Page 25 of One Pucking Heart

“Thank you.” I raise my voice to be heard above the others. “We’re truly so happy that you’re all here. The Cranes are our family and the ones we want to celebrate all of life’s great moments with, like Cade and Iris’s engagement.”

More cheering.

Cade and Iris raise their champagne glasses and clink them together.

I wait a second for the group to settle before I continue. “And, on that note, there is something else that I’d like to celebrate today. You’ve all met our wonderful new doctor, and as you know, Elena’s been working diligently to help me get back into prime shape so we can take the Cup next year.”

More shouting. Chanting. Cheering.

“And,” I yell over the madness. Threading my fingers through hers, I lift our joined hands in the air. “She and I are engaged and getting married this month.”

Utter. Fucking. Silence.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

BECKETT

Well, shit.

I knew the announcement would be awkward, but this is on a whole new level. Pairs of eyes blink up at us, and it’s completely silent. Our joined hands raised in the air feel idiotic, and we drop them to our sides. I turn to Elena and give her a reassuring smile.

I didn’t expect the celebration my sister and best friend received. We’ve all been rooting for those two for years. I knew the news about Elena and me would be shocking for many reasons. But I wasn’t expecting this.

“Um…well…so…” I attempt to address the group, but I’m at a loss for words, which is very uncharacteristic of me. I didn’t realize until this very moment how awful it would feel to deceive everyone I love. My mind was so focused on helping Elena that I didn’t think about the rest of it.

Elena speaks up, “We know it’s fast and may come as a shock. I can assure you our relationship will not affect either of our jobs. Being offseason, I haven’t gotten to know most of you, but Beckett talks of you nonstop, telling me what an incredible group of people you are. You’re all his family, and I hope you can support us in this new chapter of our lives.”

She faces me and presses her lips to mine. The contact completely dissolves the cloak of apprehension that covered me, and I feel like myself again. This is the first kiss she’s initiated, and once again, my chest fills with pride. I know it wasn’t easy for her to address everyone just now and even more difficult to initiate this kiss. She’s so strong and, for a little while at least, all mine.

The kiss is short, and when we separate, I whisper, “Thank you,” against her lips.

The guys are cheering now. It’s a hesitant, somewhat confused round of celebration, but I’ll take it.

We step down from the fireplace.

“Congrats, Feltmore.” Jaden pats my back.

“Congrats,” Bash says with a half laugh.

I pass Drevin, and he simply raises an assessing brow. I give him a shrug and a smile.

Iris hurries toward me and grabs my hand. She leads us into another room where Cade and my parents wait.

“What’s going on?” she asks.

“We’re getting married,” I say.

My father frowns. “Is this a joke, son?”

“Are we missing something?” Cade questions. “You haven’t said a word about Elena other than the fact that she’s a great doctor.” He gives Elena a hesitant smile.

Iris continues. “You tell us everything. Like everything. I mean, seriously…”

“We know what time you took your last shit, man. Because you texted us from the bathroom this morning, but you haven’t said a word about this,” Cade says.

“It’s not like you, honey,” my mom adds, her expression bordering on distraught.

Iris shakes her head. “It’s not. Nothing against Elena.” She looks toward my fiancée. “I’m sure you’re amazing,” she says before returning her attention to me. “But had you been interested in her, we would’ve heard about it, on repeat, every day. You aren’t quiet about what you love. Something is going on here, and I don’t know what, but this makes zero sense.”

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