Page 75 of Heart Checked By the Hockey Heartthrob

He chuckles. "Only for people who deserve it."

I shake my head and pull him in for a kiss at which the entire gang whoops and yells for more.

***

Then our wedding day arrives. I’m a mixture of happiness, excitement, anxiety, and so much more.

There’s chaos. Someone forgot the boutonnières. Violet refuses to wear her shoes. My curls won’t hold.

The stylist, a sweet woman named Danielle from the local salon, tries everything—extra hold spray, thermal rollers, the curling iron magic trick she swears by—but the stubborn waves in my hair are determined to unravel. Megan suggests we pivot to a soft updo, but I shake my head.

"Let it go wild," I tell her. "It’s still me."

Savannah grins from across the room. "That’s the Quinn we know."

I glance in the mirror and take in the final result. The lace of my dress floats like a dream, the necklace from Abby sits perfectly above my collarbone, and even if my curls have a mind of their own, I feel like myself. Nervous, exhilarated, deeply in love—and about to walk down the aisle.

The girls circle me for one last toast. Abby lifts her glass. "To the most kick-butt bride Sunset Cove has ever seen. Dear sister, may your mascara stay waterproof and your husband stay whipped."

"Cheers to that!" Liz and Savannah echo.

We clink our glasses and laugh, but as the sound fades, a silence settles in. A good silence. The kind filled with history and hope. My hands tremble slightly as I smooth down the front of my dress.

"I can’t believe this is happening," I whisper.

"You earned this," Abby says gently. "Every bit of it."

The door creaks open, and Beckett pokes his head in, shielding his eyes dramatically. "Are we decent in here, or am I about to get banned from family dinners?"

Abby tosses a pillow at him. "You’re safe—for now."

He steps in fully, holding a bouquet of peonies in one hand and a small velvet box in the other. "From Wes," he says, handing me the box. "He didn’t write a note. Just said you’d understand."

Inside is a silver charm bracelet, delicate and beautiful, with a single charm already attached—a tiny stethoscope. I blink back tears.

"He said it’s for all the lives you’ve helped save," Beckett adds quietly. "And that more charms will come. One for every big chapter."

My throat tightens. "Thank you."

Beckett leans in and kisses my cheek. "See you out there, sis."

I watch him go, then turn to the mirror again. The wild curls, the stethoscope charm, the blush on my cheeks from laughter and tears—it all tells a story. And it’s mine.

***

And then the music starts.

I walk down the aisle with Abby steadying me on one side and Liz on the other. Savannah and Megan follow, fluffing andtweaking as we move to the back of the church. The old church is packed. Beckett is watching Jake, who waves wildly from the front row. Griff gives me a thumbs up.

But it’s Wes I see. Standing tall, heart in his eyes.

When it’s time for our vows, the pastor jokes about checking for hockey metaphors. I turn to Wes and speak these promises.

Wes, I never expected my forever to show up wearing skates and carrying more baggage than a travel team bus—but then you walked back into my life and everything shifted. You taught me that love can be patient and stubborn and sometimes needs a second chance to get it right. You’re the man who sees through my walls, matches my fire, and brings me peace. Today, I vow to love you with my whole heart—on the hard days, the hilarious days, and every ordinary one in between. You’re my teammate, my home, and the love of my life.

Wes replies with deeply heartfelt words that bring tears to my eyes.

Quinn, from the moment I met you, you’ve challenged me, steadied me, and reminded me that I’m worth more than my past. I walked away once, thinking it would protect you. But the truth is, I was always running toward this moment—toward you. I vow to show up every single day as the man who chooses you, who fights for us, and who never stops being grateful I get to call you mine. You’re my compass, my courage, and the reason I believe in forever.

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