Page 20 of Much Ado About Hockey

Karen’s eyes flicked down to the screen, already preparing herself for some half-hearted apology or a joke to deflect what he’d just said. But instead, her breath caught in her throat.

It was a listing.

A real estate link.

Frowning, she tapped it—and her world shifted again. This wasn’t one of the condos they’d toured online together. Not even close.

Her eyes widened as she took in the sheer size of it, the kind of square footage that whispered luxury and space and possibilities she hadn’t dared to imagine. Her fingers began to tremble as she scrolled through the photos, her heart thudding against her ribs.

The layout was stunning. The master bedroom sat apart like a sanctuary on one side of the unit, while across a sprawlingliving area stood two additional bedrooms. Between them, an office—no, a library. Walls lined with shelves, light spilling in from floor-to-ceiling windows. Her mouth fell open slightly.

And then she saw it.

The terrace.

Karen’s hand flew to her mouth as emotion surged. Not a small balcony. Not a slab of concrete with a view. But agarden. Floating above the world, nestled into the sky like a secret. Grassy and green and blooming with life—flowers and shrubs and even a few small trees lining the edges, like something from a dream. Her office opened onto it with glass doors, inviting the morning sun to pour in. It wasn’t just beautiful.

It was magical.

Her eyes skimmed the rest of the listing. Top floor. The only unit like it. The only terrace.

Tears stung unexpectedly at the corners of her eyes. He’d remembered. Somehow, he’d remembered everything, every offhand comment she’d made about wanting light and a green space, about needing somewhere tobreathe, not just live. She mentioned the view, kept coming back to it… and there it was.

Karen clutched the phone to her chest, stunned, overwhelmed. Was this what he’d meant? Had he chosen this place not in spite of her, butforher? Not just to impress her, but to make her feel seen? Maybe… just maybe… he hadn’t overlooked her at all. Maybe Jett, chaotic and maddening and unpredictable as he was, had been paying attention the entire time.

She asked for a view of the gardens, so he found a way to deliver her a private sanctuary she could enjoy whenever she chose. It was a priceless gift from a surprising man who had dropped into her life out of nowhere.

He hadn’t just listened.

He’dheardher.

And her phone chimed again, making her heart race.

Did you get the link?

I did – and that is not one we looked at together.

No, I know, but could you be happy with that view?

It’s beautiful – thank you.

Whew!

Look at you making your new husband sweat…

You’re a goofball.

Words to live by!

It’s beautiful – and I really appreciate it.

Maybe we can have a little romantic tryst in the gardens someday?

See? There you go again being funny…

That’s me… wife.

I see that… husband. And call me when you are free to talk.

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