“I assume the two of you will be heading to Scotland after the season and—”
“Scotland?” I choked on the word.
“Just let me know if you need help arranging the travel. I know a travel agent. She’s fantastic. She’ll get you set up so you won’t have any trouble booking flights to Scotland.”
“I’ll check with him. I think he might be doing that on his own.”
“Sure, just let me know if you need help.”
Did I need help booking a flight to Scotland with my husband because his grandfather was dying? Maybe? “Thanks.”
She offered me a gentle smile. “You know, I thought Taylor Savage getting married was ridiculous. And a bad idea. But he’s different with you. I think you’re good for him.”
I must’ve been in shock. So much so that I took myself right to the open bar and poured a nice big glass of wine as the players took the ice and the crowd cheered. All I heard was a roaring in my ears at the thought of what Taylor had been going through all alone.
12
BECCA
Watchingmy husband on the ice was something else. He was a force to be reckoned with, and he did his job as though he was born for it. The man was incredibly focused, fast, and powerful as he flew across the rink. He scored goal after goal, assisting Byrne three times and making an absolute mockery of the other team’s defense. By the time the game was over, I was cheering along with the fans, on my feet, laughing and smiling with Scarlett right beside me.
“It seems like being married to a hockey player isn’t so bad after all,” she teased.
I shrugged. “He’s okay.”
“Sure, that’s the word.”
“It’s really good to see you,” I said, wrapping my arm around her as we watched the crowd exit the arena now that the game was over.
“You see me almost every day.”
“I know, but I used to see you even when we weren’t working. Now I only see you up to your elbows in fondant.”
“Honestly, I think it was good for me to move out. I should have even before you and Savage got married.”
“I don’t know why you keep saying that.”
“You and Clara treat me like this delicate baby bird. Like I need protecting.”
“You do need protecting.”
“I’m a grown-up, just as you are. I can take care of myself, and I should. That’s my point. So you impulsively marrying a sexy hockey player gave me a reason to start my life. Thank you for that.”
I understood where she was coming from. But also, I hated that my sister thought she was some kind of burden. She was far from it. My sisters were everything to me. They were all I had, and it bothered me that they didn’t realize it.
“I hope you know you could have lived with me forever. I would have had zero problems with it.”
“I know.”
Ten minutes later, Taylor poked his head through the door, his hair damp, his skin smelling like the Dove body wash I bought on my monthly Costco runs. Something about that made me smile. He wasn’t hurting for money, but he’d rather use the stuff I bought. It was frustrating that this man could make my heart go squishy when I had so vigorously fought to protect myself. All he’d had to do was come into my life and offer to save me, and I was panting for him. I was pathetic.
The worst part was if I let myself really fall for him, I’d lose a lot more than money. He’d have every breakable part of me at his disposal, and that was terrifying.
“Well, wife, did you enjoy your first go-round with the NHL?”
And just like that, I was a puddle of stupid hormonal goo, because his question wasn’t asked with the air of overconfidence I expected from him. It was full of nervous energy, like he was worried.
“I had a good time, surprisingly. I loved it.”