Page 118 of Defend Her Heart

I take a step back and glower down at him. “Holding you like a child is not in my job description, Jefferson.”

Mack helps Jefferson stand. The boyish grin he was wearing when he stepped out and saw me makes its way back to his face.

“I’m going to forgive you because that article this morning would put anyone in a bad mood. I didn’t even stuff your skates with shaving cream like I was planning to out of respect for you. You’re welcome, by the way.”

The scowl on my face deepens the longer he speaks. Luckily for him, Mack puts a hand on his chest to stop him and steps in front of him.

“What Kyle means to say is congratulations. I’m just sad we weren’t invited, bro. Especially since none of us thought you’d ever get married.”

I take a step forward, ready to pummel these two idiot friends of mine, when Niko steps between us.

“Okay, why don’t you two clowns go get ready for practice.If you stop acting like children, maybe you’ll get invited to the party Sadie and I are planning for the newlyweds.”

The stooges’ eyes light up and they sprint away, throwing the soccer ball back and forth to each other. As soon as they’re out of sight, I turn my glare to my best friend.

“What fucking party?”

Niko slings his arm around my neck. “You didn’t think I’d let my best friend get married and not celebrate, did you?”

I throw my head back and groan.

He laughs and slaps me on the chest. “Cheer up, buttercup. I promise there won’t be any costumes this time.”

Sadie

Come to my office after your meeting.

I glance down at the text I received ten minutes ago when I was busy making out with my husband in some dark corner of the arena.

My husband.

Those two words have never sounded so good to me.

I’m feeling pretty good after our meeting with the Bobcats’ staff. Everyone was extremely supportive and didn’t bat an eye when Connor told them that what’s happening between us is real. Becky assured us that she’d speak to the legal teams and if there were any other questions, she’d be in contact with us.

There’s a bounce to my step as I head down the hall toward Sadie’s office, which is more of a meditation room for the team. I stop in front of her door and reach out for the handle. As soon as I turn it and push the door open, I’m assaulted by silly string and rice.

Rubbery strands cover my hair and clothes as I hide my face and fight my way through the madness.

“Ah! What the hell, you guys!”

Once the chaos concludes, I clear my face of the debris and open my eyes to see Sloane, Sadie, Katie, and Ellie surrounding me with giant smiles on their faces. Sadie is the first to launch herself at me.

She wraps her arms around my neck, squeezing me tight. “I’m so happy the secret is finally out!” She releases me and is immediately attacked by Sloane.

“You knew!?”Sloane asks, while shoving Sadie playfully in the shoulder.

Sadie smirks. “I may have been privy to the information recently.”

Katie pushes Sloane and Sadie out of the way and hugs me quickly. “I’m really happy for you guys.”

Ellie walks toward me, but instead of giving me a hug like the other girls, she holds out a bag.

“A little wedding present. Sadie is planning a reception to celebrate you guys, but we thought you might need this before then.”

My eyes shoot to Sadie and she gives me a little wink. Reaching into the bag, I pull out the lime green tissue paper that’s sitting on top and gasp when I see what’s hiding underneath.

I pull the jersey out, dropping the bag to the floor. Stretching it out in front of me, the Bobcats logo greets me, but it’s the back of the jersey I love the most.