Chapter 36

Eliza

“I’m obsessed with that photo.”

I look over my shoulder at where Clara sits at the counter with Louisa. She points to the little photo display I made for the coffee shop. It contains a photo of Coleson and his dad, whom Coleson takes after. The only difference is the wrinkles around his dad’s eyes and mouth. They’re basically twins, though even I can see the strained look on Coleson’s dad’s face. He doesn’t look happy to be with his son on his signing day, and that bothers me. I included Coleson’s current player photo too, putting it in front of the other since, while I wanted to honor his dad, I more wanted to honor Coleson. Then there are photos of us, mostly ones Elliot has taken. But one of my favorites is from the Halloween party.

The theme was fairy tales, and since it’s a running joke that Coleson is my giant, we went as Jack and the Beanstalk. He was my beanstalk, and I was Jack. It was fun climbing him all night—and even better when we got home and I did it naked. In the photo, I have my limbs around him like a koala as we both laugh. His eyes shine so brightly, his dimples deep, and I look like the happiest girl in the world. Which I am.

All because of Coleson.

God, I miss him.

He’s been on this road trip for six days now, and boy does it suck. This is the sixth road trip since the season started, and I still miss him desperately every time. Probably because the distance makes me feel incomplete, which is silly, but it’s my truth. I love Coleson Katz more than I ever thought I could love someone. Each day is a new chance to love him and show him how much he means to me. Sometimes I feel like he’s fallen for me. However, he hasn’t said a word or even given me a clue about it. I feel it, though, deep inside.

I grin over at my sisters. “We came in third, but if you ask Coleson, we won.”

They both snicker as I wipe down the espresso machine. Elliot is on the road trip, doing her social media gig. And even though she and Austen aren’t here, the other three of us have gathered to plan Christmas. Austen and Louisa went home with their men for Thanksgiving, so we all agreed that we’d spend Christmas Eve together. We had Thanksgiving at the coffeehouse with Coleson cooking for everyone, and it was nice, but since it’ll be all of us girls, and now three guys, we wanted to gather at Peepaw’s place. It’s way bigger and will hold all of us with ease.

“I can’t wait to get to know him more at Christmas. Elliot seems to like him a lot,” Louisa says, and as always, that sting of guilt hits me square in the chest. I still haven’t disclosed how Coleson’s and my marriage came about or why. I don’t know if I ever will. While it started that way, things are no longer how they were at the beginning. Thankfully, neither Elliot nor Peepaw has said anything either. Everyone just assumes we’re truly in love and rushed the marriage.

“I think he’s wonderful,” I say with a wide grin.

“And you’d tell us if he’s stepped out, right?” Louisa asks pointedly, and I flash her a dark look.

“Yes. And once you get to know him and see us together, you’ll see how that question is unnecessary.”

“Elliot told me that he looks at you like you are the only girl in this world,” she sings the end as if she’s Rihanna herself, and we all giggle at her. She’s so tone-deaf it’s scary, but that doesn’t keep her from singing at every turn. She’s been that way since we were kids. “Which is what we all want.”

“I love how he looks at me,” I say with a wink. “Especially when we’re naked.”

“Oh my God! I bet you do!” Clara gags playfully as Louisa watches me closely.

I give her a look, and she reaches out, capturing my hand in hers. “You’re happy?”

“Yes,” I tell her with all the confidence in the world. “We’re very happy.”

She gives me a small smile, but I don’t think she believes me. “Okay. I’ll see at Christmas.”

I roll my eyes. “Fine. I’ll be watching you and Ciaran.”

She gives me a sly grin. “Just don’t enter rooms when the door is shut.”

Clara giggles like a schoolgirl, and I flash Louisa an exasperated look. “I learned my lesson when I came home and he had you bent over the kitchen table.”

Clara is full-out snorting as Louisa grins proudly. “Hey now. You know how it is when you just gotta lie on the nearest surface and get railed by the guy you love.”

I mean, she’s not wrong, but I don’t give her the satisfaction of agreeing with her. I glance at the clock, and my heart jumps. “Okay. Are we good? Coleson’s game is about to start.”

Louisa nods as Clara sucks down the rest of her smoothie. “Yup. I’ll text everyone what they’re bringing and who their Secret Santa is.”

“Make sure you don’t cheat. Use the damn app,” I tell her as she leans across the counter to kiss my cheek. I kiss my little sister back, squeezing her before doing the same to my big sister.

“She’s gonna cheat,” Louisa says, and I nod.

“Oh, I know,” I say, waving at them. “Love you.”

They repeat the sentiment, and as I watch them leave, I wait for the nervousness of Coleson hanging out with my whole family at Christmas to wash over me.

It doesn’t come.

Because I am confident in knowing that no one will question a damn thing.

We’re a sure thing.

* * *

Once I see the puck slam into Coleson’s ribs, I’m pacing our apartment.

If he were here, he’d tell me I am going to put a hole in the rug from my pacing, but I’m worried. I’ve seen a puck bounce off Coleson with no damage. I know how he reacts, and what I saw was pure agony cross his features. Especially when the trainer tried to look at him. He was hurting, and I wasn’t prepared for the uneasiness that is consuming my being. He somehow continues to play, but he’s slower and doesn’t check another player unless he has to. His brows are furrowed, deep, and each time he sits down on the bench, he is breathing harder than ever, grimacing with each breath.

Damn it.

I pray he’s okay. He’s worked entirely too hard for this. He’s so close. I can feel it. While I may not be certain of our future as a whole, I know he is going to make it. I just know it. I’m still pacing once the game is over. The Bears lost in overtime, but I couldn’t care less. My thoughts are only on Coleson as I hold my phone in my hand, waiting for his call. It’s the longest two hours of my life, but like clockwork, my phone rings at the two-hour mark. I fumble with my phone, answering the FaceTime call with, “Oh my goodness, are you okay?”

His brow is still furrowed, but his eyes are heated and only for me. “I’m fine, Wife. Don’t worry.”

I huff. “You know I am. Show me.”

He sighs deeply and then moves the camera out so I can see the gnarly red welt that is already turning purple. My breath catches. “Is anything broken?”

He shrugs as he runs his fingers along the tender flesh. “I don’t think so. It hurts like a motherfucker, though.”

“It looks like it.”

He brings the camera up so I can see his beautiful face. He’s let his beard grow, and I wish I were there to nuzzle my face along the coarse hair. “I’m fine, no worries.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, Wife. I’m sure. How are you? How was your day?”

I eye him for only a second. “Are you trying to distract me?”

His dimples shine. “If I were trying to distract you, I’d demand that you get on that bed and spread those legs for me.” I giggle as I roll my eyes, knowing good and well I’d do what he demands in a second. He has kept his word and has made me come at least once a night. No matter where he is, no matter what’s going on, we have that moment together. “But that can wait. I want to hear about your day.”

Before I launch into my day and my time with my sisters, I notice he looks confused. “What’s wrong?”

“Coach is calling me. Let me see what he wants. Don’t hang up.”

I agree without hesitation and sit on the bed, my heart slowing down in my chest. Thankfully. I haven’t been that worried since Louisa was in her accident. Which reminds me, I forgot to praise her for not using her cane today. She walked in like a champ, and I’m so proud of her. She has been working hard in physical therapy to get her strength back in her ankle and knee. Before I can send her a text, or write out the text to send tomorrow, Coleson is back on the screen.

“Eliza. James. Katz.”

The use of my full name from his lips has my heart stopping. “What?”

“I’ve been called up.”

I scream so loudly that I’m sure someone will call the cops, but I don’t care. Let them call. My husband has been called up to the NHL! When he starts to jump, I do the same. I wait for the fear of what this means to wash over me. I wait for the impending doom, but it’s not there. All I feel is pure love for the man who is celebrating his accomplishment.

My husband.

My forever.

“Coleson, I’m so proud of you,” I gush, tears welling up and spilling over my cheeks. “I knew you’d make it!”

“Why are you crying?” he asks, his eyes widening when he sees the tears. “Don’t cry. I’ll cry.”

I laugh, waving him off. “These are happy tears. I’m just so proud.”

His eyes burn into mine, warmth and love in his blue gaze. I’m so totally in love with him and can’t believe he is finally getting everything he worked for. His voice is husky as he says, “I couldn’t have done it without you, Wife.”

My heart squeezes at his words. “Yes, you could have.”

He shakes his head. “No. You’ve made me a better person.”

Between my heart and my stomach, I don’t know which does the bigger somersault. Surely he loves me. He has to. “It’s easy,” I admit, wiping away my tears. “I just love you so much.”

As if he is surprised by my words, his eyes widen and his jaw goes slack. “Still?”

I won’t let his stupidity ruin this moment. Not that it matters. I love him enough for both of us, and it’s not a race. I fell first, and that’s okay. That’s our story, and I wouldn’t change a damn thing. I don’t need the words when his actions speak for themselves. We’re truly made for each other, and with each kiss, each call, and each moment we’re together, I know it to be true.

“Forever,” I promise.

He looks stricken by my promise, and it drives me crazy. How can he not see that he loves me? I’m not na?ve. I’m not an idiot. I know for a fact he does, and I don’t get why he won’t just say it. Or at least own up to it. Maybe not say the words, but acknowledge them. I don’t know. But it doesn’t matter. His actions are enough for me. Still, his voice is so husky and full of emotion as he pleads, “Eliza?—”

“Unless you’re going to say you love me too, Coleson Katz, then I don’t want to hear it. Instead, tell me what happens next.”

He eyes me, and I hate that I’m holding my breath. Waiting to see if he’ll say it, when I know he won’t. When he starts to explain that he has to catch a flight in two hours, I listen intently, smiling, and it’s genuine. I’m so excited for him. So proud.

Above all else, I love him.