Page 126 of Shots Fired

Sawyer nods, his captaincy mask slipping back into place. “Excluding him from Collins’s birthday party in January isn’t an option then?”

“No,” I breathe. “Unfortunately not. Although I was surprised she’s even having one when Darcy told me.”

His smile grows wide. Anything about his fiancée, and this guy turns to a fucking puddle. “She’s softening in her old age. It might have something to do with my son too.”

I clap a hand on his shoulder, genuinely happy he and Ezra have found their person. “You’re a good friend, buddy. Maybe I don’t say it enough, but you are. You’ve got me out of a lot of binds in the past, but I want you to let go of this situation between me and Jack. You don’t need to worry about it because I’ve got it handled. I know I’ve said that before, and it’s blown up in my face, but this time, I promise you I’ll make it right. Just concentrate on enjoying your final season in the NHL, okay?”

Although Sawyer hasn’t officially announced when he’s retiring, I don’t need him to. I know my best friend well enough to sense when he’s ready to hang his skates up.

“Despite everything going on right now, I know this season is ours. I’m determined to put the Cup in your hands because you deserve that, Man. You deserve it.”

His eyes glaze as he clears his throat. “Where did that sentimental speech come from?”

I shrug, thinking about my girls and my new brother-in-law I’m desperate to fix things with. “I guess life perspective changes when you realize what’s important. And you’re really fucking important to me.”

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

DARCY

My favorite Brooklyn bakery, Rise Up, brings all the sensory goodness and comfort I’ve come to love about living in this city. The smell of freshly brewed coffee alongside baking, sparks a feeling of England, but with the added vibe of living in Brooklyn.

It’s also a favorite meetup spot for me and my girls. Whenever shit goes down or someone needs advice, the first place we gather is around a table at the back, armed with baked goods and ready to put everything right.

However, as I push through the entrance and the soft jingle of the bell above the door fills my ears, I’m struggling to find anything comfortable about today’s visit or the reasons for it.

It’s been twelve days since Jack caught us at the airport, and things show no sign of improvement. I know he hasn’t fallen out with me; he messages me daily to check on how I’m doing or if I need anything. He was choked up when I told him the name we planned to give our daughter. But in spite of our open communication, things don’t feel right. Vibes don’t lie,as they say, and that phrase couldn’t be more relevant to our relationship.

Truth be told, I’m pissed at my brother. I expected him to be disappointed in Archer for the ruse about Abbie and the initial sneaking around we had done. We had known back then that we were playing with fire. What I didn’t anticipate was for him to shut my husband out entirely and for this length of time.

I didn’t even tell him that Emily was Archer’s idea, for fear of ruining the name-reveal moment. Maybe he already guessed it was his suggestion since it was the name Archer originally used for me in the boys’ group chat, but that doesn’t really matter. We should be able to work past this, or at least talk through feelings.

Instead, Jack’s done the complete opposite.

Last night on the phone, Mum told me the GM is getting angsty, concerned that the team is fractured, even though Archer’s game is on point and so are their results. Getting married was what Archer and I both wanted, but it was also to ensure we weren’t separated. If Archer is forced out of the team, then I’ll lose everyone around me as I follow my husband to another state in a huge country. The fact that Jack can’t see that leaves me angry and frustrated.

So, last night, I called an emergency meeting between my girls and Mum. Clearly, the men can’t and aren’t going to sort their shit out. Might as well leave it to the girls.

“I got you the strongest decaf I could find.” Kendra slides a steaming mug of coffee across to me as I pull off my coat and hang it on the back of my chair.

I take a seat as Collins, Kendra, Jenna, and Mum all drop their eyes to my stomach.

“Figured there was little point in hiding it now,” I muse, pointing to my tight jumper dress. “And what do you meanstrongest decaf? Isn’t that a bit of a contradiction?” I say to Kendra, forcing a smile.

She tucks a piece of wavy blonde hair behind her ear. “I asked Ed to add an extra shot of vanilla.”

I snort and bring the latte to my lips, enjoying the first sip before setting the mug back down and clearing my throat. “Thank you for meeting so last minute. It’s just … I need my girls right now.”

From beside me, Mum takes my hand in hers. “My nine o’clock meeting with my client, the Barnetts, can wait.”

“Anything for you.” Jenna takes my other hand, and from opposite, Kendra and Collins smile at me reassuringly.

My senses sting as I work up the courage to speak what I know everyone else is thinking. “I’m worried my relationship with Archer has destroyed his friendship with Jack. Archer has been … not himself at all. Yesterday, after dinner, he took my plate, planted a kiss on top of my head, and retreated into the home gym for hours. I took myself to bed because I’m constantly exhausted, and when I woke up at midnight, I found him sitting on the couch, scrolling through photos from last season. His heart is breaking, and I can’t stand to watch it.”

Kendra nods her head, fingernails tapping against the side of her mug. “Honestly, Jack is the same. I told him to go and talk with Archer, even if it’s just to clear the air. But you know when an issue is left too long, it then creates a void between people that’s arguably bigger than the initial problem? That’s how I feel about this. He’s hurting, and I get that.” She looks at me, nothing but honesty in her eyes as she pauses. “I get why he’s upset because so much has happened behind his back and without his friend being honest. He wasn’t happy with me because I didn’t tell him what was going on. Now, he understands my reasons for keeping your confidence and I only hope he can take a step back and see all this from Archer’s perspective too. It’s time to let bygones be bygones.”

She pushes her coffee mug away like she’s done saying her piece.

“When I told Jon about everything, he actually took it better than I’d thought he would.” Mum rolls her eyes. “Naturally, he was disappointed he didn’t know about your wedding, let alone get a chance to arrange the shit out of it.” She chuckles and returns to a serious expression. “All things considered, he was relatively calm after an initial outburst.” She clicks her tongue. “Obviously, he’ll dismember Archer if he hurts you, but he is willing to give him a chance. I think that comes from experience more than anything—he knows what it’s like to fight against a reputation as an unreliable playboy.”

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