Epilogue 1

Rhonda

The Thompsons' house bustled with energy by the time Rhonda parked on the street and walked up the driveway. She stomped the snow from her boots, then slipped them off in the entry and hung her coat.

The aroma of roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, and spiced mulled wine filled the air. She followed the smell into the living room, where a towering Christmas tree adorned with delicate glass ornaments, twinkling fairy lights, and strands of popcorn stood proudly in the corner. Evergreen garlands draped over the mantel, and stockings hung in a neat row. The room was bathed in the soft glow of a crackling fire, and classic holiday music played softly in the background.

Rhonda’s chest threatened to cave in. This. All of this.

She drew a deep breath and scanned the room. She spotted Jenna and Kelty near the dining table laden with charcuterie and waved.

Kelty motioned for her to join them.”

Rhonda grabbed a glass of mulled wine from the sideboard and perched on the arm of the couch near Jenna and Kelty. She took a sip as Jenna gesticulated.

“. . . it was normal stuff, right? Breaking down plays, chirping the refs, usual banter. But this guy—this guy —he starts commenting, like, every five minutes. Same username. ‘PuckChaser69.’”

Rhonda raised an eyebrow. “Well, there’s your first red flag.”

Jenna held up a hand as if to say, wait for it . “He’s not just commenting. He’s analyzing me . Like, ‘Jenna touches her collarbone at 3:15’ And, ‘her hand drops below the table, 4:03’”

Rhonda’s jaw dropped. “Wow.”

Kelty clapped a hand over her mouth. “I’m so sorry.”

Jenna lowered her voice. “And then he DM’d me. Asked if I had any pictures of what my feet looked like under the desk.”

Rhonda choked on her drink. “Okay, hear me out. New subscription-only option?—”

Kelty laughed, and Jenna looked like she was going to be sick. “I blocked him. And then Country responded to his last comment with, ‘Appreciate the dedication, bud, but maybe dial it back to, like, a 2.’”

Kelty doubled over. “Country, what the hell.”

Rhonda laughed, trying not to slosh her wine. A sudden ache hit her chest. She wanted Jordan there. She wanted him to know these people, for them to know him. She made a resolution right there to force the Snowballs further out of their comfort zone. They didn’t have to accept Pucks Deep, but they needed to get used to Jordan being around.

Jenna glanced across the room, her eyes locking onto Country who cradled a tiny baby girl against his chest.

Rhonda sucked in a breath. “Is that her?”

Jenna nodded, her hand fluttering at her throat. “Hope. She’s so perfect.”

Rhonda was so happy for them, she thought she might burst. She wanted to rush over and ogle her, but Country was surrounded by his teammates like Rafiki from Lion King, his face lit up like a Christmas tree. Later.

Rhonda wrapped Jenna in a one handed hug just as her phone buzzed against her hip. She pulled back and checked the screen. Mom. Jenna gave her a look.

“Just a sec.” She handed Jenna her wine and slipped out of the living room, leaving the hum of voices and clinking glasses behind her. She stepped into the kitchen and then stepped out in her stocking feet onto the porch.

She swiped to answer the call, bracing herself. “Hey, Mom.”

“Hi!” Her mom’s voice was surprisingly warm. “How’s the party?”

Rhonda leaned against the porch railing and regretted it instantly. Freezing. “Great, I just got here.”

“Sorry to interrupt?—”

“No, it’s fine. What’s up?”

“Nothing.”

Rhonda pursed her lips. “You can say it, Mom.”

“Your father called.”

Of course, he did. It was Christmas, a time when they were supposed to be enjoying themselves. “That tracks.”

“Yeah.” Her mom blew out a breath.

“You know what he’s doing.”

“I know.”

It didn’t make it easier. Rhonda knew that from experience. “I’m sorry, Mom. Don’t say it’s okay because it’s not. I’m glad you told me.”

Her mom was silent a moment. “I’m glad you’re coming out.”

“Me, too. I’ll get there on the 30th.” She started to shiver. “And mom, I’m seeing someone.”

Her mom’s voice brightened. “Oh?”

“Don’t get all excited?—”

“I’m excited. What’s his name?”

Rhonda laughed. “Jordan.”

“Are you bringing him?”

Rhonda blinked. She’d thought about it, but didn’t think her mom would be up for it. “I could, I didn’t?—”

“Bring him. If you can. I’d love to meet him.”

Rhonda walked back to the sliding doors, a smile on her face even though her feet were stinging. “Okay, then. I’ll look into it.”

She walked back inside and got her opportunity to set eyes on Country and Jenna’s new bundle of joy. Country held her like a football while André helped him dish up more cheese and crackers.

“I’m just saying, you could introduce me,” André said.

Country shook his head. “She’s classy, bud.”

“I’m classy!” André motioned to his button up shirt.

Rhonda laughed. “Who is this we’re talking about?” She walked closer and peeked under the soft blanket covering Hope’s face.

She was momentarily stunned by the perfect symmetry, her rosy cheeks.

“I know. I can’t stop staring at her.” Country gazed down at his new baby girl with stars in his eyes.

There was that pressure behind her eyes again. Jenna straightened and cleared her throat. “Okay, spill.”

André ran a hand through his hair. “Grace.”

“Who’s Grace?”

Country rolled his eyes. “The lawyer that helped us with the adoption.”

Rhonda frowned. “Tyler’s friend?”

“Tyler’s ex- mom .” André bit his lower lip. “I’ve always wanted to seduce someone’s mom.”

Rhonda laughed out loud. “Wait, how old is she?”

Country shook his head. “Younger than me.”

Her eyes widened, and André waggled an eyebrow. “Tell him. I speak French. That means I’m automatically more charming and romantic than any of you. This woman is new to the city, she could use a friend.”

Rhonda grinned at him and plucked a cracker and slice of cheese from the plate. “Good luck with that, slugger.”

She squeezed Country’s arm and said another heartfelt congratulations, then walked to the edge of the living room. She paused to tap a quick text to Jordan.

Home in thirty. Meet me there?

Then wound her way back through the group to her friends.