

Zach leans back in his chair. “If he wants to stay, this is the offer.” Then he glances at me. “Of course, he’s free to turn it down and move to the NHL.”

He’s got me in a chokehold, and he knows it. It’s not that he’s exploiting the situation. I’m the one asking for the no-movement clause—an exception to our original deal. If this is the price I have to pay to get it, then I’ll sign .

“Where’s a pen?” I say.

Jimmy’s eyes widen. “Maybe you should discuss it with Sloan. It’s a big decision, Vale.”

I shake my head. “I’ve already decided.”

Jimmy doesn’t know that Sloan hasn’t heard about the no-movement clause yet. I planned on telling her after I signed the contract. Maybe it’s because I’m afraid she’ll try to talk me out of it, but this is my decision alone. My way of proving I’m willing to sacrifice anything for her. If I never make it to the NHL, I’ll accept that—just to stay close to her.

Zach hands me a pen and I sign my name at the bottom.

“Just for the record, I’m planning on obliterating those performance bonuses.”

Zach smirks. “I’m sure you will.”

There’s a knock at the door as Jaz pokes her head inside. “Mr. Marco said that he needs everyone in the conference room now.”

When we arrive, Mr. Marco is sitting at the head of the table, along with the rest of the administrative staff. Everyone is quietly waiting for whatever announcement is about to shake things up.

I find a chair in the back, alongside Brax.

“Where have you been?” he asks. “We’ve been waiting on you.”

“In a meeting with Jimmy and Zach.”

Brax frowns. “What’s Jimmy doing here?” He knows that when an agent shows up, there’s only one explanation.

“Later,” I mouth to him.

Mr. Marco clears his throat. “If you’re wondering why I called this meeting—don’t worry, the team is not in financial trouble. We’re still playing hockey.”

A few of the guys visibly relax. Mr. Marco nods to Libby, who immediately starts handing out a stack of papers.

“When I bought this team, it was like pouring money through a bucket with a hole. We’ve managed to keep our heads above water, but we have to roll with the changes,” Mr. Marco explains. “Unfortunately, the plan we had with our last insurance company is no longer an option, so we’re discontinuing our contract with them.”

In the past, whenever insurance came up, I’d tune it out. But now that I’m married to Sloan, every detail matters. I sift through the papers in front of me, find the new insurance website and get on my phone to look up details.

“We were as surprised as you when this happened,” he says. “And we apologize for the last-minute change.”

Most of the guys nod and accept whatever Raphael Marco says, but that’s not good enough for me. As soon as the meeting ends, I’m on the phone with the insurance company. After a long wait, a customer service agent tells me the prescription medication Sloan is on isn’t covered. It’s too new and there aren’t enough studies to prove it works.

“Are you sure there isn’t another way we can get this medicine covered?” I ask.

On the other end, the man taps his keyboard. “Her doctor can try to appeal the denial but there are no guarantees.” He doesn’t sound hopeful.

“And if that doesn’t work?”

“There is one more thing,” he says slowly. “An organization that provides financial assistance for new drugs. You could check into that.”

He gives me the information, but it seems like a long shot.

“Thanks for trying,” I mutter, feeling sick over this new development.

Even if I use my savings account to pay for the drug, how long will that last? A few months to a year, at most. Not long enough for Sloan. She needs that medicine. It’s the only thing that’s made her feel like herself again.

I glance at the newly signed contract in my hand. I’ve already given up my chance to move to another team—one with better benefits or more money. I was so focused on being away from Sloan that I never stopped to think about what would happen if her medicine wasn’t covered .

I rub my forehead before sliding off my hoodie. No one else is in the locker room when Brax comes in. He sits next to me. “Why’s Jimmy here?”

I don’t look at him. “I asked for a no-movement clause in my contract.”

“For Sloan.” It’s not a question—he already knows the answer. “You took Jimmy’s advice, right?”

I shake my head. “Jimmy wanted me to think it over, but I didn’t want to wait. I signed before I knew about the insurance.” I finally meet my brother’s eyes. “Sloan’s medicine isn’t covered. I know we’ll figure it out, but it’s terrible timing.” I wad up the hoodie and throw it in my locker. Even though our relationship has changed since Vegas, I’m worried how she’ll react when she finds out I kept this from her.

“At least you won’t get moved around during the season,” Brax says, trying to make me feel better. “That’s what she wanted.”

“I haven’t told her.”

Brax stares at me. “You didn’t talk about it first?”

I drag my hand through my hair. “She would’ve felt guilty. Told me no. Blamed herself for me giving up the NHL, even though this is my decision.”

“She’s your wife. She’ll understand,” Brax says.

But will she?

I bang my fist against the locker.

“You’re a MacPherson. You’ll figure this out. It’s not like she married you for your insurance.”

Except she did. And that’s what I can’t reveal to my brother.