36. Zoey

Chapter 36

Zoey

I know he's trying to surprise me and that's really sweet of him, but I just want to take this stupid blindfold off.

When we finally get out of the car, I breathe a sigh of relief knowing this is almost over. I don't like not being able to see where I'm going, but I trust Colt to keep me safe. He'd never do anything to hurt me and I know that. He's the polar opposite of Jimmy in every way and I think that's why I fell so hard and fast for him.

After we've climbed three steps, Colt leads me a little bit further, then stops. He places his hands on my hips and I can feel him practically buzzing with excitement. I hope this is as good of a surprise as he thinks it is, or he's going to be so upset. Even if it sucks, I need to pretend I'm really excited.

"Ok, I want you to close your eyes while I take the cloth off," he says softly.

"Colt! Seriously? I've been blindfolded for so long and now you want me to close my eyes?"

"Patience, babe. I promise it's worth it."

"Fine, but you have thirty seconds and I'm opening my eyes no matter what." I fold my arms across my chest, more than annoyed.

He carefully unties the piece of fabric, making sure he doesn't pull my hair in the process. He's so gentle whenever he touches me, it feels almost foreign to me.

"You can open your eyes, Zoey." He takes my hands in his and squeezes them.

I open my eyes and at first the light is too much, but then I realize where I am and I let out a loud gasp.

"Mom! Daddy!" I squeal as tears begin streaming down my face. I've missed my family so much. I haven't seen them in so long and now they're here.

I throw myself in my parents' arms and let the tears flow freely. I'm sure there isn't going to be a dry cheek by the end of the night. When they release me, I notice just how much of my family is here. Uncle Wes, Aunt Addi, and their kids – minus Sophia who's watching Snow for us – are standing off to the side. Aunt Kelsey, Uncle Mason, and their kids are next to them and Aunt Michelle, Uncle Steve, and their kids are on the other side .

There are so many other people and kids running around. I'm sure I know all of them, but some of them I don't recognize. I've been gone for a long time and the kids have all grown so much.

I move from one person to the next, getting hugs and words of encouragement and congratulations from each one of them. I get to introduce my amazing fiancé to everyone and they all instantly love him for protecting me and freeing me from my ex for once and for all.

"Uncle Wes!" I fling myself into his arms, not knocking him off balance even a little bit.

"Hey, squirt. I've missed you."

"I've missed you too." I squeeze him even tighter. He's always been the best at giving hugs.

"Why do I have a feeling your town is stealing my baby girl away from me? You can't have Sophia, I'll fight for her." He arches a brow at me as I take a step back.

"Because she loves it there." I chuckle. "You know she'll never stay gone forever. She loves Mulberry Lane too much for that."

"Let's hope so because I'm not sure Maple Springs could accommodate all of us moving there and I'm not letting her go. I waited a long time to get Charlie back and I'm not willing to do it again. "

"Don't worry, Pops, you'll never lose Cody or me. We're staying here forever." Jax flashes us a devilish grin and clasps a hand on Uncle Wes' shoulder.

"Unless we get traded, then we're gone," Cody adds with a tilt of his beer towards us.

"That is true. We can't control that though, so it shouldn't be held against us." Jax shrugs.

"Traded?" Colt arches a brow.

"Cody and Jax play professional hockey. They're on the Philadelphia Pythons."

"Damn, that's impressive." Colt nods his head, looking slightly awestruck.

"Do you follow hockey?" Jax perks up at the idea of having someone to talk to.

"I do. I don't follow any specific team, but I love watching games."

"I think you just lost your fiancé to Jax," Charlie mock whispers as she wraps her arms around me.

Between her living in California for so long and me living in Maple Springs, I haven't seen her in almost ten years.

"She's not losing me to anyone," Colt says, taking my hand in his. He never stops his conversation with Jax though .

"The real question is do you like hockey or baseball more?" Wyatt steps up next to Colt with a big grin on his face.

"How often do they fight over which sport is better?" I arch a brow.

"Every damn time they get together," Wes sighs. "It's so much worse when we're at home since Leo plays with Wyatt. It's always two against two. I just don't watch any of them anymore."

"Oh, that's such a lie! Whenever the Pit Bulls or Pythons play, you're practically glued to the TV! Last week I fell asleep during a game and woke up to you screaming like a crazy man because Jax got a penalty for elbowing some jerk in the face."

"Did ya like that, Pops?" Jax lifts his chin with a smirk on his face.

"He deserved worse."

"This isn't the minors anymore, Dad. We can't be throwing elbows every chance we get or slamming people into the glass." Cody rolls his eyes, but he's not annoyed. I think he's entertained.

"Exactly how many professional sports players are in your family?" Colton asks as soon as we get a moment to ourselves .

"Well, Jax and Cody play hockey for the Pythons. Wyatt's married to my cousin, Charlie, and he plays baseball for the Pit Bulls. No one else in my direct family plays anything."

"What about your indirect family?" He teases me.

"So, Uncle Wes has a massive pseudo-family. He treats everyone like family so it's hard to keep up with. I know at least three of his friends have sons that play with Wyatt. Scouts are showing interest in Wyatt's little brother. He might be going pro after high school for football."

"Geez, any other famous people I should know about?" Colt runs his fingers through his hair and shakes his head.

"How much time do you have?" I scrunch up my nose.

"I'm not sure if I should be impressed or terrified of your connections." He wraps his arm around my waist and tugs me against him. "I'm glad I'm on your good side. I don't want to know what it's like to be hated by the people who have your back."