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Even though I know he wants me to say it’s all fine, I can’t. Because even though it was for my own protection, he lied to me. And he believed in the good of his wife when he should have known me enough to know better. That I’d never cut him from my life the way she led him to believe.
“I can’t,” I whisper. “Not right now anyway.”
He nods slowly. “Take all the time you need. But when you’re ready…I’ll be here.” He glances at Brody. “I’m sorry that I played a role in keeping your mother away.”
Brody shakes his head. “You didn’t. She wasn’t coming back either way.”
And then he turns and leaves. And I follow. Because, damn it, that’s my family.
Hunter brings my hand to his lips. “I love you so much. You know that, right?”
“I do. And I love you too.” I smile. “Now, take me home. I’ve had enough crazy for one day.”
“Same, babe. Same.”
30
Sutton
Seven Months Later
Idrag a long, exaggerated breath of beach air into my lungs, closing my eyes and soaking in the sunshine as it hits my face. Even the air seems easier to breathe. Or maybe it’s just that today is the first day of our new beginning. Because today, we moved into our new home in Florida.
Right. On. The. Freaking. Beach.
And I’m not talking about a yucky, smelly, seaweed-covered beach. This is fine white sand that massages your feet while you walk in it.
When the Tampa Bay Lightning called Hunter last winter, offering him a spot, I was so happy for him. And he was excited too. But he was also concerned because I still had two more years left before I was graduating, and the last thing he wanted to do was ruin any future plans I had. But after taking some time—a week, to be exact—where I thought long and hard about what I wanted and what would make me happy, I realized I didn’t have a real reason to be at Brooks. I no longer wanted to dance competitively. And I had no idea what degree I was trying to go after. And then I said,Screw it. Because I knew what I wanted, and that was Hunter. The rest we’d figure out when we moved.
And we did. Because when we came to Florida to see our house, we got to swing by the arena, where I met Hunter’s coaches. And after they learned my past with dancing, it turned out, they knew a dance studio nearby in desperate need of an instructor. After a few phone calls…I was in.
I had never considered working with children until the night of the charity event. And now, I couldn’t be more excited.
Not only is Tampa Bay an amazing opportunity for Hunter, but it’s also going to provide a better environment to keep my asthma at bay. And the cherry on top is that my brother, Brody, plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Truthfully, I wonder if he put in a good word for Hunter to get him the offer he received. Even so, Hunter is a damn good player, and they are lucky to have him.
Now, Hunter and I will get to be close to my brother and his adorable family. And there’s no greater blessing than that.
I miss the hell out of Ryann. And I feel terrible for leaving her. But somehow, I think Watson is keeping her plenty busy. Who would have thought that my friend who claimed to hate athletes would fall for the Wolves goalie? I talk to Lana from time to time, but we never really had a chance to get close anyway. And Poppy…well, surprisingly, she apologized for being such a bitch to me. Her words, not mine. But we both knew we’d never consider ourselves friends. Sometimes, you just don’t like someone, plain and simple. And the truth is, I don’t like her. And she certainly doesn’t like me.
I’ve kept in touch with Sam, who I actually call Dad again even though he didn’t father me. Right after everything went down between my mother and me, he filed for divorce. And though I have no idea where she is now, he’s put in the work to remain my family. Besides, he beats the hell out of my real father from what Brody has told me.
Not only did my dad find out that my mother had lied about Brody and me, but he also learned that his relationship with the Thompsons had been sabotaged by Helen because she was the one who planted the seed to start the drama. Apparently, she didn’t want Sam to give them the land because she felt like her and my father weren’t getting enough money for it. That all might suck in some ways, but now that everyone knows the truth and the one rotten apple in the batch—known as Helen—is gone, my dad and Hunter’s parents have become friends again.
Hunter’s parents are far from perfect, but after he got the call from the Tampa Bay Lightning last winter, they took the news strangely well. And not only that, but they also even came to a few of his games. Including the Frozen Four, where his team won. I think it finally clicked that their son was never going to be a doctor and that it was time to accept him for who he was. Which is an incredible athlete who is going to be a lot of people’s hero.
Arms wrap around my waist, and Hunter buries his face in my neck. “Thought I might find you out here, Little Bird.”
I giggle, putting my hands on his. “I’m procrastinating. Because honestly, I don’t want to unpack.”
“So, don’t,” he mutters, kissing my neck. “I can think of a few other things we could do to pass the time.”
“Oh, yeah?” I blush, thinking he means sex. “What’s that?”
“Well, for starters, we’re probably sweaty after moving in today. Could use a wash.”
I shiver. “Mmhmm…”
Just when I’m about to turn toward him, going in for a kiss, he lifts me onto his shoulder, running down the beach and toward the waves.
