Page 63 of Until He Scores

“You keep saying that, and you’re going to inflate my ego,” he replied, giving me his cheesiest grin.

“Maybe I like you with a big ego.” I wiggled my brows.

Pope glanced around the winery where Tabby held her ceremony, and I gave him a questioning look. “I’m trying to find a place where I can show you how big my ego is, right now.”

I laughed out loud, drawing the attention of those who mingled around us. “You’re crazy.”

“About you? Always.”

I like that word. Always. It was ours and special. It meant more than I love you. It meant our lives had intertwined the moment we’d met when we were kids. It meant forever. I brushed a kiss across his cheek. “I’m so happy, Pope. I’m gladyou were so persistent. I could have missed out on the best thing my life had to offer. You.”

He shook his head. “That’s where you’re wrong. You gave me time and space and understanding. Three things I never fully understood until you. You gave me the strength to challenge my preconceived notions. To discover myself organically. To love you uninhibited even when I didn’t believe I was worthy of you. I’m honored to call you, my husband. My partner in forever.”

Tears misted my eyes as I kissed him then. Love expanded within my chest until I thought I would burst with the feelings I held for Pope. He completed me. Made my world come to life in ways I couldn’t fathom. There was no doubt in my mind I wouldn’t be here celebrating with my friends if it hadn’t been for him. “I love you, Pope Ellis-Thomas.”

“I love you, Thierry Thomas-Ellis.”

Pope

Seven years later...

I walked out onto the ice where the kids were fighting and pulled them apart by the back of their sweaters. Dahlia gave Jagger a mean mugging while holding up her sticks. I’d have laughed if it wasn’t the third time this week during practice. I suppose it was time to sit down with their parents.

“What have I told you two about fighting,” I said, staring at them. If I could shake the attitude out of the kids and get away with it, I would. Probably knock some sense into them.

“Jagger told Casper he’s my boyfriend, and I can’t be friends with him,” Dahlia said, holding her fist up. “I don’t have a boyfriend!”

“Can’t help what’s already intended,” Jagger said with a shrug. “I don’t make the rules. I just follow them.”

Fucking. Hell.

I scrubbed my face. “Jagger, I get it man. You like Dahlia. She’s a great person, stands up in the goal, and helps the team win games. But she’s not property, man. You have to respect that she's going to have friends, including Casper, who also helps you defend the goal with her.”

“But you don’t understand coach,” Jagger stated with an exhale. “You’re too old to understand what is going on here.”

I huffed out a chuckle then pointed to the stands where Thierry sat, watching the kids practice on his day off. “I think I know a little bit more than you do son. Trust me, it’ll happen one day. But you can’t forbid Dahlia from having friends. Especially when the three of you are the best dang defenders and goalie I’ve got.”

He rolled his eyes, “Fiiiiine. Be friends with Casper, Dahlia. I don’t care.”

She smirked, throwing her braid over her shoulder. “Didn’t need your permission anyway.” Then skated away.

“Jaggar,” I muttered, “Get some ice for that eye of yours so it doesn’t swell shut. I need you able to see for the game on Saturday.”

“Yes, Coach,” he said, skating off the ice to the tunnel.

When I blew the final whistle all the parents had arrived. Lily-Mae, Bentley and Jenner sat beside Thierry. Behind them sat Jagger’s father. It seemed I wouldn’t have to call the meeting at all. I could just go talk to them.

Once the kids went to grab their things, I climbed the stairs to where Thierry sat and dropped a kiss on his lips, then hugged Lily-Mae while high-fiving the boys. “Guys why don’t you help your sister. She could use the assist. Also, be nice to Casper.”

Lily-Mae looked at me in confusion while Thierry sniggered beside her. “What happened? Why does Jagger have an ice pack on his eye?”

“You want to join us?” I asked Jagger’s father, motioning to the bench Lily sat on.

He nodded, taking up position beside her. Grease marred his knuckles while small scars covered his hands. “Did something happen?”

“You can say that,” I said on an exhale.

“I’ve been trying to handle this in-house without involving the both of you. Today I don’t think that’s possible, anymore.” I glanced over my shoulder to where Dahlia stood with her brothers while they stared daggers at Jagger. “Seems Jagger likes Dahlia and forbade her from being friends with Casper. They got into a fight and Dahlia won.”

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