Page 389 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Liam steps back and points a finger at Jamie.

"One piece of married-man advice."

At least three of the guys yell that he is not married.

He shrugs with a long, “Sooo?” and continues.

"She outranks hockey."

Without hesitation, Jamie nods. "That I know."

Liam turns to me. "And if he starts acting stubborn..."

Coach clears his throat. "When.”

“Yes. WHEN he starts acting stubborn, call me."

Everyone laughs again.

I slip my hand into Jamie's. "I don't think that'll be necessary."

Jamie smiles down at me. "I don't either."

***

Together we climb into the truck.

As Jamie starts the engine, I look back one last time.

I raise my hand in one final wave, and blow kisses to our parents.

They wave back until the lights of the reception disappear behind the trees.

And together, my husband and I begin the drive home.

Chapter forty-three

Jamie

Forever Begins

The drive home is quieter than I expected, the kind of silence that comes after a day too beautiful for words to improve it. Headlights carve through the familiar road toward Briar Cove while the last hints of sunset fade behind the trees.

Every few miles I catch myself glancing at my left hand resting on the steering wheel.

The simple silver band catches the dashboard lights.

My wedding ring.

I still can't quite believe it's there.

Beside me, Annette smiles to herself.

Not because I've said anything.

Because every few minutes she looks down at her own hand and does exactly what I've been doing.

She turns it ever so slightly, watching the diamond catch the light before shaking her head with a tiny laugh.