Page 89 of Season's Schemings
“What the hell is that?” Aaron demands with a frown.
“Focus, man.” That has to be Dallas, clicking his tongue. “Sheesh. And y’all thoughtmyvideo was bad.”
On-screen Aaron rolls his eyes. “Uh, anyhow, Seb wanted you to know that he hopes you found the dress—or gown or whatever—of your dreams, and that you feel like a bride. When you’re seeing this video, you should be at the hotel, and if you hear noise from down the hallway, it’s just us guys getting ready in our suite. Seb—well, Jimmy, actually—picked out gray…”
“It’s called charcoal, dumbass,” off-screen Jimmy yells, earning another Aaron eyeroll.
“Fine,charcoalsuits, ‘coz he thought you’d like them and they’d match the flowers or something.” He makes a face, his eyes darting to the side as he asks, “Am I done now? Is that it? I’m good?”
He looks back at the camera, his face relieved. “Cool. Well, see ya later, Maddie.”
The video ends, and I’m laugh-crying.
Stef grins and squeezes my arm. “You okay?”
“An entire NHL team planned a surprise wedding for me,” I choke out.
“Wait ‘til you see what’s next…” She opens the door to the suite, and I, quite literally, gasp.
Not only is the suite absolutely stunning, but along one wall is a selection of blush pink bridesmaids dresses arranged on hangers. On the table, there’s a selection of bouquets, made up of—you guessed it—calla lilies and peonies and freesias.
A huge makeup and hair station are set up to the side of the room, with a freaking fleet of makeup artists and hairdressers waiting.
“This is insane!” I squeak.
Reagan laughs. “I wish someone loved me the way that man loves you.”
I’m the luckiest woman alive.
SEB
Ten…
The countdown to the new year has officially started, and there’s got to be at least a hundred people gathered on the makeshift dance floor of our wedding reception venue.
Jax somehow managed to secure the super-cool, modern bistro where he works at the last-minute. Sure, I ended up forking out compensation for all the reservations that had to be canceled, but it was totally worth it. I just hope that Jax won’t have to deal with too many disgruntled customers as a result of this.
From what I could see, only one petite brunette showed up to complain, but at the sight of her knocking on the front door, Jax muttered “oh,she’sback” and sent one of the other bar staff to talk to her.
Nine…
Somehow, my teammates and I managed to pull off a miracle. The hotel ballroom was the perfect high-end winter wonderland for the ceremony, while the reception here at one of Maddie’s favorite restaurants has been awesome and low-key.
The entire bar is decorated in twinkling fairy lights, candles, and Maddie’s favorite flowers. Authentic thin-crust Italian pizza—my wife’s favorite—was served to the guests for our meal, followed by a cake topped with a hockey-playing gingerbread man standing next to a smiling gingerbread lady. Which was perfect.
Eight…
In fact, it’s been the perfect day from start to finish. And it’s definitely not due to my dumb jock brain’s lack of vocabulary that I’m unable to find another descriptor… it’s because “perfect” is the only word for it.
Because the sight of Maddie walking up the aisle in that white dress earlier, her eyes fixed only on me, is an image that’s going to be burned into my memory forever.
Seven…
This time, we did it right. Personal vows, promises that we intend to keep.
Because I mean what I say, and say what I mean, and I’m going to love Maddie for eternity—mark my words.
Coach Torres officiated, which was both bizarre and amazing. A consolation prize for him not getting his karaoke moment at this year’s New Year’s party.