Page 134 of Uniquely in Love

“What are you thinking about?” Owen murmured in my ear, brushed a piece of hair back. I’d curled it and left it down with my champagne covered glitzy dress and a pair of heels.

“How glad I am that we could be home this week,” I answered, saving my dirty thoughts for later. I was so glad theNHL gave their players a few days off for the holidays, because it meant we’d be able to come back. “I’ve missed everyone.”

“Me too.” He nuzzled his face against mine.

Penelope was sitting on the couch across from us, deep in conversation with her cousin, Avery, who looked like a model. To be fair, she actuallywasone. She’d grown up going between Hollywood and Portland, since her mom—Owen’s Aunt—was a famous actress. Her younger sister, Amelia, was sitting in the corner with my youngest cousin Lucy, since the two of them were the closest in age.

It was too loud to eavesdrop, but I was warm, tipsy, and content in my boyfriend’s arms, so I didn’t even mind that I had no idea what everyone else was talking about.

All of our parent’s friends were here too. Owen’s dad’s best friend from college had brought their kids—Theo and Jenna—who were older than the rest of us by a few years. Theo had turned twenty-eight this spring, and Jenna was the same age as Abigail. My sister and her were chatting off to the side, probably about Ab’s clothing brand.

Zach, Wes and Beau were all in a little huddle. If Beau wasn’t my brother, I swear, I would think those three were triplets. Aunt Abigail always liked to joke that the Bradford genes were strong, and damn if it wasn’t true. My Aunt Abigail and Uncle Benjamin’s boss, Nicolas, had brought his family too. His wife, Zofia, had been his assistant when they’d fallen in love, and they had Alexander around the same time mom had Abigail. The two had grown up together, and I knew at one point my sister had a giant crush on him, but nothing had ever come of it. His younger sister, Bianca, was best friends with Wes, and she was sitting with Quin, who was showing her photos of the new baby animals that had been born at the zoo over the last few months. Bianca was a singer, and though she hadn’t made it big yet, her voice was beautiful.

God, there were a lot of us. But this was my family. And Iloved them. I loved our little coffee shop dates. Our silly quips and the way we all teased each other. We were close, and in a world when so many people lost touch with their families or had a falling out with their siblings, I knew how important it was that we all loved each other.

Owen leaned over, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I love you.”

“I want this,” I blurted out. My voice was low enough with everyone talking around us that no one else paid attention to me, but my boyfriend’s lips curled up in a soft smile.

“Yeah?” He gave me a soft smile.

I nodded. “I love our families. I want this. All of us being together every year, catching up and celebrating.”

Kids. A family of our own. Lauren and Stefan had their baby a few weeks ago, and my ovaries had cried the moment they’d placed that tiny, sleeping baby in my arms. She was precious. Not that I was ready for that. Not yet. Some day, though.

He pressed his lips to my head. “Me too. One day, after I’ve retired, I’d love to move back home.”

I rested my head against his chest, humming my agreement.

“Merry Christmas, baby,” he whispered in my ear.

“Merry Christmas, Owen.” I snuggled against him, letting my eyes drift shut, feeling more love than I ever thought possible. “Love you.”

Our timein Portland passed quickly, and on our last full day, I couldn’t help but feel a little blue. Life would go back to normal soon. I wouldn’t be surrounded by my parents or my cousins, and though I loved the life I’d found in Seattle and the friends I’d made, it was still bittersweet. But Owen onlyhad four days off of hockey, with a game on the twenty-eighth, so we couldn’t stay longer.

I didn’t want to drive home by myself just to stay a few extra days. Besides, he was my person. I loved being with him.

Abigail and I had gone on a shopping trip yesterday, and I’d bought the most adorable new sweater. This morning, when I’d been getting dressed, I hadn’t been able to resist wearing it.

Zamboni jumped on my bed, and I rubbed her snout. “God, you’ve gotten so big, Zambi girl, huh?”

When I looked up, there was Owen, leaning against the doorframe. He was wearing a pair of jeans and his favorite hoodie—a Seals one, no surprise there—and yet, he’d never looked more handsome.

“Hi, Hockey Boy.”

“Hey, Skater Girl.” He pushed off the door, coming to stand in front of me. He wrapped his hands around my waist. “Did you bring your skates?”

I nodded. “Of course. They’re in my bag in the car.” I’d thrown them in the car at the last minute, just in case. Since I’d been going to the rink more by myself these days, I hadn’t even second guessed the decision. It felt… right. I narrowed my eyes. “Why?”

He flashed me a grin. “It’s a surprise. Come on.”

I looked down at my outfit. My new sweater was yellow and adorned in daisies, and I’d paired it with a white skirt, tights, a pair of matching yellow leg warmers and a pair of boots. “Am I dressed okay?”

Owen laughed. “Yes, Ellie.” He leaned down, pressing his lips against my forehead. “You look beautiful, baby.”

“Thank you,” I said, kissing his cheek. “But that’s not what I asked.”

His expression gave nothing away. “It’s perfect, Daisy girl.” He tightened his grip on my waist, holding me close. I shut my eyes, relishing this feeling.

---