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“Me too. I want that too,” she murmurs before tipping her head back to meet my gaze. “But not at the expense of giving up this wonderful new life you’ve introduced me to. It’s not fair for you to ask that of me.”
“I know,” I admit in defeat. “Doesn’t mean I won’t worry.”
“And I adore you for it,” she says, going to her tiptoes for a kiss. “Now, let’s get back to the party.”
While I’d rather stay in the privacy of the garden and make out with my girl, the one thing I don’t want to deny her is the social interaction. With this being Coen’s official going-away party, almost the entire team is here, minus a few who had preplanned vacations. Even Sophie and Baden cut their honeymoon to Vienna short by one day to come home and bid farewell.
I part ways with Juniper as she’s immediately pulled back into the group of women and I tell myself over and over again she’s right. She deserves to live her life to the fullest. I’ve got to loosen my chokehold or else it will cause strife between us.
I spy Coen standing at the outdoor bar with his line mates.
Rather, former line mates—Stone, Boone, Kirill and Bain, along with Drake. They’re doing shots and I expect some sore heads tomorrow.
I walk that way with no intention of getting drunk with them, but I definitely want to have a drink with Coen. We went through some rough times that first season as I tried to piece together a new team.
“Callum,” Drake calls out as I approach.
“I’d say next shot’s on me, but since Brienne is the hostess with the mostess and all the alcohol is free, let me join in a drink.”
I’m welcomed into the group, pleased to see they’re shooting tequila, which I happen to love. The bartender lines up a fresh set of shot glasses, all engraved with the Titans’ logo. When we have lime, salt and drinks in hand, I take the opportunity to put the business of hockey aside.
Holding up the liquor, I tell Coen, “I hate this, buddy. I know you’re embarking on the best move for you and Tillie, and our team will be fine without you, but I’m personally going to miss you. You’ve been an inspiration to me, watching you walk a path that was hard as hell, but you kept on going. You taught me some lessons on perseverance and dedication. I’ll take that wisdom and use it in my own endeavors. Here’s to more goodness in your life. You deserve every bit of it.”
The other guys murmur cheers and we take our shots. Setting my glass down, I hold my hand out to Coen. When he takes it, I pull him into a half hug.
He squeezes me tight and his voice chokes up. “Thank you for never losing faith in me. I wouldn’t be where I am without you and Brienne pushing me, and I’ll never forget it.”
A few back slaps, a crass joke by Kirill to cut the somber mood and I leave the guys to their revelry. I decide it’s enough time away from my girl and I go in search of Juniper because honestly, I can’t get enough of her.
CHAPTER 27
Juniper
“I’m having so much fun,” I yell at Jenna as I throw my arm around her shoulders. The nightclub music is thumping, I’ve got three drinks in me and I got hit on by a guy probably ten years my junior, which was a lovely confidence booster. I’m the oldest out of the Titan Queens and they’re all so beautiful and vivacious, sometimes I have to check myself from wondering if I actually belong.
“Me too,” she yells back, squeezing me. “I’m so glad you’re part of our pack now.”
It’s amazing how close I feel to these women—all associated with the Titans’ organization—and I can easily focus on the traits that draw me to each unique soul.
Jenna, the scarred beauty marrying her real-life Prince Charming next month, has an inner grace about her that speaks of keeping pain quiet. I recognize it as sure as if I were looking in the mirror.
Ava is compassionate, the one who listens intently to the other women and her advice is always so thoughtful and kind.
Stevie is the adventurous one and tough as nails. The first to pull us out on the dance floor before it even fills up and also the one who fends off handsy men.
As the problem-solver in the group, Tillie is resourceful, but I also admire her penchant for mischief. It was her antics that won Coen’s heart.
Brienne is the source of empowerment, showing us that as women, there are no glass ceilings. And yet she’s as down-to-earth and humble as they come.
A charitable soul, Danica works to make things better for others. She took the pain of losing her husband in the Titans’ crash and now helps other widows and widowers navigate life after tragedy.
Harlow’s the intellectual and coupled with her law degree, makes her the warrior who battles for the little man. She’s the inherent protector in the group.
Simone is without a doubt the most tenacious woman I know, unwilling to ever give up a fight. But she’s only that way because she’s also one of the most optimistic people I’ve ever met, which lends her a deep-seated power I could only be so lucky to have a tenth of in my life.
Kiera is loyal, the first to defend any one of us when we want to rant about something. Doesn’t matter if we’re right or wrong, she has our backs.
Sophie… she’s pure inspiration. The way she overcame a very dark period in her life to find happiness with Baden does nothing but inspire me to achieve the same with Callum. When I look at her, I know I can achieve anything.
