BONUS SCENE RACHEL

Two years later:

“Are you ready to go see Daddy?” I lift the car seat out of the back and click the baby carrier onto the stroller.

Jett and Xander are already at practice, but I promised I’d stop by and show off the new baby now that he’s three months old.

“And your big brother, Jett? He’s a really good goalie, just like your daddy.” I stroke the baby’s soft, chubby cheek and he smiles up at me.

I can’t believe this is my life.

So much has changed in the past two years, ever since the day I met Xander at hockey practice. From our first date at the Boathouse to the romantic proposal at the lighthouse, to the destination wedding in Hawaii to the birth of our son, Alexander. Our entire relationship is a dream come true—I really am living my happily ever after.

“Alright, let’s get going.” I tuck the swaddling blanket around the baby and stroll into the chilly rink.

Jett’s out on the ice, guarding the net. Xander’s nearby, shouting directives at the defenseman and giving Jett pointers.

“That’s it, Jett. Just like that, get low! Don’t leave that corner open!” Xander points to the right corner of the net and Jett stretches to cover as the puck flies toward him. “Yes! Nice work!”

He skates over, high-fiving Jett’s padded hand, and my heart nearly bursts. I love this man with my whole being, love everything about him. His kindness, his generosity, the way he takes care of me and our boys.

Our boys.

Because Jett’s as much his child now as Alexander is, in every way that matters. Xander’s more of a dad than Charles ever was, raising him with all the love and tenderness a child needs and deserves.

Hot tears spring to my eyes thinking about how much Xander loves us. All of us.

And now we’re all part of Team Kovac: me, Xander, Jett, and baby Alex.

Jackson blows the whistle and practice is officially over. Xander glances my direction, spotting me and the baby from the ice.

“Hey, babe.” He skates over, stepping off the ice to give me a tender kiss. “How are you? How’s the baby?”

He leans down, smiling widely at Alex. “Hey, little guy. How’s your day going? Were you good for Mommy?”

The baby coos up at Xander, his tiny face breaking into a gummy smile.

“He loves his daddy. That’s the biggest smile he’s had all day.” I hold my finger out to the baby and he curls his tiny hand around it, gripping me tight.

“He’s been fussy?” Xander raises a brow, reaching over and rubbing the spot in my back he knows always gets sore from hauling the heavy baby carrier.

“No, not at all. He’s been an angel. But I know he loves his daddy.” I beam at Xander, my chest light.

“That’s my little guy.”

The kids filter off the ice, one by one, and crowd around us. I lift the baby out of the stroller and hold him to my chest, out of the reach of germy hands.

“Back off, guys. He’s little and you’ll scare him.” Xander waves a hand, motioning for the kids to give us space. Jett strides over and takes charge.

“This is my baby brother, Alex. Isn’t he cute?” Jett tickles his brother’s foot through the thick onesie. “He’s probably going to be a defenseman when he’s bigger. That way he can guard for me.”

“Oh, I like that plan,” Xander says, ruffling Jett’s hair. “You two can practice some super-secret signals, fake out the other team.”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking.” Jett grins up at Xander and now tears prick at the corner of my eyes. Stupid postpartum hormones.

“Hey, Rachel. Hey, baby Alex.” Jackson slides up, giving me a hug. “You look great.”

“Thanks. I haven’t really gotten back into the swing of things yet.” I assess my leggings and oversized sweater with a slight spit-up stain from this morning on the hem.

“You’re radiant, what are you talking about?” Xander tucks a stray lock of hair behind my ear and a hot blush floods my cheeks. “The most gorgeous woman on the planet.”

Somehow, Xander makes me believe his words, even with the stain, a messy ponytail, and the extra twenty pregnancy pounds still clinging stubbornly to my frame.

“Stop…” I chide, although I’m soaking up every compliment that comes my way, like a thirsty flower after a long drought.

“Rachel! You brought the baby!” Harper rushes over and embraces me in a warm hug, careful to avoid crushing Alex. “Oh my gosh, he gets cuter every day. He looks just like Xander.”

Harper’s not wrong. The baby does have Xander’s crystal blue eyes and the same full lips.

“Nah, he’s gonna be way more handsome than me.” Xander scrubs a hand over the back of his neck, color creeping into his cheeks.

“Ha, probably!” Jackson teases, smacking Xander on the back, and Xander laughs.

“Okay, I should probably get the baby out of here. It’s awfully cold on his skin.” I smooth the pad of my finger over his delicate pink cheek.

“Come by the house this weekend. Jackson will make his famous burgers and we can let the boys run around,” Harper says. “Drink a little wine and talk mom things.”

“Sounds wonderful,” I say, tucking baby Alex back into his stroller. “Jett, you coming home with me or are you going to ride with Xander?”

“I’m riding with Coach!” Jett says, bouncing his body off Xander’s muscular thigh. Xander reaches down and throws an arm around Jett’s shoulders protectively.

“I’ve got you, little man. We’ll be right behind you, Rach.” He leans over and presses his mouth to mine in a soft, sweet kiss.

“Sounds good,” I murmur, breathing in his familiar scent.

Heart racing, I’ve never been happier and more content in my life. I have everything I could ever want—a gorgeous pro hockey star husband, two adorable sons, a great house in a welcoming community with supportive friends.

Life with Xander is fun and exciting, but also cozy and comforting. He’s the perfect man for me and I love the life we’re building together as a family.

Team Kovac forever.

Want more Starlight Bay? Check out NEW YEAR’S RENOVATIONS, Jackson & Harper’s romance!