Page 111 of Ice Rebel

“I ran into Charlie Watkins. He’s planning on selling the rink to them.” Cole’s voice was filled with sadness.

“The rink?” Beck exclaimed. “That’s crazy.”

“He’s hurting, son. The town isn’t what it used to be.” Patrick rubbed his jaw.

“No more business talk at the table. This is a celebration of our son finally finding the right girl.” I’ll be damned if it wasn’t Maggie’s turn to wink.

“Mom. Chelsea does speak her mind.” Samantha laughed.

“What are you going to tell the press about Chelsea, son?” Patrick asked as he pushed his plate away. Maybe I was wrong, but I thought I caught a slight look of concern along with a definite hint of amusement. “The speculation is a bit wild since the two of you egged on the marriage rumor.”

“That my personal life is none of their business.”

“Just be careful, bro,” Ford offered. “The pros are looking at you. They like stability. Maybe you should get married.”

The comment wasn’t what I expected and it would seem winking was a family trait since he offered me one after chiding his brother.

“How is your family taking the news of an impending wedding?” I could tell Georgia was teasing and also that other than Samantha and Cole, the rest of the family didn’t know how estranged I was from them.

“I don’t talk to my dad much and my mom is too busy with her charity work to notice.”

Cole squeezed my leg under the table. I allowed a few seconds of self-pity before tossing it aside.

“That’s too bad, honey,” Maggie said. “I couldn’t imagine not being close with my beautiful family. Even if my sons are terrible about calling their mother even on Mother’s Day.” I could tell she was trying to provide me with an offroad.

“Mom,” Beck groaned.

“Don’t ‘Mom’ me. You can make it up to me by cleaning the kitchen. Except for Cole. He’s going to show our guest around.”

I could easily tell her word was gospel.

Samantha lifted her eyebrows as if asking me if it was okay to go out on a date with Jagger. It was funny. Before tonight, I would have warned her to stay away from him, but I had a feeling they’d be good for each other.

Even if future family dinners would be very strange.

What was I saying? This wasn’t my family. Maybe a tiny part of me was jealous, but seeing the way they were together, the closeness and the banter were not only comforting, but provided me an insight into myself and my wants. Including a family. I would never have said that before, not even with how close I’d become with Cole.

He led me away from the kitchen, the lively conversations continuing even as we walked away.

“Your family is amazing,” I told him.

“They really are. We take a lot for granted, but they sacrificed so much to make us happy.”

“In turn, you gave them happiness. All of you.”

“And gray hairs.” At least Cole was laughing. I’d seen just how upset he’d been about the sale of the rink.

“Well, that goes without saying.”

He pushed me against the living room wall. “I’ve been dying to get you alone.”

“Hey, buster. We are in your family home.”

With his brow furrowing, he nodded and took a step away. “You’re right. Let’s go somewhere more private.”

“Where are you taking me?”

“Somewhere exciting.”