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He carries me up the stairs and I feel the strain of his muscles. I take in his pecs, his gorgeous shoulders.
He gently places me on the bed and we make love slowly. This time it’s more of an exploration as he tests my erogenous areas, and I take my time learning what gets him hot and bothered. When we finally pass out, it’s with smiles and full hearts.
EPILOGUE
One monthlater
I lie in bed with tear-filled eyes and Connor comes to cuddle up behind me. Nana’s funeral was today and even though I had been expecting her death for months, I still wasn’t prepared to say goodbye.
Syd comes up to our bedroom door. “Daddy, is Ellie, okay?”
“Come here, sweet girl,” I say to her. She climbs on the bed in front of me and I gather her in my arms. I have Connor holding me from behind and Syd in front.
“Are you okay?” she repeats.
“I’m sad, but it’s normal to be sad when you lose someone you love,” I say to her. “I’m just grateful to have you and your daddy here with me.”
“I’m glad too,” she says.
Teddy jumps on the bed and he begins to lick Syd’s face before he moves on to me.
We all laugh, the sound filling up the room. “We love you too, Teddy.”
“He’s the best,” Syd agrees.
I’m reminded that life goes on. That Nana wanted me to live life to the fullest. True to her word she left her hockey team, the New Jersey Rockets, to me. Connor is still young and has a full career ahead of him, so he isn’t ready for a management position yet. I don’t know anything about hockey, but I’ve been seeing the appeal, and knowing the team meant so much to my grandparents has given me a renewed interest. That is why I will start shadowing the President of Hockey Operations and the GM. I’m going to learn the business slowly, since there is a lot to learn, and I don’t want to burn my grandparents’ legacy to the ground. It will also mean that I will still have time for Syd and my art.
My phone buzzes. “I should check that,” I say to Syd and Connor, who both have me in their grip.
“Deal with it tomorrow,” Connor says.
“I’m okay,” I say, and I shift out of their embrace to reach for my phone on the night table on my side of the bed. Since our wedding, my life has been a whirlwind. We went to Europe, returned. The Rangers won the Stanley Cup and we went to California to watch Skylar and Liam marry.
I have a text from Sybil, asking if it’s okay if she comes to town next week to hang out with Syd and me.
I turn back to look at Syd. “Your mom wants to hang out with us next week,” I share carefully.
I watch her chin tilt down and a pout form on her lips. Connor watches me carefully.
“Sweetie, I really think she wants to get to know you. I think it’s okay to give people another chance,” I urge.
“Are you giving your brothers another chance? I heard them talking to you at the funeral,” Syd retorts.
Connor chuckles behind me. This kid is smart and she’s got me there.
“Syd, my brothers were upset that Nana left me the hockey team. They didn’t want another chance with me. They just wanted me to sign over the team because I know nothing about hockey,” I explain.
“But Daddy knows,” she answers.
“Yes, he does,” I agree. “And he’s going to teach me how things work so I can eventually be in charge.”
“I want a hockey team too. Crew said he’s going to be a hockey player. That means I can be his boss.”
Connor and I are both laughing now. This kid is too much. Grown-up Crew is going to be in so much trouble. Even though my heart is filled with sadness over Nana, I am still capable of laughter. I’m reminded that life goes on and she will always be in my heart.
“So, what do you say about your mom? I think things will be different this time. We should give her a second chance,” I encourage.
“You need to come,” Syd says.
