Chapter Twenty-Six

Thanksgiving

Reeve

The rich aroma of roasted turkey and savory stuffing wafts through Oakley's as I push open the front door of the bar.

The place is buzzing with conversation and laughter from familiar faces. Strings of twinkling lights are draped across the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the room and giving it a cozy, festive atmosphere.

I scan the crowd, my eyes searching for one person in particular. When I spot Keely setting up a long table that looks like it could seat at least forty people, my heart skips a beat. She's wearing a burgundy sweater that brings out the warmth in her eyes, and her long hair cascades down her back in loose waves as tendrils frame her face.

As I make my way over, I notice Seven and Brynn arranging place settings while Brent and Tessa are carefully placing centerpieces along the table. Lake is helping Oakley carry in more chairs from the back.

"Hey," I say, approaching Keely. "Need a hand?"

She looks up, a smile spreading across her face. "I didn't know you were coming. Yeah, sure, could you help me with these napkins?"

As we work, each of us takes a stack and lays a napkin, perfectly pre-folded onto each plate around the place setting; I look around and notice that someone I was expecting to see is missing.

"Where's Jaxson? I thought he might be here."

Keely's hands pause for a moment before resuming their task. "Oh, I don't know. He's probably on call tonight. That would be my guess."

I try to keep my voice neutral, but her lack of knowledge about where the man she's dating is on a major holiday seems odd. "You don't know where your boyfriend is?"

She doesn't look up across the table as she continues her task, dropping the last couple of napkins down. "He's not my boyfriend. We're not dating."

They're not dating? Didn't they go on their first date?

Before I can ask her to clarify, Tessa and Brynn approach us, both grinning.

"Keely, where do you want us to put the glasses and silverware?" Tessa asks.

"Oh, um, maybe over by the bar for now? We can bring them over once the table's set," Keely suggests.

As the girls head off to follow her instructions, I try to catch Keely's eye again, but we're interrupted by Oakley's booming voice.

"Alright, everyone! Turkey's ready. Let's get this feast started."

The next few minutes are a flurry of activity as dishes are brought out and everyone finds their seats. I end up sitting across from Keely, with Seven on one side of me and Brent on the other. The table is laden with golden-brown turkey, mountains of mashed potatoes, boats of gravy, and every side dish imaginable.

Once everyone is seated, Oakley stands, clinking his glass with a fork to get our attention. The room falls silent as all eyes turn to him.

"Before we dig in," he begins, his voice warm and full of emotion, "I'd like to propose a toast. This year, I'm grateful for many things, but most of all, I'm grateful for family —both old and new."

His eyes find Keely, and I see her smile softly.

"I'm thankful for Keely moving closer, and for the Hawkeyes family who have given her a reason to stay," Oakley continues. Then, to my surprise, he turns to me. "And to Reeve, for also keeping my girl safe."

I feel a flush creep up my neck as Keely and I make brief eye contact before she quickly looks away.

As Oakley sits down, I feel compelled to stand. All eyes turn to me, and I clear my throat. I'm not one who suffers from stage fright, if I did, I wouldn't have picked to play professional hockey, but there's a lot riding on me getting this right.

"I, uh, I'd also like to say something if that's alright," I begin. "I'm thankful to be cleared to be back on the ice. I'm grateful for a great team who has had my back through some tough moment," I say, looking to my right and then to my left at my Seven and Brent, "and I'm thankful this year for another chance to take our team to the playoffs." Seven, Brent and Lake all sound off in agreement. "but mostly..." I pause, my eyes finding Keely's across the table. "I'm grateful for Keely. Not only for giving everything she had to get me back on the ice… but for being the unwavering support I never knew I needed. You've become an essential part of my life, my best friend. Your strength and compassion have inspired me, and I can't imagine facing the challenges ahead without you by my side. I love you."

Keely's eyes widen and she abruptly pushes back from the table, her chair scraping against the floor as she stands.

"Excuse me," she mumbles, rushing towards the back of the bar.

Without thinking, I follow her, ignoring the curious glances from our friends. I find her in the hallway leading to the restrooms, her back to me as she leans against the wall.

"Keely?" I say softly, approaching her. "Are you okay?"

She turns to face me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Reeve, I... I can't do this."

"Do what?" I ask, taking a step closer.

"This," she gestures between us. "Pretending like there's nothing between us when clearly there is."

My heart races at her words. "Then stop pretending and be with me," I say, reaching for her hand.

She shakes her head, but she doesn't let go. "We can't."

"Why? Because you think no one will want to touch me just because of who your dad is?"

Keely's eyes widen in shock, but I press on before she can speak.

"Wait… how do you know about that?"

"I can't reveal my sources, but I wish you would have told me sooner. Is this the real reason that you've been pushing me away?"

She looks away not wanting to admit to it, but her lack of words confirm what Rowan suspected.

"Listen to me, Keely. What your father did was fifteen years ago. It's old news. The sports world has moved on, and so should you."

She shakes her head, tears threatening to spill. "You don't understand. It could still affect your career, your sponsorships-"

I cup her face in my hands, forcing her to look at me. "I don't care about any of that. If it becomes an issue, which I highly doubt it will, I'll deal with it—we'll deal with it, together. I can always find somewhere to skate, Keely. But I can't find another you."

"Reeve..." she whispers, her resolve wavering.

"I love you, Keely. All of you. Your past, your present, your future. I want it all, and if you would have been honest with me in the beginning, I would have told you that. I'm willing to face whatever comes our way, but no more keeping things from me. We're a team now."

I can see the conflict in her eyes, the battle between her fears and her feelings.

"But what if-" she starts, but I cut her off.

"No more 'what ifs'. I'm here, right now, telling you that I choose you. Your father's mistakes don't define you, and they certainly don't change how I feel about you."

Keely's eyes search mine, looking for any hint of doubt. Finding none, she lets out a shaky breath.

"I love you too, Reeve," she admits, her voice thick with emotion. "I've been trying so hard not to, but I can't fight it anymore."

Without another word, I pull her close and press my lips to hers. The kiss is desperate and filled with all the pent-up emotions we've been holding back. Keely's arms wrap around my neck as she melts into me, and I hold her tight, pouring everything I feel for her into this moment.

When we finally break apart, I gaze into her eyes, and I gently stroke her cheek.

"No more running?" I ask softly.

"No more running," she agrees.

As we stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, I feel truly thankful for everything that's led us to this moment.