Epilogue
Jemma
Two years later
As the goal horn sounds, the entire arena erupts into chaos. People rise from their seats, hands raised in the air, yelling and chanting Trent’s name. Kane echoes throughout the Prudential Center, where Trent plays for the New Jersey Devils. With Teddy in my arms, I jump to my feet, excited about Trent scoring the final goal of the game.
After Trent was drafted into the NHL, I stayed behind with Thea and Teddy, so I could finish my degree at Strickland University. I lived with Trent’s parents in South Jersey, until we relocated permanently last month to the outskirts of New York City. The short separation was hard in the beginning, but it was all worth it to see Trent pursue his dream.
Now that I’m finished college, I joined Sports Buzz, my soon-to-be mother-in-law’s online newspaper, as an associate reporter. My ultimate goal is to one day write for a paper like the New York Times, but until then, I’m learning the ropes of the business from Kennedy. She’s been doing this for close to thirty years.
I love that I can work from anywhere. And today my job requires me to interview the players on Trent’s team, starting with my man. He’s all smiles after he finishes congratulating his team on their latest win, and when his eyes meet mine on the other side of the Plexiglas, it widens, mirroring mine.
Teddy squirms in my arms when he sees his father, pushing out his hand to reach for Trent. “Da,” he says, even though he can say, Daddy.
“Daddy,” I say, and then plant a kiss on his forehead. He giggles, his eyes now pointed up at me, laughter in his voice. “Daddy won the hockey game, Teddy.”
“Da,” he says again, his adorable face lit up with excitement. “Hockey.”
I laugh and hug him tight against my chest. When I stop to think about how I met Trent because I was running away from the prospect of starting a family, it almost seems ridiculous now that I have one. I couldn’t imagine not having Trent and my babies in my life. They’ve rounded out my life, made me feel complete. Now, I have everything I could have ever wanted, and it all started with a complete understanding.
I turn to my left, where Kennedy stands next to me holding Thea. “Can you take Teddy for a few minutes, so I can interview Trent and the guys real quick?”
“Sure, honey.” She smiles as I hand Teddy off to her. “Take your time. I’ll keep my grandbabies busy.” Kennedy kisses each of my children, smacking a kiss on their cheeks, one after the other.
They both giggle, too busy paying attention to Kennedy as I make my escape.
Kennedy has been a huge help with the kids. I couldn’t have done any of this without her or Tyler. Trent has amazing parents that love and care for our children. They’ve helped us through the rough times and have made it easier for Trent and me to transition to our new lives. It’s not easy being parents at our age, but we make it work.
Now that we’re in the same city, in the same house, things have been getting easier, though I can see Kennedy is missing the kids not running around her house. She’s staying with us for the next two weeks, and by the looks of her wardrobe, I assume she plans to stay much longer than planned. And I’m totally okay with the extra help and support.
I make my way toward the ice, where I find Trent leaning against the glass. He’s waiting for me, with a greedy look in his eyes when his gaze meets mine.
“You were amazing,” I say, throwing myself into his open arms. “I’m so proud of you, Trent.”
Instead of one of his usual smirks, he gives me a sexy smile. “I couldn’t have done all of this without you, Jem. You’re my lucky charm.” He says the last part with a wink, releasing me from his strong grasp.
I smile up at him and remove a recorder from my jacket pocket. “Ready for your interview?”
Trent leans in to the recorder I hold out between us, and before I can ask him a question, he hooks his arm around my back and presses his lips to mine, smothering me with his manly scent, devouring me as his tongue slips into my mouth. I’m consumed by Trent, the rink closing around us, his kiss taking me to new heights. I don’t even care that one of his teammates whistles behind us, or the fact people in the stands are now chanting Kane. Their cheers only egg Trent on, and his fingers weave through my hair. He pulls me closer, deepening the kiss, and when I’m at the peak of my high, he peels his lips from mine.