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“Ever.” I confirm. “You’re stuck with me.”
“Thank God.”
The five of us go and take our seats. Holden sits between Brandon and I, his knee bouncing nervously as we listen to the introductions and opening speeches. I reach over and interlace our fingers before squeezing his hand three times. Like magic, he calms and the shaking subsides. Heather and Dan glance at us lovingly and I blush.
An hour passes, and representatives for the Boston Bruins step onto the stage.
“It’s no big deal.” Holden says to Brandon. “If I don’t get picked, then I just go back to Maine with Kayleigh and take that internship I was offered.”
“We’d like to thank Vancouver for hosting the draft.” One of the bigwigs starts.
Holden doesn’t listen. “It’s a really great opportunity, and I’d still be able to live with Kayleigh while we plan our wedding.”
“The Boston Bruins choose, from University of Maine, Holden Rivers.”
The crowd erupts in cheers, but Holden didn’t hear him. He’s too busy rambling. “I mean, playing professional hockey hasn’t been a part of my plan recently anyway.”
“Holden!” I shout, getting his attention.
“What? It isn’t. Not since I met you anyway.”
I shake my head. “No, babe. They called your name!”
His jaw drops as he looks around, seeing everyone looking at him and clapping. Shell-shocked, he stands up and is immediately embraced by his mom.
“I’m so proud of you!” She tells him. Dan repeats the sentiment.
Brandon gives him a hug, patting him on the back, before Holden turns to me. He wraps his arms around me tightly.
“You did it!”
He chuckles into my hair. “I love you.”
Holden walks down and over to the stage, stepping up and putting on the Bruins jersey and hat before posing for a picture with the representatives. Once he’s done, he makes his way back to us, smiling brightly.
“I have to go do an interview, but I’ll be right back.” He tells his parents.
They nod, and just when I think he’s going to walk away, he reaches for my hand. I’m surprised he wants me to come, but I follow him anyways. I stand back and watch as he interviews with a reporter. It’s completely overwhelming – but so proud of him. His childhood dream is coming true right in front of my eyes and I couldn’t be happier.
Chapter 8
In all the time that I’ve known Holden, I’ve only ever seen him this level of happy twice. The first, when I agreed to marry him, and now, as he sits across the conference table from the higher ups of the Bruins. They slide the contract across the table, explaining the details. Dan, being a lawyer, looks it first.
It’s a three-year contract, for $800,000. It also includes a $40,000 signing bonus. Holden’s eyes widen as he looks at the numbers. Dan nods, giving him the approval and hands Holden a pen. He takes it in his hand, then pauses and looks at me.
“Every step of the way?” He asks, studying my expression.
“Not going anywhere.” I repeat.
Everyone in the room watches us, with some of the representatives looking at Holden as if he’s crazy. Dan, however, is used to it. Holden may not confide in him about much, but he does talk to his mom – and I’m sure she tells him everything.
Holden takes a deep breath and signs his name on the line, officially accepting the offer to play professional hockey for the Boston Bruins. When he’s done, he places the pen on top and passes it back across the table.
“Your father would be extremely proud, as am I.” Dan puts his hand on Holden’s, causing him to tear up a little.
“Thanks dad.”
My fiancé stands up and shakes the hands of the businessmen before grabbing my mine and leading us out of the room. I smile proudly up at him. There’s so much of me that’s afraid all the fame and fortune is going to show him he deserves better, but if it makes him this happy – I’ll deal with the anxiety a million times over. I’d give anything in the world to keep that smile on his face.
