Page 266 of Securing the Pucking Rebound
“These past few months have been the best of my life,” Calvin says, ducking low so only I can hear him.
“Thank you,” I breathe.
“Ten.”
“For what?”
“Nine.”
“Everything. For waiting for me.”
“Eight.”
“For giving me the space and time I needed.”
“Seven.”
“For loving me.”
“Six.”
“I always have, darlin’. Always will.”
“Five.”
“Same. I love you so much.”
“Four.”
“I love you, too. I can’t wait to do the rest of life with you.”
“Three.”
“Me either. I want it all with you.”
“Two.”
“Me, too, darlin’. Every single thing.”
“One.”
My lips part to say something else, but the room around me explodes with excitement, and the next thing I know, Calvin’s lips are on mine, and we’re welcoming in the first of many new years together.
The excitement lasts for long minutes as we wish everyone a Happy New Year and hug everyone close to us, but I quickly realize there’s one person missing.
I spin around, searching the sea of faces for one I know almost as well as my own. But he’s not here.
“Calvin?”
“Yeah, darlin’.”
“Where’s Garrett?”
Garrett
“Shit,” Darcy hisses as he pulls his cell from his pocket, staring at the screen. “I’m really sorry. I need to take this.”
“Okay,” I say, forcing a smile on my face.
