Page 58 of Game Winner
Soren claps his hands. “So are we celebrating or what?”
“Absolutely.” Layne’s face beams, and he seems as relieved as Tyler.
We get a round of drinks. Layne chats with Soren and Tyler, acting like his old self, playful and funny and unpredictable. Soon, he’s dragged Gavin and Everett off to dance, promising that he’ll be back later to “keep spending time with Bax and his boys.”
I can’t believe I have everything I want. Things are going amazingly for the band, I have my best friend back, and I have my two men.
Soren taps his glass to mine. “Did you realize a lot of our important moments have happened in bars?”
“Huh. I guess that’s true. The first time we kissed.”
“The first time Bax and I properly met,” Tyler adds.
Under the table, I press my feet against each of their feet, needing to have some connection with them. “The night you got traded and came to see our show. And New Year’s Eve.”
“And tonight.” Soren’s gaze softens. “We’re celebrating you and the band, but I want to add another important moment.”
My heart thuds harder. “I think I know what you’re going to say.”
He smiles. “Good, then maybe you’ll say it back.”
“I will.” Ty’s whispered promise touches my cheek like a kiss.
Soren clears his throat and sits up a little straighter. “I’ve had feelings for you both for longer than we’ve officially been together. Over the last few months, I’ve fallen in love with you. I used to think hockey was the most important thing to me, but I’ve discovered that you are.”
I reach for his hand, then Tyler’s. “The night that Layne and I had our blowup, I was afraid I’d have to choose between you and the band. And I knew as certain as anything that I’d choose you. I couldn’t walk away.”
“The events of the night we met helped bring me to the Twin Cities. That gave me a family for the first time, and the two of you.” Tyler squeezes my hand with his good one as he leans into Soren. “I can’t imagine my life without you. When I get anxious about the future, if I hold onto you, everything settles and I believe it’ll be okay because you’ll be there. I want more of everything we have. I want every day with you.”
“That night, when I saw you talking at the bench after the game, I thought to myself that I’d give anything to hear your conversation, but I’d give even more to be a part of it.” I chuckle, unable to believe how things have changed. “And now here we are.”
Here we are.
The three of us, writing our own love song, where the lyrics change every day, but the melody remains a happily ever after.
