Wiping my eyes, I take a shuddering breath as the news registers in my head.
Phillip and Reese are having a baby.
Holy crap. This is insane but at the same time so freaking wonderful. I’ve always thought they would have the most gorgeous kid ever, and now that is becoming a reality. I’m stunned, completely and utterly stunned. My favorite people are procreating. How amazing is that!
“Congratulations. Now, Phillip?” the preacher says, completely ignoring the fact that I’m freaking out over here.
“My turn? Awesome,” he says and then looks deep into Reese’s eyes. Usually they gag me with their corny love, but right now, I’m in awe of them. They are perfect for each other. “I couldn’t live without you, Reese. I couldn’t be the man I am without you. I couldn’t be the father I am to Claire and the one I will be for our new baby without you. I couldn’t be the hockey player I am without your support. That’s all there is to it. I love you, you know that. I think you’re hot, and I know I’ll always think that ’cause you are by far the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever set eyes on. I promise to love you at your best and your worst ’cause you are mine. Now let’s get this over with so I can kiss the hell out of you without the preacher yelling at me.”
A grin pulls at my mouth, and I watch them exchange rings, Phillip being his goofy self. When it is time for them to kiss as husband and wife, I find myself not watching them, but watching Jude. He’s smiling, his eyes locked on me, and for some reason, I think that this could be us one day.
And if that day is as perfect as this one has been, then I can’t wait.
Chapter 38
Jude
I am in a room full of hockey royalty.
Some of the greatest players came for Reese and Phillip’s wedding, and while I want to get up and mingle with them, I can’t seem to move, or talk, for that matter. I should appreciate the fact that I’m at such a prestigious wedding at the beautiful Belle Meade plantation about to see my hot-ass girlfriend at any moment, but all I can do is try to keep from freaking out because Shea Adler just sat right beside me. Giving him a sideways glance, I look away quickly before he catches me looking at him. Jayden and Jase met him once at an Assassins foundation thingy, but I was home with the flu and didn’t get the chance. They said he’s a really nice guy, but he is the captain of the Assassins. The greatest player in the NHL.
How do you talk to someone like that?
I know I need to get over that since I will be playing against him in no time, but I can’t seem to do that at this particular second. Pulling my phone out, I know there’s only a slim chance that Claire has her phone, but I text her anyway.
Me: I am sitting beside Shea Adler. #freakingout.
I wait a second and thankfully, a text comes through.
Claire: Lol! U dork! Say hi, he’s supernice.
Me: No way, he’s Shea Adler.
Claire: I know, he’s my uncle.
Me: That’s so weird!
Claire: Ur weird, talk to him or I’ll introduce you in a few. I’m about to be there.
Me: See u in a bit. You look really hot babe.
Claire: Thanks
Me: I still get to peel that dress off right?
Claire: Definitely.
A grin comes across my face as I tuck my phone in my pocket. Leaning back in my seat, I take in my surroundings. It truly was a beautiful wedding, but the reception is really awesome. Lights hang from the ceiling; lots of blue flowers are in the middle of the tables with pops of yellow everywhere. As soon as I walked in and was directed to my seat, a beer was placed in my hand. I chugged the sucker, not only because I was worried they’d take it away from me, but because I’m nervous. I’ve never been around so many important people.
“Hey,” Shea says unexpectedly from beside me. I look over, not sure he’s talking to me, but then he says, “I’m Shea Adler. I don’t think I’ve met you.”
I take his hand and shake it as I say, “Jude Sinclair.”
“Oh, Elli, this is the guy that’s dating Claire.”
Elli looks over at me and waves. “Yeah, Jude, hey, how are you?”
“Fine, thank you,” I say and then look back at Shea.