Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 51827 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 259(@200wpm)___ 207(@250wpm)___ 173(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51827 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 259(@200wpm)___ 207(@250wpm)___ 173(@300wpm)
When I check the ground beef, it’s finally thawed enough to cook.
“I’m glad we got a keg,” Jules says, walking back into the kitchen from the basement. “The guys are really liking it. And it’s good we put down the tarp, because Isaac’s chugging it like a frat boy on a Friday night.”
“Oh, Isaac,” Suki says, sighing. “I don’t think he’s ever going to settle down.”
Her phone screen lights up on the island and she says, “Oh my gosh, it’s Mara! She’s FaceTiming!”
When she answers the call, we all gather around her to see the screen. Mara is sitting in a recliner, her son asleep in her arms. She’s beautiful, though she looks tired.
“Oh my gosh, he’s so sweet,” Lainey says.
“How are you, honey?” Suki asks.
“Good. My nipples are war-torn, but still attached, so that’s something.”
“You look so great,” I say. “And Grayson is just perfect.”
She smiles. “He really is. Will you tell Magnus we said congratulations? We’re so happy he’s staying. I tried to get Leo to go to the party, but he said he wants to be here with us.”
“As he should,” Suki says.
“With help at night, it’s actually not bad. The first few days, when I didn’t have help, are kind of a blur. But I can pump enough to get a block of sleep at night now, so that helps.”
“I can’t wait to snuggle him,” Jules says. “He’s a little Leo.”
Mara grins. “He is.” Grayson stirs in her arms. “Oh, I think he might be ready to eat again. I miss you guys; don’t have too much fun without me.”
We all say goodbye and she blows us a kiss before ending the call.
Suki helps me start cooking taco meat, which we have to do in several batches because it’s too much to thaw and cook all at once. Instead of a sit-down dinner, we end up with an informal meal people can make and eat whenever and wherever they want.
“Thank you so much for your help,” I tell Suki as we cook.
“Of course. This is a family, and Carter and I are so happy he’s staying.”
“Me too.”
“Carter says Magnus is so much happier because of you. He’s having fun playing hockey again.”
That warms me from head to toe.
“I’m happier because of him. I wasn’t unhappy before, not at all. But he’s just ... he’s the real deal, you know?”
“You and your kids deserve that. I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks.”
I wasn’t sure if Noel would come to the party, since he needs to maintain some professional distance from his players, but he did, and he seems to be having a great time. The upstairs and downstairs are louder and more alive than they’ve ever been.
Once everyone has eaten, Jules forces me to leave the kitchen. She and Talia are doing the cleanup, and they won’t let anyone else help.
It’s actually really nice to have a break after the stress of the day. I had a taco, broccoli casserole and a biscuit, and I was so hungry I didn’t even think about what an odd combo it was.
Magnus introduces me to some of his teammates I haven’t met yet; more people show up as the party continues. Suki brought a huge, beautiful cake she had made by a local bakery. The kids lose it when she cuts the first piece and they see the inside is a Neapolitan swirl of strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla.
I’ve never been with a man like Magnus, who holds my hand and proudly introduces me to people as his girlfriend. When he calls everyone into the living room, he asks me to stand beside him while he addresses the group.
“I’m grateful to be here,” he says. “There was a time when I didn’t know if I’d be able to return to hockey, and when I came back, I was so focused on staying back that I didn’t really let myself enjoy the game. But then I met Blair.”
My face heats as everyone in the room looks at me. Magnus’s eyes are warm as he looks at me, his slight smile bringing out the crinkles in the corners of his eyes.
“Blair, you and Eli and Coop are everything I didn’t know I needed. You and I are two halves of a whole. We’re a work of art. I’m the black-and-white outline. The sturdy framework. And you’re a thousand vibrant colors that bring that outline to life. I love you.”
“You love my mom?” Coop cries.
Everyone laughs, and Magnus waves Coop and Eli over. Eli stands beside me and Coop slides his hand into Magnus’s.
“Eli and Coop, I love you both, too. You’ve both been so kind, sharing your incredible mother with me and letting me get to know you.”
“I love you!” Coop throws his arms around Magnus’s waist, prompting several sweet murmurs.
Jules clears her throat. “Everyone, please raise your glass—or super classy Solo cup—to Magnus. We’re so thrilled you’re staying. And on a personal level, I couldn’t be happier for my sister and my nephews. Blair, you’re the best person I know and an amazing mom. You landed your number one. Cheers.”