Page 110 of Goalie and the Girl Next Door
“National specialty.”
She looks up at me, her voice barely above a whisper. “You think an ice queen could ever be a romantic Frenchman’s soulmate?”
I pause, just long enough for her to feel how I contemplate it, except that I knew the answer long ago.
I think about the ring being designed in Paris and the elaborate proposal I have planned. About the way she smiles now, without hesitation, so different from when we first met.About the fact that I’ve never once wanted to belong to anyone until she appeared in my life.
But all I say is, “Only if she promises not to run off to Paris without me again.”
She laughs again. “Deal.”
I pull her close and kiss her with every ounce of my soul, as the goats snuffle behind us, and the scent of cinnamon drifts through the air.
She rests her head on my shoulder and gratitude fills me. Life is simply…
Parfait.
Perfect.
I close my eyes and hold her tight, whispering through my emotion the only words I can manage because my dreams are finally coming true.
“Happy Thanksgiving, Marcy.”
Don’t stop now! Weston and Fiona have a wild ride for you in Soulmates and Slapshots by Melissa Baldwin. And you’ll learn more about how Maple Falls was saved as you continue reading the series!
She’s escaping the city. He’s chasing afresh start. In a town full of surprises, love might be the biggest one.
Fiona
I’m a city girl turned temporary small-town resident—yes, I know, sounds cliché. But I needed this. A break from Manhattan... and from the near-collapse of the life I thought I had figured out. When my aunt invited me to Maple Falls, I didn’t hesitate. I packed my suitcase and left the city lights behind for something quieter.
Life moves slower here, and maybe that’s exactly what my overworked brain needs. I’ve even made a few new friends—one of them being Weston Smith, a new player for the Ice Breakers hockey team. He happens to be there for me at a pivotal moment, no questions asked.
Meanwhile, there’s a major crisis unfolding in town, and I feel pulled to get involved. Maybe it’s the fresh air or maybe it’s Weston. I came here planningto leave, but the longer I stay, the harder it is to imagine walking away from this town... and from the people who are starting to feel like home.
Weston
New team, new town—Maple Falls is my fresh start. Everything I’ve heard makes me think I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. Joining the Ice Breakers is a chance to prove myself, both on and off the ice.
What I didn’t expect was how much this team means to the town or how fast a certain city girl would get under my skin. Fiona is bold, energetic, with a softer side she doesn’t show. Before I even realize what’s happening, I’m pulled into a personal crisis she’s going through and a plan to help Maple Falls through a crisis. Not that I mind. The more time I spend with her, the deeper I fall.
Maple Falls isn’t just where I play hockey anymore—it’s starting to feel like where my future begins.
