Page 93 of Hockey Boy
Because the more I think about it, the more I realize I did fail her all those years ago. At least a little. And that’s likely why she ended things.
I was so obsessed with making it to the NHL that I didn’t see what really mattered. I didn’t see how lost she was. Being with someone so focused, so sure, and so supported couldn’t have been easy.
As the music starts, I nod at the puffins and then head down the aisle with my brothers and Daniel, who’s joining us as a groomsman since he’s Millie’s twin.
In the sand on either side of the aisle, white chairs are set up, facing the water. As we make our way past each row, I note one familiar face after another. It’s a small wedding—only our family, Millie’s family, some of our teammates and their families, as well as a select few friends.
Lake sits beside my mother, holding her two-week-old son Nash. It’s a wonder she’s here, but it was important to the whole family. She and Millie got off to a rocky start, but in the last several months, they’ve grown close.
Gavin kneels in front of the women and presses a kiss to our mother’s cheek. He runs a soft hand over Nash’s head, then gives the new mom a quick peck too. The way Lake beams up at him makes me tear up. I truly dolovelove.
The sun is bright, but the breeze off the water makes the temperature almost bearable as we wait for the music to begin.
I eye the birds hanging with Avery and Damiano, and a bad feeling washing over me. Involving flying creatures in this wedding may not have been Beckett’s best idea.
I tilt to one side and whisper, “How well-behaved are the puffins?”
Beckett runs a hand down the front of his suit coat and surveys the beach. “I don’t know. Probably better behaved than you.”
I scoff. “Right.”
Brooks nudges me. “Will you two be quiet and stop fidgeting? The photographer is taking pictures. If you ruin them, Lennox will kill you. And if Lennox kills you, Aiden, then I’ll somehow be in trouble with Sara, and no one wants to face Sara’s wrath.”
Gavin chuckles. “Yeah, your girl is nuts.”
Brooks points at him. “I’ll let you get away with that, but only because it’s your wedding day.”
Gavin winks. “Sorry. I’ll be good. What is taking the girls so long? It’s ducking hot out.”
As if he’s summoned them, the music starts.
Instantly, his eyes light up. While everyone here will be watching the ladies—and I’m anxious to watch Lennox as she comes down the aisle—I keep my focus trained on the man of the hour. It’s the most beautiful thing, watching him get everything he’s ever wanted.
Sara is the first one down the aisle. Her blond hair is swept to one side, and her peach floor-length chiffon gown flutters around her. When she sees Brooks, she winks. Then, with her focus set on Gavin, she shoots finger guns, making her bouquet bob. “Your bride is beautiful. You’re going to cry.”
Next up is Liv, who remains calm as she makes her way toward us, her long brown hair in loose curls.
When she smiles at Beckett, he shakes his head. “Luckiest ducking guy in the world.”
Winnie, Finn, and Addie are next. Winnie is wearing a peach dress like the bridesmaids, and though she’s wearing a smile, it’s forced.
I make a mental note to drag her out onto the dance floor tonight. I haven’t seen her light up in a while, and I miss the easy smiles she gave out so freely when she was a little girl.
Five-year-old Addie is in a white dress with some kind of tutu. She’s very seriously tossing flower petals as she goes, keeping her focus trained on the basket she’s clutching.
With her next toss, Finn, who’s beside her, gets a face full of petals. Scowling, he yanks the basket from her hand. As they reach the end of the aisle, he pulls back like he’s going to toss it at her. He’s decked out in a tuxedo and looks adorable, save for the attitude. Just as he’s ready to let the basket fly, my father grabs it.
In unison, every one of us up front lets out a relieved sigh.
That could have gone so much worse.
Next up is my sister, Sienna, the youngest Langfield and Millie’s former boss, who is carrying Vivi girl. My niece is wearing a poofy white dress with a peach sash tied around the waist.
It’s in this moment that my joy takes over, and I break out in song. It’s a Jack Black tune. My Millie song, of course. “Peaches, peaches, peaches, peaches, peaches.” I throw a hand up and really lean into the bravado, channeling the opera singer inside me.
Finn tugs on my jacket and stomps on my toes. “Not the time, Uncle Aiden. Bossman says we have to behave.”
Holding one hand out and the other to my chest, I cough out a laugh. “Sorry, guys. The moment got the best of me.”