“Go get ‘em, bro,” Wes says, giving him a quick hug.
“Yeah, show ‘em what you got,” Gray agrees.
“Send me a T-shirt,” Hunter says, pounding Sean’s back with his fist. “I’m starting a collection.”
“You got it,” Sean says. “Thanks, guys.”
He hugs his parents, and his dad gets choked up. “I couldn’t be prouder of you than I already am, son. But I’m happy you’re getting this chance.”
“I’ve already played in the NHL. I don’t need this.”
“No, you don’t,” his mom says, holding his shoulders. “But you deserve it.”
Sean hugs her again, holding her while she cries. I know her tears are laced with regret, but there’s so much pride in them, too.
My parents both sneak in next for hugs, and my dad whispers something to Sean that I can’t make out. Sean nods when they let go, and then my mom hugs him, squeezing him warmly. We’re both big huggers, and seeing her fold Sean into one of her hugs makes my heart swell.
“You don’t have anything to prove, sweetie. Just go have fun.”
Sean chuckles. “That’s nice of you to say, Jolene. Thanks.”
Finally—finally—it’s my turn.
Sean’s parents head back into the bar, and my parents drag my brothers to Dad’s Ford F-350—a truck so big, it makes most semis feel insecure.
I throw my arms around Sean’s neck, not wanting to let go. Sean puts his arms around my back and clasps them behind me. And then, without a comment, without so much as a pause, he kisses me. Soft and slow, but urgent, like this kiss has to matter, has to last. His beard brushes my chin, and I move my hands to his cheeks, running my fingers over the soft whiskers, wanting to memorize his face, as if we won’t FaceTime every day.
We will, right?
“Call me every day,” I say, just in case.
“Only if you promise to send pics. All these young bucks are gonna faint when I show them pictures of my smoke-show of a wife.”
I laugh. “Just know that it’s hard work being this beautiful.”
“You make it look easy,” he says, nuzzling my neck. “I’m gonna miss your smell. Milk and honey.”
“My smell?” I laugh.
“You have no idea how good you smell. I stole your pillow so I can keep smelling it as long as possible.”
I laugh again and hug him tight. “I’ll miss you. So much.”
“I’ll miss you more.”
One more kiss, quick and firm, and then he climbs into his truck. Waves out the open window. And he’s gone.
My mom instantly returns to my side, hugging me. “I’m sorry, sweetie.”
“It’s fine,” I say, sniffing back tears. “This is good! I’m happy for him!”
“Of course you are. But that doesn’t make it easy. Three weeks is a long time for any marriage. When you’re only a couple of months in, it’s even harder.”
My brothers and Dad join us, and Hunter slings his arm around me. Hunter, of all people. “I like him a lot, Kay. He’s like the brother I never had.”
“We’re right here, dingus,” Wes says.
“My point exactly,” Hunter says.
