Page 71 of Rush

“You’re my home, Jameson. My protector, my greatest love. I love you so much,” she whispers into my ear.

My hands cradle her face, and I stare deep into her eyes, looking at her. I will never lose her again. “I love you, too.”

epilogue i

. . .

Sam 1 year later…

“The wait is over! Prospects from all over the world have traveled to be here tonight. The fans have shown up. There is no better place to be than here, welcoming the next generation of athletes joining the PWHL.”

My heart flutters in my chest. For the past year everything I’ve worked for has led to this moment. Jameson is next to me, his hand squeezing mine, always in tune with my moods and emotions. Next to him, Dylan stands in her seat, her pink dress sparkling in the lights. Our family and friends surround us as everyone waits, holding their breath.

“Once you're drafted, you owe me a quick trip down the aisle, Sammy,” Jameson leans in whispering into my ear.

Since he proposed, we tackled officially moving in together and talking to our parents. My mom wasn’t happy, but once she learned we were also engaged, she broke down crying. Between her and my aunt, we’ve been able to have some tough conversations about her projecting her relationships and motherhood on my life. We didn’t talk at all for a few months. I wasn’t going to pretend like things were fine this time. It wasn’t until she was finally able to accept the good man that Jameson is, and get some help for herself that we started talking again. She started going to therapy and she apologized to both of us. Now Jameson and my mom are cordial with each other. I can tell it meant a lot to him, but he still has scars from our past that are healing. Having her help me plan the wedding has warmed him up to her, since he did not want much involvement. In Jameson’s eyes, the sooner he gets me down the aisle the better, even if it means we’re wearing joggers and hoodies.

All of this came around right as my last year of college came to an end. Riley and I both decided to enter the draft, which caused my wedding date to continue to be pushed back. I want to wait and see where we’ll be moving to before we tie the knot. I also remind Jameson that we’ll need time to get another branch of CB Auto established and that we can take our time. Luckily for us, Johnny was interested in staying located in Michigan and will run that branch when we eventually leave. Each time our date for the wedding has moved back or I’ve talked about postponing it, I usually end up naked at Jameson’s mercy, promising him we’re getting married. After our last tryst on the kitchen table last night, while he bent me over a stack of bridal magazines, I promised it would be done before our move, should I actually be chosen in the draft.

My cheeks flush and I glance at him, smirking. “What if I don’t get drafted and I have to wait another year to make something of myself in the PWHL as a free agent?”

His eyes narrow and his tongue runs along his bottom lip. “Baby, your ass is already red, but I have no problem demonstrating other reasons why marrying me as soon as possible is a good thing.”

My body shivers under his gaze and I’m so distracted by all the possibilities and ways Jameson can have his hands on my body that I almost miss the first part of the announcement, hearing only Boston Clovers selects and then…

“Sam Campbell!"

My head whips up, my eyes widening. Dylan is on the floor cheering and clapping her little hands. Jameson helps me to my feet, his lips brushing against my cheek. “Looks like it's time to make it official, Pretty Girl,” he whispers and guides me to the aisle.

I can feel eyes on me, cameras trained on my face. From the jumbotron I can at least say I don’t look scared or freaked out like I am on the inside. I’m glowing, my cheeks are flushed, and my smile is so huge my face hurts. I’m helped onto the stage and I collect a Boston jersey and hat, plus the team’s ministick. The crowd is cheering, my family is on their feet, and my eyes instantly pick them out. Dylan and Jameson. The two halves of my heart. A tear falls down my cheek and I quickly dash it away. This moment feels surreal, something I always dreamed about but was never sure it would happen. If it wasn’t for my dad, I don’t know if I would have realized my passion for the sport. Without Jameson, Luca, and Braysen, I wouldn’t have grown as a player, finding my edge. Without Riley and Emma, I wouldn’t have learned to stand on my own two feet. If I hadn’t made that list of goals my senior year of high school, I wouldn’t have almost everything I’ve always wanted.

“It's always been my dream to play in the PWHL. I am beyond excited to join the team and meet the fans in Boston. I’m grateful for this opportunity. I want to thank my team in Michigan, my coaches, my family and friends. I want to thank my number one fan, my daughter, Dylan. Most importantly, thank you, Jameson, for making all my dreams come true. I love you.”

The crowd cheers as I raise my ministick one more time before walking off stage. I’m led back down to the floor behind the stage, and my legs can’t move fast enough to get back to my people. Rounding the corner, I’m swept off my feet, instantly recognizing the strong arms I’m held in.

“I’m so proud of you, Sammy.” Jameson squeezes me, his voice deep and gravelly in my ear.

“I did it.” I tear up, something between a giggle and sob breaks free from my throat. “Is this real?”

Jameson sets me down and his hands come up to frame my face. “It’s real, Sam. Another thing off your list.”

Playfully, I punch his stomach, rolling my eyes. “You and my list.”

He smiles, his white teeth gleaming. “And we’re only just getting to the best parts.”

“I think everything with you and me has been pretty amazing,” I counter, leaning up on my tiptoes and pressing my lips to his. “Guess we better start looking for a house.”

Jameson chuckles, the sound dark and devilish. “Oh, baby. I already found us the perfect place.”

I lean back, shock on my face. “How? We didn’t even know until tonight which team I would be drafted to.”

He shrugs like that idea is just an afterthought. “I knew all the teams that would draft first and be looking at you. It was easy to scout locations based on those teams. Keeping in mind neighborhoods, security, and the schools, it was easy to find exactly what we would like.”

I shake my head in awe. “This actually doesn’t even surprise me. You always take care of us,” I tell him, glancing up under my eyelashes. His eyes darken and he leans down until our lips are a breath apart.

“Later, future Mrs. Kane. When we get back to our hotel, Grandma is taking Dylan for the night so we can celebrate properly.”

My thighs clench together, my belly swoops and heats while my heartbeat turns frantic in my chest. “Let's go see the family.”