Page 77 of One Pucking Life

She laughs and leans in to kiss me again—quick this time, but full of affection. “They would understand.”

“Maybe, but I think I owe the team my presence tonight.”

Her smile softens, her eyes searching mine. “You do. You deserve tonight. All of it. You should be there celebrating with the guys.”

I run my thumb along her jaw. “The only part I really care about is that you’re coming with me.”

She tilts her head, resting her cheek against my palm. “I still can’t believe any of this is real. That you’re mine.”

I shake my head slowly. “You’ve been mine since the second you accused me of stealing your car.”

She giggles, her head falling back slightly. “That feels like forever ago.”

“Feels like fate,” I say honestly.

Her eyes meet mine again, shimmering—not with tears, but with something deeper. Warmer. Fuller. The kind of look that wraps around your chest and squeezes until you’re sure your heart might burst. So much has changed in less than a year.When I really stop to think about it, it’s mind-blowing how different my life is... how different I am. I never envisioned myself here—not because I didn’t want it, but because I didn’t know this kind of happiness even existed. It’s hard to wish for a future you can’t imagine, and until her, I had no idea life could feel this good.

“I’m so proud of you, Max.”

The words hit harder than I expect. Not because I don’t hear them from other people—I do. But when they come from her, they carry weight. They mean something deeper.

“Thank you,” I say, voice low. “That means everything.”

She leans in and kisses me again, soft and unhurried. My arms wrap tighter around her as I deepen the kiss, and for a second, everything else fades away. The championship, the celebration, the bar—it’s all background noise compared to this. To her. If I had to choose between staying on this porch with Delaney or walking into a roaring crowd of fans and teammates, I’m not sure I’d be able to pick.

But there's a hum of anticipation building in my chest. Not just from the win—but from what’s coming next. The thing I’ve been planning for weeks.

Laney has no idea what tonight really means.

She pulls back slightly, her cheeks flushed, breath short. “We really should get going.”

I raise a brow. “Are you sure?”

“No,” she admits, breathless, brushing her nose against mine. “But we have to. This is your night. You’re a two-time Stanley Cup champion, and you need to be celebrated.”

I kiss her once more, quick and lingering. “Fine. But the second we get back home?—”

“I’m all yours,” she promises.

My smile spreads wide. I grab her hand, lacing our fingers together. We step off the porch together, hand in hand, walking into a night I know I’ll never forget. And she won’t either.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-ONE

DELANEY

We pull into the parking lot of the Fire Station—a brick-walled, high-ceilinged old firehouse turned bar that’s become a Crane Hockey tradition. The second we step inside, a wave of cheers and music crashes over us. The place is packed, electric with post-win energy. Jerseys hang from the rafters, laughter and shouting echo against the tin ceiling, and every table is filled with drinks, players, and their families.

Iris runs over when she spots us and pulls me into a hug. A few of the guys and their wives greet us as we pass, exchanging hugs and smiles. Everyone is so happy. The joy in this space is palpable. Max and I make our way around the room, saying hello and taking pictures.

The bar is closed to the public tonight—invite-only for the team’s inner circle to celebrate the win. It’s full of players, coaches, staff, family, friends, and a handful of special fans. And Max knows them all. He introduces each one to me by name, and I find that so special—so very Max.

After we’ve made our rounds, we settle in the corner near some of the other players. Max gives my hand a squeeze and leans in.

“You good to join the girls? I’m going to grab us some drinks,” he says, giving me a quick kiss.

“Okay.” I smile and watch him disappear toward the bar, teammates clapping him on the back as he moves through the crowd like a hero. I’m sure all the guys feel like heroes tonight. And they should.

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