Page 74 of Breakaway
“Eh, I’ve seen better,” Reese said, giggling when I turned and scowled. “Someone has to keep your ego in check.”
Sticking out my tongue like the mature adult I was, I slipped on the heels, only slightly wobbly as I took my first step. Damn, these were worse than skates.
“Let’s hope I don’t break my ankle. Now I know it was definitely Scar who picked this out and packed it. Only she would try to torture me this much.”
Reese laughed, not disagreeing. Tossing all my dirty clothes into the garment bag, I sat it with the others on a rack by the door and headed out with Reese. When I realized the dress had pockets, all my previous ire with Scar evaporated.
“Shut up. It has pockets!”
“I knew you’d like that,” Scar said as I exited. “Looking hot, lover!”
The other girls catcalled and whistled, giving me a natural blush as I joined them. Sera had the biggest smile as I sat down, reinforcing my happiness at having done this for her. She’d given me a new direction in life, a place to recuperate when I needed it, so I was happy I could be part of giving her something in return.
“Someone will be by to take our bags back to the hotel. Now it’s dinner, and then the real fun begins. Sorry, youngsters.”
“Totally cool with it,” Briana said. “I love Sera, but there are some things I don’t want to know about my future stepmom.” She laughed, and Sera blew her a kiss.
A party bus was waiting for us outside, and I sighed in relief, worried I would’ve had to walk in these heels. I needed a lot of drinks before that could happen.
“This has been the best time so far. Thanks for coming to celebrate with me,” Sera gushed as everyone got situated.
“We’re so thrilled for you,” Beth said, squeezing her arm. “It’s been too long since we’ve all gotten together. I’m so glad we could make it happen.”
“Same,” Lisa said. “I’ve missed all of you.”
On and on it went as everyone updated the group on their lives between work, kids, and relationships. Only a few of us were still playing hockey, and I wondered if that was a sign. Was it time to hang up my skates?
It didn’t feel like it, but maybe I was only kidding myself. Everyone else was settling down and starting families. Would I be behind if I waited?
“Your turn, Henley. I’m not sure how your situation works, but any wedding bells in your future?”
“Huh.” I blinked, having zoned out, and then surprised by the question. “Oh. Um. I dunno.” My cheeks reddened again.
“Come on, Henshaw. Give us the deets. You and Scar are living a fantasy come to life. Let us live vicariously through y'all,” Beth prodded, her southern accent thick.
“I never really thought about it with Dakota, which should’ve been a red flag. And while I can’t exactly marry three men, I know I want to be with them for the rest of my life. I don’t know if that answers your question or not.”
I sat there with the realization I meant it. If this was a traditional relationship, I could see myself planning a wedding and having babies with any of them.
“Just because it can’t be legal doesn’t mean you still can’t do it,” Lisa said, smiling at me. “There’s commitment ceremonies and ways to care for any offspring legally. All four of you are successful in your own right, so it’s not like you need your spouse’s income or insurance, but you could create a trust and pool your resources together.” I gaped at her; everything she said sounded so easy.
“Sorry, my husband is a wealth advisor.” She cringed as I continued to stare open mouthed.
“No, please share. I’m just realizing how little I know,” I admitted.
“Well, I hear all these options daily, and there are tons of possibilities. You don’t have to think of marriage as just two people.” She shrugged, her cheeks rosy.
My mind felt like it would explode as I stared at her. It sounded so simple when she said it. Hope that a future of my own was possible built in my mind as the other girls chatted.
Lisa was right. I could make my life look however I wanted. And I wanted to be with my three men, building a life and future together, wherever that took us.
* * *
“I’ll see you in the morning, and you promise not to get into trouble?” I asked Reese.
Dinner had finished, and Reese and Briana were headed up to the hotel suite where Cam and Braden were. I trusted them all, but I also remembered being a teenager. Plus, with the enemies we had, it made me slightly more paranoid. I wondered if I could ask one of the Alpha Security guys to stay back and watch their room…
“Yes. I promise.” Reese rolled their eyes. “We have a gaming and movie marathon planned. We won’t answer the door for any strangers, and we’ll stay put. There’s too much on the line to risk getting into trouble.”