Page 16 of The Hockey Contract

"Jax, sweetheart, I've just seen the strangest thing on Emily’s social media post. Aren't you friends with her husband?"

Emily was a social media influencer married to one of the Kraken's corporate sponsors. "We're acquainted, yes. Why?"

"Well, she posted a video from Carlisle's Jewelry, and I could swear I saw you in the background, looking at wedding rings. With a very stylish young woman."

I froze, spotting Emily across the store, her phone still raised as she examined a necklace display. Perfect. Just what I needed. More social media attention.

In a split-second decision, I said, "Yes, that was probably me."

"Are you shopping for wedding rings?" My mother's voice rose with excitement. "Jackson Harrison, is there something you need to tell your father and me?"

I closed my eyes, immediately regretting my impulse. But now that I'd started, I couldn't walk it back. "Yes, Mom. I'm getting married."

The shriek that followed was loud enough that Olivia heard it from across the store, shooting me an alarmed look.

"Married? When? To whom? How long have you been seeing someone? Why haven't you told us about her? Is she nice? What does she do? When can we meet her?"

The questions came rapid-fire, my mother's voice vibrating with emotion.

"It's recent," I hedged. "Very recent. And yes, she's wonderful. Her name is Sienna, and she owns a bakery. It's all happened quickly, but when you know, you know."

I couldn't believe the words coming out of my mouth, clichés I'd always mocked in others, now my own cover story.

"A baker? How lovely! Your father and I want to meet her immediately. We can fly out next weekend."

"No," I said too quickly. "I mean, not yet. We're still settling into things. Planning a small ceremony soon. I'll let you know when it's a good time to visit."

After several more minutes of deflecting questions and promising details soon, I finally escaped the call. Olivia approached with our purchases, one eyebrow raised.

"Problem?"

"My mother saw us on someone's social media post. I may have... told her I'm getting married."

Olivia's eyes widened. "You weren't supposed to tell family yet! We haven't finalized the timeline or story!"

"I know," I grimaced. "It just came out. Now she wants to meet Sienna."

"Well, you'd better hope Ms. Williams agrees to this arrangement," Olivia said dryly. "Or you'll have a very awkward conversation with your mother."

Back home, the weight of what I was doing finally hit me. This wasn't just a simple business arrangement anymore. I'd dragged my family into the lie, complicated things in ways I hadn't anticipated. Finn's warning echoed in my mind, that even a fake marriage has real consequences.

That evening, I texted Sienna about the marriage license appointment the following day, keeping my message businesslike:

Appointment at county clerk's office tomorrow at 10 AM for marriage license. Leo will pick you up at 9:30. Let me know if that doesn't work.

Her reply came minutes later, equally formal:

That works. I'll be ready. Also, does your kitchen have a stand mixer? And if so, what brand?

The unexpected question about kitchen equipment made me smile for the first time that day. I replied:

I have no idea. I'll check when I get home and let you know. Planning to bake already?

Her response came quickly:

A baker without a mixer is like a hockey player without skates. Just preparing for married life, handsome!

The teasing tone caught me off guard, as did the unexpected warmth that spread through me at her playful message. I found myself typing:

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