Page 87 of North

Together.

I walk back to the master bedroom, deposit her on the right side of the bed and cover her body with mine.

This is it. The beginning of our happily ever after.

CHAPTER 29

North

The smell offresh coffee and bacon fills the Abrams’ family kitchen, the sun streaming through the large bay window over the breakfast nook. I sit at the table between Farren and Rafferty, both of us nursing mugs of coffee while their parents fuss over the food.

It’s a cozy scene, the kind that feels so normal it’s almost surreal. I glance at Farren, her cheeks flushed with laughter as she nudges me under the table with her knee. She’s glowing this morning, her hand occasionally brushing mine. I don’t bother hiding my smile or the way I keep reaching for her, my fingers threading with hers on the tabletop.

Marie sets a second plate of waffles in the center of the table and pauses, her eyes flicking between our joined hands. “I’m so happy you could join us,” she says, her gaze coming to rest on me.

We played Calgary last night and Farren made the road trip. I was invited to stay the night with her and Rafferty so they could get in a quick visit. Although I’dmet Daniel and Marie Abrams before when they came to Pittsburgh for a game, this is the first time I’ve been around them as Farren’s significant other.

“That’s not what you really want to say, Mom,” Farren says, her eyes glittering with mischief. “Go ahead and say what’s really on your mind.”

Her mom waves her off and scoffs. “I’ve never seen you like this, Farren. Give your mom a break, okay?”

Farren blushes but doesn’t pull her hand away. “Like what?”

“Happy,” Daniel says, his gruff voice tinged with sincerity as he reaches for a waffle. He sits down across from us, his sharp blue eyes—the same as Rafferty’s and Farren’s—fixed on me. “Guess we have you to thank for that.”

“No pressure,” I say with a chuckle. They don’t know how much I’d give to keep her smiling like this forever.

I suspect they know more than they’re letting on. Farren told me last night she finally told her parents about what happened to her in high school. The conversation was long overdue, and I can only imagine the mix of anger and heartbreak they felt hearing it. But sitting here now, watching the way they look at her—with love, pride and maybe even a little relief—I know they’re rooting for her.

For us.

“And she’s going back to school in the fall,” Marie adds, her pride evident. “We couldn’t believe it when she told us.”

“University of Pittsburgh,” Rafferty says, teasing but warm. “You’re going to turn into a true Yinzer soon enough.”

While Farren hasn’t completed the application process, she’s decided on Pitt and I have no doubt she’ll get in.

Farren rolls her eyes, laughing as she throws a balled-up napkin at him. “Don’t get used to it. I’ll always be a Calgary girl.”

Daniel laughs, but there’s a glimmer of emotion in his eyes. “We’re just proud of you, Farren. It’s good to see you taking steps forward.”

I give her hand a gentle squeeze, my own measure of pride swelling. She looks at me, her smile full of gratitude. “It’s because of you,” she says, her voice low but carrying weight.

Before I can respond, Rafferty stands, brushing his hands on his jeans. “All right, we’re done here. North and I have to take care of something.”

Marie looks up, confused. “Take care of what?”

“Just something,” Rafferty says vaguely, glancing at me as I rise from my chair. “We’ll be back in an hour.”

Farren frowns. “What are you two up to?”

“Nothing you need to worry about,” I say with agrin, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “We’ll be back soon.”

She narrows her eyes at me, clearly suspicious, but I follow Rafferty out before she can question me further.

♦

Rafferty drives whilewe chat about last night’s game. Calgary may have been Rafferty’s hometown team but beating them in their own rink felt amazing.

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