Page 83 of The Riley Effect

“Can you believe this all started when your uncle made you volunteer at the shelter and help me with Riley?’

“It’s funny how one moment can alter your life.”

“I guess we have the Riley effect to thank for bringing us together.”

I stand in awe of Ivy as her laugh cuts through the chaos of the arena. When I first met her outside of the Riley Center, she was guarded and wanted to stay to herself. Depriving the world of seeing who she was. As long she’ll have me, I’ll never let herhide within herself. This world deserves to see who she is with her biggest supporter at her side.

I take Ivy’s hand, and we go to find my family. Westvale University gave me a lot, but I’ll never love any of it more than I love my Angel.

Epilogue

Ivy

Morning Of NHL Draft, New York, New York

I wake up to the sensation of Jalen’s lips moving up and down my neck.

“Save it for when we have a room to ourselves.”

I swat back, pulling away so I can sit up against the headboard.

We’re back in his childhood bedroom because tonight is the NHL draft at Madison Square Garden. Jalen insisted on staying closer to the venue tonight so we didn’t have to worry about a ride home. He reserved a table at some new club in Manhattan for us and our friends to go to on the same block as the hotel.

Not only is it the biggest day of Jalen’s career, but it is for mine as well. I’ll be hearing back from all the veterinary programs I applied to today.

It’s been a whirlwind since I got in from Westvale last night. I haven’t seen Jalen in a few weeks because he has been working out for different NHL teams since we graduated in May. I decided to spend time at home because I’m not sure where I’ll end up next year, and I wanted to soak in every minute I have with my family. They’re actually all here today so Matt can introduce Ruby and the kids to his family.

I rub the sleep out of my eyes before grabbing one of Jalen’s Westvale Hockey shirts I stole when we first started dating.

“What time is it?” I ask as Jalen tries to pull the hem of the shirt. “Everyone will be here soon for brunch, and I promised your Mom I would help her.”

I swat away his hands and go to my suitcase to get my toothbrush so he doesn’t talk me into staying in bed.

Jalen is in the family room playing Madden with Byron when I come out to help his Mom in the kitchen. I put an apron over the sweater and leggings I put on after my shower.

“Can you believe we’re finally going to find out where Jalen will be playing next season?” I ask Mae as I pour more pancake mix onto the griddle.

“It’s been a whirlwind of an off-season. I think we are all excited to see where his home base is going to be. How are you feeling about today?”

Mae and Andre have made sure I haven’t gotten lost in the shadows of Jalen’s success.

“I’m excited but nervous.”

“It’s all going to work out just the way it’s supposed to.”

She pulls me into a hug before leaving me to man the kitchen while she sets the table.

I sneak a piece of bacon out of the frying pan and drop it on the floor for Riley to find. Jill and the athletic department decided it was time to let Riley retire from his game day duties and enjoy the rest of the years he has. I’ve heard rumors that they already have a new Riley lined up and I can’t wait to meet him when I get home.

I didn’t even need to ask Jalen what he thought about adopting the former mascot. He came over to my apartment a few days before graduation, the application already filled out just waiting for my signature. Jill was waiting for us at the front door later that day with Riley in hand. With misty eyes, she toldus that there was no better home for Riley than with Jalen and I. She made us promise to bring him by whenever we are home.

Thirty minutes later, the Holloway’s tiny apartment is filled with family and friends. We reminisce on the last year and hear stories from all the different stages of Jalen’s hockey career. Laughing away the nerves, I know we are all feeling this morning.

Jalen is getting pictures taken in our hotel suite for the draft issue of his favorite sports news website. He insisted I get my hair and makeup done for tonight. I finish in the makeup chair right as Jalen is walking the photographer out.

When it’s just the two of us left in the room, I get to take in Jalen’s custom-made suit.

“I’m happy you went with the plaid,” I tell him while I run my hands down his crisp white button-up. I requested that he forego the tie and leave a few buttons undone. He agreed only because he knows how I feel about his tattoos that peak out.

---