Page 359 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

"I stand by my confusion," she growls, perfectly imitating his serious expression.

Even Becca laughs hard enough to need to wipe her eyes.

Watching them, something inside me grows wonderfully still. Somewhere between hospital hallways, hockey games, coffee dates, bookstore visits, bakery mornings, and ordinary Tuesdays...these women quietly became my sisters.

***

As breakfast winds down, the gifts I’ve prepared for each woman are waiting in a small bag on the dresser.

I pick it up and gather their attention. "I have something for each of you."

The laughter softens. The room grows still, and one by one, I hand each woman a small, wrapped gift with a handwritten note tucked inside.

Each box holds a delicate sterling silver bracelet with a tiny snowflake charm.

On the back of each charm are two simple words. Chosen Family.

For a moment, no one speaks.

Brooke is the first to open her note. Her eyes immediately fill with tears. "Oh, Annette..." She wraps her arms around me. "I'll treasure this forever."

One by one, the others read their notes. Sadie wipes her eyes. Paige laughs through suspiciously bright tears. Keisha simply reaches over and squeezes my hand, and Becca pulls me into a long hug.

***

When we finally settle back into our chairs, Brooke smiles as she slips the bracelet onto her wrist. "I guess it's our turn, Annette. We each have some advice for you, sweet bride."

"Mine is to love each other, especially on the ordinary days, and never be too proud to say you're sorry first."

Sadie nods. "And never stop dating each other."

Paige laughs. "Never lose your sense of humor. Never stop laughing."

Then Becca smiles. "The best marriages aren't perfect. They're simply made up of two people who keep choosing each other. And kindness is the next most important after love "

Finally, everyone looks at Keisha who pretends to think. "I've known you since we were kids and I know you well. She grins. "So, here's my advice."

First Keisha points a finger at me. "Kiss him goodnight every night. Which should not be difficult. Just look at that hunk o’man! "

Everyone belly-laughs.

“And Nettie, don't make Jamie guess what you're thinking."

I laugh. "I don't—"

"You absolutely do."

Five women stare back at me.

I sigh. “Okay, I do."

"You absolutely do."

She reaches over and squeezes my hand.

"Tell him when you're scared."

"Tell him when you're happy."