Page 259 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

“I’m not saying anything. So, what did you get Sienna for Christmas?”

I explain the necklace that symbolizes our history.

“I still can’t believe you’re a cowboy.” Handsy laughs.

“I’m not a fucking cowboy,” I scoff.

“Do you, or have you ever, owned a pair of cowboy boots?” Linc asks.

“Um…”

“And can you ride a horse?” Rett adds.

“Neither of those makes me a cowboy. I grew up on a ranch; it’s expected that⁠—”

“You be a cowboy?” Kodie pipes up, happily joining in as long as the spotlight is off him.

“You’re all just jealous,” I state, folding my arms over my chest. “As soon as Darcy clears me, I’m taking you all out for lessons.”

“Coach will shit a brick if you put us all on horses,” Rett points out.

“Then shut the fuck up about me being a cowboy. The only kind of riding I’m interested in these days is with Sienna.”

Everyone hoots and hollers, each of them offering their agreement.

I look around at each of the guys with wide smiles and laughter filling the room, and I think about what Sienna said as I looked at those photos I unwrapped yesterday.

Family really is what you make it, and I couldn’t have done better than these guys.

71

SIENNA

“I’m sorry I’m late. Today was…” I blow out a long breath and brush my hair back from my face. “Long.”

Calvin pushes to his feet and strides over.

His hair is wet from a recent shower, and he’s already wearing his dress pants and shirt for tonight, although it’s unbuttoned in the most tempting way.

“It’s okay,” he says, stepping right up to me and taking my face in his hands.

His eyes bounce between mine before dropping to my lips. I cringe, because I probably look less than kissable after the manic day I’ve had. I think I’d rubbed my makeup off by lunchtime at least.

I love it, though. Today is one of the most exciting days of the year at the salon. It’s full of so much laughter and excitement for what the night holds—the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, where the possibilities and the hope seem endless.

Butterflies flutter widely in my stomach as I stare into my man’s eyes.

This time last year, I was celebrating New Year’s with Bea. Both of us were single with the hope that this year might be our year to find our men. Well, we never could have predicted what would happen.

We’re both closing out the year with a hockey player each on our arms, and Bea is pregnant with the next generation of Vipers.

I shake my head in disbelief—as much as I can with Calvin’s hands gripping my cheeks.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, a small frown appearing between his brows.

“N-nothing. I was just thinking about this year.”

A smile twitches at his lips.