Page 133 of Perfectly Grumpy

“So you’re not really leaving?” I whisper.

His grin is tender, that dimpled half-smile that’s always been my undoing. “I’m staying right here with you. Because I chooseyou, Sunny.”

Then he turns to the crowd. “I thought my future was heading to the NHL, but I’ve decided to stay with the Crushers for another year. And the reason why…” He turns back to me, his dark eyes holding mine like we’re the only two people in the world. “Is this woman right here.”

I blink several times, trying to keep myself from falling apart in front of everyone.

“I fell for her the first time when she made me ride her ridiculous motorcycle. But what really sealed it was spending a week at her family reunion.”

Uncle Bobby whistles, and my whole family laughs.

“Because I got to see her in a different way. Who she was when she was away from the office. I got to make her laugh, take her to prom, and win the Family Olympics with her as my partner. I even learned to bake—even though I was terrible at it.” He looks over at Jaz and Sloan in the crowd. “Sorry, Jaz and Sloan. We honestly tried.”

A few chuckles rumble through the crowd as he turns back to the audience. “This woman taught me how to have fun again. That being logical doesn’t mean being afraid to feel and to accept that love doesn’t always play by the rules.”

Tate passes off his mic before he turns to face me, closing the distance between us until we’re only inches apart. The arena fades away until it’s just him and me.

“So I’m not leaving,” he says, his voice dropping low. “I’m staying. For you and a life together in Sully’s Beach.”

It’s just like Abby told me in the sunroom,You stay for the one who’s worth it.

His hand slides around my waist, pulling me closer until I can feel the warmth of his body next to mine. His other hand comes up to cup my face, his thumb brushing across my cheekbone.

“Lauren Williamson,” he murmurs, “you’re my only home. You’re the person I want to wake up next to every morning for the rest of my life, because I love you.”

He’s staying because he loves me. He actually loves me.

And right there on center ice in front of everyone I care about, he lowers his mouth to mine and kisses me like I’m the only logical conclusion to this story we’re writing together.

The kiss is tender and sweet, and when he finally pulls back, his hands frame my face.

“I love you too,” I whisper, and that’s when the arena erupts.

Granny is on her feet, clapping so hard she might hurt herself. Uncle Bobby yells, “I knew that boy was the right one!”

Delilah is openly weeping, clutching her “We Love Sheriff Foster” sign to her chest, while Jeneva, who never gets emotional about anything, is hollering, “That’s how you do it, Sheriff!”

Olivia is on the edge of her seat, tears streaming down her face. My whole family is grinning and shouting as the kids jump up and down, chanting, “Uncle Tate! Uncle Tate!”

Tate’s smile widens as he takes in my loud, wonderful family celebrating us.

Even his teammates are cheering for us as Leo shouts, “Finally!”

Out of nowhere, Brax comes rushing toward us, looking panicked. “We’ve got an emergency,” he pants, before announcing over the mic, “Okay, everyone! I know I said there were only two big announcements tonight, but apparently, there’s one more.”

The arena hushes.

“My wife is in labor,” Brax announces. “Right now. Like, this-minute-right-now. And I need to get to the hospital!”

“Wait,” Leo says. “She isn’t due for two more weeks!”

“Apparently, this child takes after me,” Brax replies. “Determined to reach the goal faster than anyone expects.”

The team barrels onto Brax like it’s a Stanley Cup celebration. Gloves are flying. Helmets are tossed. Rourke skates by holding up a foam finger and yelling, “LET’S DELIVER A BABY!”

“We’re coming with you!” Lucian shouts.

“What about the exhibition game?” Leo calls, clearly torn between sports and baby mayhem.

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