Page 251 of Cross Check

“C’mon. Let me wash your hair. I’ll clean up the mess in the kitchen, make some coffee, and we’ll figure out food.” I put my hand on her chest, right over her heart. I wonder if she knows how fast mine races whenever she’s around. “Gotta keep up that best one ever title.”

She laughs then shrieks when I haul her into the shower under freezing water that takes a minute to warm up. I kiss her again, and I decide if I get to spend every August 27th like this with her, I’d be the luckiest goddamn man in the world.

“Thank goodness for caffeine.” Lia drapes a blanket over her shoulders and holds her coffee mug tight in her hands. “You rocked my world, Everett.”

“Glad to know I have other strengths besides making pancakes. At least the frozen waffles came in handy.” I smile and pass her the syrup. “What do you want to do today?”

“I’m going to need a nap to start.” She yawns then cuts her waffle into tiny pieces. “After that, maybe we could go to the farmers’ market? I’m fine with having a relaxed day before our schedules pick up soon.”

“There’s nothing else you want to do?”

“There’s something I want to do, but it’s not possible.”

“Don’t doubt my determination. What is it?”

“I wish we could skate together,” she says, and I reach for her hand across the table. “Skating is my favorite thing in the world, and it sucks that we can’t go to one of our rinks and spend time together there. It would be too suspicious.”

“That would be risky.” I sigh and rub my thumb over her knuckles. “I’d say I could wear my fake facial hair, but even that might be obvious.”

“It’s fine. Just a silly fantasy.”

Amelia offers me a smile I know is forced. Her nose doesn’t scrunch in the way it does when she’s really happy. Her eyes don’t crinkle in the corners, and my heart sinks to my stomach.

I don’t like seeing her disappointed.

“I’m sorry,” I murmur. “I would’ve liked that. I would’ve liked it more when you kicked my ass in whatever drills we would’ve run.”

“At least I get to spend today with you,” she says.

“And with gifts.” I stand and wash my hands before heading to the closet in the hallway. I grab the presents I’ve been hiding and bring them to her, setting them on the table. “For my favorite girl.”

“I don’t need any gifts! In fact, I specifically said no presents.” She bites her bottom lip to stop a real smile from breaking free. “You spoil me.”

“They aren’t big, so don’t worry.”

“Which one should I open first?”

I tap the flat package. “This one.”

Lia peels back the wrapping paper and gasps when she pulls out a Dashboard Confessional record.

“How cool! My dad used to have a record player, and I’d buy vinyls with my babysitting money.” She traces the title, taking her time to touch each letter. “I always wanted a Dashboard one.”

“Now you have it. The record player will be your Christmas present. Surprise.” I chuckle. “I’m ruining it for you ahead of time.”

“Thank you, honey.” She grins and carefully sets the record down. “This one isn’t as big.”

“It’s something silly to keep with tradition,” I say, watching her rip the paper and open the next package. “The matchsticks are in the shape of the Stanley Cup. Cheesy, I know, and not intended to bring up an old wound. It’s more as motivation for next season, and I thought you might⁠—”

“I love you,” Amelia blurts, and I freeze. “I’m sorry. The kitchen table isn’t the most romantic place in the world, but I can’t go another minute without saying it. I-I love you, Grant.” She looks down at the matchsticks, cradling them in a delicate hold. “I love you so much. God.” Her laugh is stilted. “I’ve never said that before. I probably did it all wrong and⁠—”

I shove back in my chair and move around the table, not stopping until I’m between her legs. When I am, I sink to the ground, reaching up to cup her face with both hands.

“I love you too,” I whisper. My heart thumps to an erratic beat in my chest. My palms start to sweat. “I love you so fucking much, Lia. A part of me has always loved you from the very first night we met, and every minute after. I love everything about you—your determination. Your tenacity. The softer side I get to see when no one else is around.” I stroke her cheek. I smile at the pink that floods her face and the tear that clings to her eyelash. “I love every part of you, and I’m going to keep loving every part of you for as long as you’ll let me.”

“You love me too?” Her bottom lip quivers. “Are you sure?”

“Do you want to know my secret of the day, baby?”