Page 31 of One Pucking Surprise
“I doubtthat,” Cora replies, her voice even as her gaze sharpens slightly. “Zach doesn’t talk about his personal life. Ever.”
Lainey tilts her head, her smile unwavering. “So… he doesn’t bring girls home often?”
“Never,” Blair chimes in with a laugh. “This is a first. You’re a first.”
Whitney smirks, her sharp gaze fixed on me. “I guess he hasn’t told you everything.”
Lainey blinks, clearly thrown for a moment. Her eyes flick to me, and I catch the quick flash of surprise in her expression. I give her a small shrug, trying to play it cool, though I know the admission is bigger than I’m letting on.
Her gaze lingers on me for half a second longer, like she’s trying to figure me out, before her smile returns, wider now and edged with playful confidence. She turns back to Blair. “Well, I guess it’s a big day for everyone, then.”
“Told you they’d love you,” I say, my voice low enough for only her to hear.
She arches an eyebrow, her smirk teasing. “Didn’t realize they’d be this shocked.”
I tilt my head slightly toward her, matching her tone. “What can I say? You’re making me look good.”
Before she can respond, Whitney loops her arm through Lainey’s, her grin mischievous. “We already love her,” she declares, pulling Lainey toward the backyard. “Come on. We’ve got to introduce you to everyone.”
Blair falls into step on Lainey’s other side, practically bouncing. “Oh, they’re going to lose it when they see you. This is huge.”
Cora lingers, her gaze steady on me. She leans in slightly, lowering her voice. “She seems wonderful,” she says quietly. “Don’t mess this up.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I mutter, shaking my head as she finally joins the others.
I follow behind, watching as Lainey handles them like a pro. She’s already laughing with Whitney and Blair, her charm on full display. When she glances back at me, her blue eyes are sparkling, and I can’t help but grin.
As we approach the nearest group of relatives, Whitney wastes no time. “Everyone!” she calls out, her voice loud enough to grab their attention. “Meet Lainey. She’s Zach’s girlfriend.”
The reactions are immediate. Heads turn, jaws drop, and suddenly, all eyes are on her. A few of my aunts exchange shocked glances, and one of my uncles—Uncle Dan, naturally—lets out a low whistle. “Zach Darling has a girlfriend? Well, I’ll be damned,” he says,shaking his head in mock disbelief. “She’s beautiful, too. Wait until Joseph sees this.”
Lainey laughs politely, shaking hands with whoever comes forward, and I watch her charm them all without breaking a sweat. “It’s so nice to meet you,” she says, over and over again, each time sounding genuine. She glances back at me once, her smile touched with curiosity, like she’s surprised by all the attention. I just give her a small nod, silently telling her she’s doing great.
I take the chance to say hi to a few relatives myself, dodging questions about hockey and my “big life update.” When I glance back at Lainey, she’s already got one of my great-aunts fawning over her dress.
The introductions keep coming as we make our way through the crowd. By the time we reach Noah, I can already feel the shift in the air. Whitney steps up and motions between them. “Noah, this is Lainey. Zach’s girlfriend.”
Noah gives me a sharp, questioning look before extending his hand to Lainey. “Lainey,” he says simply, his tone neutral.
Lainey takes his hand with her usual poise, smiling politely. “It’s nice to meet you.”
A loud squeal draws my attention. “Uncle Zach!” Alice barrels toward me, her dirtyblonde hair flying as I scoop her up and twirl her around.
“Alice!” I laugh, spinning her once before setting her back down. “What happened to my little niece? Who is this tall young woman standing in front of me?”
She giggles, her green eyes lighting up. “I’m twelve now. You’re the one who hasn’t been around enough to notice.”
“Burn,” Blair whispers with a laugh, and I shoot her a look over Alice’s head.
“Okay, okay, point taken,” I say, ruffling Alice’s hair before pulling her into another quick hug. “You look great, kiddo.”
As I set her down, my gaze shifts to the other side of the yard, catching sight of my father making his way toward us. He moves with purpose, his sharp eyes scanning the gathering until they lock onto me.
“You rascal,” he calls out, his voice carrying easily over the chatter. “Always causing trouble and never paying me a visit.”
I force a smile and step forward to greet him, pulling him into a quick hug. “Come on, Dad. I’ve gotta keep you on your toes somehow.”
He pulls back, his sharp gaze narrowing in that way only he can. “You’re not getting any younger, you know. And I’m not, either. You’vehad your fun with hockey. Maybe it’s time to settle down and think about the family business.”
