Page 137 of Coach's Temptation

Epilogue I

Hunter

Iadjust my bow tie one final time, stealing a glance at Natalie beside me.

She's wearing that emerald dress from Boston, the one that first made my heart stop. That one that she wore when I proposed to her. The one that I can't fucking wait to lift over her hips the second we get home and bend her over the fucking kitchen counter again.

Her hand finds mine, steadying my nervous fidgeting.

"Ready, Coach?" She smooths my lapel and smiles at me, completely unaware that this entire event is supposed to be about celebrating the Icehawks' Stanley Cup win, but she’s the only damn thing worth celebrating tonight.

Through the double doors, I catch glimpses of the transformed Icehawk Arena which is now a breathtaking ballroom.

Crystal chandeliers hang where the new championship banners usually flutter. The Stanley Cup gleams on its pedestal, surrounded by flowers and candlelight.

My team cleaned up well. Even Connor's big head managed to squeeze into a tux and look half decent.

But nothing in that room compares to the woman beside me.

Big Mike's voice booms through the arena speakers, announcing each couple as they step onto the transformed ice slash Gala dinner celebration.

Blake leads Sophia with his usual captain's confidence, her white dress flowing like fresh powder snow. Connor actually manages not to trip as Lucy takes his arm. Those two are looking closer and closer despite whatever is going on outside of the arena with her brother.

And there's Ryder, looking like he won another championship as Mia nestles against his side. The kid's been head over heels since she patched up that stray dog he found, not that he's about to admit it.

The speakers crackle as Natalie loops her arm through mine.

Big Mike's gaze finds us at the entrance, and his signature smirk spreads across his face. My grip tightens on Natalie.

"And the man who made all of this possible, and of course, his gorgeous new fiancée…" A massive cheer and applause makes Natalie blush. "Please welcome… Coach Hunter Brody, and Natalie Hayes!"

I can't take my eyes off Natalie as we step into the spotlight. The room erupts in applause, but I barely hear it. I'm too focused on the way eyes eyes sparkle, on how perfectly she fits against my side.

My girl. My everything. And soon to be… my wife.

I guide her through the crowd, nodding at sponsors, media and fans, but my attention never strays from her. Every head turns as we pass… the gruff coach and the woman who brought him to his knees. I should feel self-conscious about the obvious mismatch, about how far she's out of my league.

Instead, I feel nothing but pride.

Because somehow, impossibly, she chose me. And in a room full of millionaires and hockey legends, I'm the richest man here.

I pull her closer, possessive and protective all at once.

Natalie notices and grins up at me. "Careful, Coach. People might think you're marking your territory."

I press a kiss to her temple. "You're wearing my ring. I think that's enough."

Eventually, we settle into our seats. I should be paying attention to the sponsors throwing money at our championship team. Should be schmoozing with potential new ones and accepting congratulations.

Instead, all I can focus on is Natalie's hand on my thigh.

"The team is being particularly chaotic tonight," Natalie whispers, leaning close enough that her vanilla perfume make my breath catch.

Through the champagne haze, I spot Lucy frantically waving her paddle at the silent auction. Connor tries to stop her as she bids ten grand on a spa weekend that'll take her a year to pay off.

"Should we intervene?" Natalie asks.

I shake my head, too distracted by the curve of her neck. "Let Walsh handle his girl."

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