Her gaze finally landed on him, and she lit up, smiling so big her dimple came out. Jag’s heart threatened to burst. Her loving look made it clear that nothing could come between them.
“Sir?” the waitress asked.
Jag felt a burst of energy and stood, hurried around the waitress, and rushed to Faith. He wanted to swing her off her feet and then kiss her until they had to come up for air, but a small part of him recognized that she must be going through something horrible since it was Blaine’s death day; the redness of her eyes was a giveaway. She’d left Jag standing in that parking lot a couple of hours ago and not been happy with him at all. Why had she come for him now?
“Jag.” She stared up at him with a gaze that reminded him of their teenage years, when she’d adored him and wanted to spend every minute next to him. “We need to talk. We really need to talk.”
Jag nodded. He’d talk until he was blue if it meant another chance with Faith. They could work out all the garbage between them. They had to.
“Jag?” his dad’s voice asked from behind. “Is everything okay?”
His family. He turned back. “Yes. Faith’s going to join us for dinner.” He looked back at her.
She smiled, though he could tell that she really didn’t want to put off whatever she wanted to talk about. He didn’t either, but he hated to just rush out on his family. Jag took her arm and walked her over to the table.
“Faith!” his mom and Brielle squealed at the same time. They both jumped up and hugged her, gushing over her, wanting to know everything she’d been up to the past ten years.
They paused to let the waitress take her and Jag’s orders, and Faith shook her dad’s hand and was introduced to Mason, but then the women were pumping her with questions again. Jag studied her. She looked drained, and yet every time she met his gaze, she sparkled. Was that just wishful thinking on his part? He noticed she left mention of her marriage to Blaine out of the conversation completely. Was that because she thought it would be uncomfortable or hurt them, or did she want to forget the memories of Blaine? That was selfish of him to think, but he wanted to pick up where they’d left off ten years ago and push Blaine from her memory.
Faith enjoyed being around Jag’s family again and was able to get some of the delicious pasta down, even though her stomach was rolling. She kept glancing at Jag, and her heart threatened to burst. He was right here, he hadn’t dumped her, and she still loved him. Did he love her back? The look in his blue eyes seemed to say so, and over the past two days, he’d chased her pretty hard. Had he only chased her to get answers, or did he still feel the special connection between them that had always been there?
The dinner was fun, but finally it ended. They all stood and walked out into the open area of the lodge. His sister, Brielle, who Faith had always adored, said slyly, “I’m guessing you two want some time alone?”
Faith gazed up at him. She definitely wanted some time alone. Where to go, though? She didn’t want to go outside and freeze, but she didn’t want to suggest they go up to his room, and she really didn’t want to take him back to her house.
“Yes, we do,” Jag murmured, slipping his arm around her back.
Faith’s heart walloped in her chest as his warm arm held her against his side. How would it feel to kiss him again? After ten years of fasting from Jag’s touch and kiss, she needed a lot of time alone with him. First she had to share the letter and talk through all the pain, though. “Would you want … a tour of the spa?” That would be a good spot. They could sit in the back therapy room, in their own chairs, and talk. Snuggling together sounded like more fun, but she definitely wouldn’t be getting any talking done then.
Jag’s eyebrows lifted. “Sure.”
He was probably confused how she could be so hot and cold with him, but soon she could explain and hopefully kiss him good and long.
His family said their goodbyes and started walking toward the elevator. The reporter, Sheryl, came from behind Faith and strode up to Jag’s mom. “Are you just thrilled about Jag’s recent engagement?” she asked.
His mom looked at the woman in confusion. “Excuse me?”
Sheryl’s smile became positively wicked. “Did you not know that Jag Parros is engaged to Faith Grainger? It’s beautiful that she could move on from her husband’s death so quickly.”
His mom was still looking a step behind, and Faith didn’t blame her. Faith wasn’t sure why Jag needed to pretend to be engaged to her, and she wished it could be real, but she instinctively didn’t want to give Sheryl any ammo.
“My husband has been gone for a year,” Faith spoke up. “And being engaged to Jag is the happiest I have ever been.”
Jag’s mom gave her a soft smile. “We’re thrilled as well, sweetheart.”
Brielle gave the reporter a contemptuous look. “All of us can hardly wait to have Faith in the family. And who are you?” She looked down her nose at her, and Faith had to hide a laugh.
“I’m an independently contracted reporter,” Sheryl said, all mightier-than-thou.
“You look it,” Brielle said snidely. “Faith, Jag, let’s go upstairs and chat in our suite.”
Jag directed Faith past Sheryl, who was shooting daggers at the entire family. They got into the elevator, and nobody said anything as it ascended. The silence was uncomfortable, and Faith wondered if his family was upset at her for not telling them she’d been married, upset at Jag for lying about being engaged, or just upset at Sheryl for being a piece of work.
They arrived at the sixth floor and walked down the hall. Mason pulled out a key, opened the door, and held it for all of them. Faith was temporarily distracted from her worries about her conversation with his family and her need to get Jag alone, as she drank in the sight of this gorgeous suite. She’d heard the sixth floor was incredible, but this was beyond what she’d expected. The suite was two stories, boasting a spacious living room and kitchen area with a balcony-type railing overlooking them from above. She assumed the bedroom portion was upstairs. The floor-to-ceiling windows gave an incredible view of the mountain to the north and the ski resort, which was lit up for night skiing. She guessed it was one-way glass like her spa. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree towered in the corner, and there were even stockings hanging on the lit fireplace.
Brielle gestured to the couches. “I can’t wait to hear this story,” she said.
“Me either,” Jag’s mom said.
They all settled onto the couches. Jag gave Faith a longing look, and she knew exactly how he felt. She was more than ready to tell him everything and kiss him good and long, but he obviously had something important to tell his family.
Jag spread his hands. “Sheryl is a vicious reporter who has it in for me. She followed me here to try to substantiate rumors that I threw the Islanders game.”
“No brother of mine would throw a game, especially against the Islanders,” Brielle said with disgust.
Mason nodded. “For sure. We’d kick you out of the family.”
Jag’s dad smiled at that, but then he sobered. “What’s really going on, son?”
Jag looked to Faith. Everything was uncertain between them, and she hadn’t even been able to tell him the truth about the letters and Blaine. He seemed to be deciding whether he still trusted her enough to share something. She stared into his blue eyes and willed him to believe that she adored him and would never betray him.
Jag wrapped his hand around hers, and her heart leapt. He took a deep breath and said, “My contract’s up for renewal after this season. I know I’ve got a lot more years in me. My agent asked me to come here and try to get some good publicity. Little did I know that Sheryl would follow me in hopes of making me look even worse.” He squeezed Faith’s hand, smiling. “I lied and said I was engaged to Faith. I figured being engaged to her would be the best publicity I could get.”
Brielle winked. “Definitely would up your stock, bro.”
“Just like you do mine,” Mason said, tugging her close an
d tenderly kissing her on the forehead.
Faith loved that they were so cute, but she sensed something else was going on with Jag. He was an unreal hockey player. Why would he need more good publicity?
Jag’s mom smiled at Mason and Brielle, but then she turned to Jag. “Why be fake engaged? Let’s do this for real.”
Faith’s heart started pumping hard and fast.
Jag looked down at her with as much tenderness as Mason had just looked at Brielle. “I would love to, but Faith and I have some things to work out.”
“I want to work them out, though,” she managed to squeak through her constricted throat. She didn’t want to do this in front of his family, but she definitely wanted to talk. Now.
They stared at each other until Jag’s dad broke the connection. “We’d be thrilled to have you in the family, Faith. I want to let you two go work those things out, but there’s something else, son. You didn’t look like yourself in that game against the Islanders. Are you injured and trying to hide that?”
Jag’s hand tightened around hers. She leaned closer to him, trying to relay her support. Whatever was going on, she and his family would be here.
He looked around at everyone, and she followed his gaze. His mom and dad, Brielle, and Mason all looked concerned and interested. Faith had never felt as comfortable with Blaine’s family as she did with Jag’s family. There was so much love in this room.
“I was actually diagnosed with the flu after,” Jag admitted. “That’s why I felt so weak and had to pull myself from that game, but when I went in to the doctor and they ran a bunch of tests.” He swallowed and then pushed out, “They discovered I have multiple sclerosis.”
The room was quiet for half a beat, and then Brielle exploded. “No!” she cried out. “You’ve always been healthy and strong and … no!” Mason pulled her close, and she buried her head in his chest.
Faith couldn’t speak. She was clinging to Jag’s hand every bit as fiercely as he was clinging to hers. Multiple sclerosis? Jag? When she stared at him, he looked to be the picture of health, but the debilitating disease picked and chose whoever it wanted. Her body hurt just thinking about him having to deal with this. Would his strength deteriorate? Would he be in a wheelchair? What would his future look like now?
His mom didn’t say anything, but tears streamed down her pretty face. His dad pulled his mom close and looked to Jag, asking, “What are your doctors saying?”
“The prognosis is really hopeful. They said the symptoms are usually slow to progress. I mean, they can’t guarantee it, and some people deteriorate quickly or in stops and starts, but with the right treatment, they’re really hopeful that we can delay the symptoms for years and I can live a full life. I might eventually be in a wheelchair, but some have avoided that. There’s no cure, but there are a lot of ideas to try, alternative treatments and therapies, and a specialized diet can sometimes help.” He shrugged, but his eyes betrayed how concerned he was, maybe even scared.
Faith had never seen him look anything but strong and confident. She wouldn’t blame him if he dissolved into a puddle of tears.
“Honestly, the doctors are really encouraging. They believe my progression will be slow, especially with staying on top of treatments. I haven’t been that focused on the disease, more trying to keep it from the media, coaches, and owner, so I can renew my contract and keep playing.”
“But son …” His dad shook his head. “This is not something you can just work harder at and get rid of. Maybe you should look at giving up hockey.”
“Give up hockey?” Jag stared at him as if he’d grown two heads. “No. I’ve got the best doctors in the nation. They’re going to help me fight it, delay the progress, and I’m going to keep playing.”
Faith loved his determination, but she had to know. “Is intense exercise recommended for someone with this disease?”
Jag kind of glowered down at her. He’d never get outright upset at her, but he didn’t like her question. “Not really, but you know I’m not the average human.” He forced a smile, winking at her.
“Jag.” His mom’s voice was soft and concerned. “Will you promise me to listen to the doctors?”
Jag nodded quickly. “I promise. I know it’s a little unconventional, a hockey star with multiple sclerosis, but I feel like I can fight this, prolong the symptoms manifesting themselves, and still be successful at hockey for at least a few more years.” He looked around and said quietly, “Can you support me in this and not tell anyone?”
Mason nodded decisively. “Of course, man.”
Brielle’s eyes were full of sadness, but she whispered, “You know we will.”
“As long as you listen if the doctors tell you to stop playing,” his dad said.
“I will.” It sounded like Jag had to force out those words. Faith couldn’t imagine how hard that was.
His mom stood and rushed across the small space. Jag released Faith’s hand, stood, and opened his arms. He held his mother close as she cried. The room was otherwise silent.
Faith should’ve felt like an outsider, but she didn’t. She could hear Jag murmuring to his mom, “It’s going to be okay. It’s going to be okay.”
She wondered if he was trying to reassure himself as well. She remembered how terrifying it had been for Blaine when he’d been diagnosed with the brain tumor. This was very different, as Jag could potentially live a long life, but it was still scary to wonder what was coming and if he would end up weak and in a wheelchair. As she looked up at his strong body, embracing his much smaller mother, she could not even imagine him weak.
His mom finally pulled back and wiped at her eyes. She glanced down at Faith. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
Faith put a hand on her heart. “Me? I’m just worried about Jag and all of you.”
His mom eyed her perceptively. “This might change your future too.”
Jag squeezed his mom and said, “I’ve got to talk her into marrying me before we ruin her future with her husband having a stupid disease.”
“You all know how much work he’s got cut out if he thinks he’s talking me into marrying him,” Faith said, faking sass. The letter. Soon it would be time to share it with him. How would he react? He was already dealing with so much.
Everyone laughed in relief. Jag looked around at his family. “I think that’s my cue to get her alone and do some serious talking.”
“Don’t let your devoted family, who all adore you, keep you. All you want to do is get in some serious kissing,” Brielle flung at him.
Jag pumped his eyebrows. “Smart sister I’ve got.”
Faith’s stomach was tumbling with excitement and nerves. She was still processing this disease Jag was dealing with, but now it was time to share the truth with him about Blaine and the letters. Some serious kissing would hopefully follow.
They all stood, and Jag took his time hugging each of his family members, lingering in embracing his mom. Faith gave them each a quick hug, and then Jag took her hand and led her from the room. The meaningful look in his eyes as he walked her across the hall to what must’ve been his suite was exciting, unnerving, and terrifying. They were finally going to talk. She was more than ready. If only she could anticipate how Jag would respond.
Chapter Seven
Jag couldn’t believe it. He felt better than he had since before the diagnosis. No, better than he’d felt since he’d left Lonepeak Valley and this incredible woman ten years ago. She’d come for him, on Blaine’s death day, no less. She’d held his hand as he shared the horrific news with his family. He pushed the diagnosis and his uncertain future from his mind. All that mattered to him was Faith. Would she want to be with him, knowing he might degenerate? Could they put the pain behind them and be together? She seemed open to talking about being engaged for real.
He loved his mom for bringing that up. He’d hugged her and tried to comfort her after sharing his news, while in reality she was the one comforting him like she’d always done, making him feel l
ike he was ten again.
His entire family had taken the news much better than he’d expected. Brielle had exploded, but that was normal for Brielle. She’d calmed down quickly. He didn’t love that he’d promised he’d quit hockey if it was causing the disease to progress, but his doctors had been encouraging so far. He was in amazing shape, it was an illness with an unknown progression, and he could prolong the symptoms. He tried not to look too far into the future, what being weak and wheelchair-bound might do to him, but the thought of having Faith by his side gave him strength. If he could talk her into it.
They walked into his room. The maid service had left low lights on above the cabinets, and the Christmas tree sparkled in the corner. His suite was on the valley side, and the view was incredible during the day. Right now, the parking lot was glowing below them and he could see lights scattered throughout the small valley, concentrated along the main street.
He didn’t turn on the overhead lights, preferring the more romantic lighting and hoping he could convince Faith to talk everything through and give him a chance. He’d forgive her for writing him off, and for marrying Blaine, of course he would.
They settled side by side on the couch. He turned slightly toward her and let his eyes trail over her beautiful face, those dark eyes that he loved, the slightly upturned nose, the smooth skin, and her firm jaw. His eyes lingered on her full lips, and he forced himself to meet her gaze again. The lips would come later. He hoped.
“Faith, I …” He shook his head. “I want you to know that I forgive you for writing me off. I would always forgi—”
“Jag,” she interrupted him. “Thank you for being willing to forgive me, but I have to share something with you before you say anything else.”
He stopped and nodded, but the too-serious look in her eyes was scaring him a little bit. Was there something besides her Dear John letter and marrying his former best friend between them? He already had enough to deal with, battling this disease and fighting to keep performing as a renowned hockey star. Yet all of that faded in the background as he stared at her and waited for what she was going to say. He’d love her no matter what, and he was coming to this with his own baggage. It wasn’t going to be easy for her if she committed to love him and he got weak and maybe died prematurely.
Her Hockey Superstar Fake Fiancé: A Strong Family Romance Companion Novel Page 6