by Kristen Echo
Carly and Theo hugged each of them. The young couple reminded Gwen of her and Spencer when they were that age. So vibrant and full of dreams.
“Great party,” Theo said. “Hope you have a great evening, sir.”
“Glad you could make it. Are you ready for another winning season?” Spencer asked.
“You know it. If I could convince this one to move in with me, I’d be unstoppable.” He bumped hips with his lady.
“Theo this is not the place for this convo,” she chastised, as she tucked her auburn curls behind her ears. “Happy birthday, Mr. Northcote.”
“I’m wearing her down. If Benny and I had our way, you and Beth would be out of the dorms next semester. It’s gonna happen.” He winked. “Seriously though, I’ve been working on my slap—”
“I can’t believe you guys think you’re wearing us down. Keep dreaming superstar. And save the shop talk for another time. Let’s go grab a piece of chocolate cake.” Carly pulled her boyfriend away.
Gwen laughed as Miranda and her husband Chuck approached. Miranda worked with Carly at a diner located outside of the city. Gwen had become addicted to their pies after Wes brought one home at the start of the summer. During her weekly trips, she’d become friends with the waitress who was ready to deliver her first child any day.
“Miranda, I’m thrilled you made it.” She kissed her cheek and then hugged her husband. “How are you feeling?”
The couple had been over to the house a few times. Spencer and Chuck got along famously. They talked about the old days when they used to aspire to play hockey professionally. Chuck was trying to convince him to join his community league. It was a work in progress.
Miranda rubbed her big belly. “We weren’t sure we’d make it. I’ve been having those Braxton Hicks contractions for a while. Today is the worst. They are… ouch.” She inhaled and her face scrunched. “We still have two weeks to go. False labor sucks.”
Gwen glanced at her friend’s stomach. The baby had dropped and was sitting very low. She was about to comment on the position when something wet splashed against her foot. She looked down at the puddle forming under Miranda.
Chuck gasped. “Babe, I don’t think it’s false labor. Your water broke.”
“Oh my goodness.” She wrapped her hands around her abdomen. Her long blonde hair had been left down, caressing the sides of her belly. Grabbing her husband’s arm, she breathed through another contraction. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for the mess. I think it’s time we head to the hospital.”
“The baby is coming now?” Spencer’s eyes widened. “Let’s call an ambulance. My girls both came really fast after the water broke.”
Gwen patted his hand. “Or it could take hours. I won’t give you my horror story, but you probably have time.”
Chuck’s smile couldn’t have been any bigger as he searched his pocket. “Got the keys. Your bag is in the back. Let’s go meet our baby.”
“We parked a million miles away,” Miranda said through clenched teeth. “Wish me luck so we don’t deliver on the sidewalk.”
Spencer smiled. “Good luck. I’d be honored to share a birthday with your little one.”
Chuck wrapped his arms around his wife protectively. “We’ll be sure to call and update you later. Enjoy your party.”
“My car is parked steps from the entrance. I’ll drive you.” Luka Pedlansky offered. His accent was so thick Gwen almost didn’t understand him.
His wife, Jill, rolled her eyes. “You’re a slow driver,” she snickered. “I’ll get you both to the hospital quickly and in one piece,” she added.
“I don’t care how I get there, as long as we leave right now.” Miranda waved and hobbled towards the exit.
Gwen and Spencer shuffled away from the amniotic fluid on the floor as Hailey and Joe approached. Joe Larson was a winger and his fiancé Hailey was also with child.
“Please tell me you’re not ready to deliver too?” Spencer joked.
Hailey patted her baby bump. “Better not happen yet. It’s too early to meet little Donna.”
“It’s a girl,” Gwen shrieked. Wes and the rest of the group had been hounding the couple for weeks to share the gender, but the couple had been keeping their secret.
Joe beamed and ran his fingers through his short hair. “If it’s a girl, we’re naming her after my sister. If it’s a boy, we were thinking Spencer. But you’ll have to wait to find out.”
Spencer slapped the hockey player’s arm as he cleared his throat. “Both are great names. You will be an amazing father.”
“Speaking of great dads, I’ll be next.” Martin Thomas and his wife Sylvie joined them.
They were another young couple expecting their first child. Baby talk monopolized the conversation. It had been a long time since Gwen had held a baby. As she glanced at her partner, she saw the same pang of longing in his eyes.
“Ever think about having another?” she whispered into his ear.
Was it crazy to think about having more kids at their age?
His lip lifted into a sinful half-smile that made her wish they weren’t surrounded by people. “All the time.”
Having a baby in her forties wasn’t on the cards for Gwen. “We could foster or adopt. There are so many kids in need of a good home. Let’s continue this later at home.”
“Deal.” He squeezed her hand. “Have I told you how much I love you?”
Gwen spotted Wes chatting with Meagan, Connie’s previous caregiver. Meagan had taken an assignment looking after Cameron Smith’s daughter. Once the couple got engaged, she never returned. Cam also played in the NHL and his little girl and Connie were close friends. The couple came often and Gwen considered them an extension to their family.
“All the time,” she replied. “It’s time for one of your presents.”
While the guests mingled, a slideshow of Spencer’s life played on the stage. Gwen had spent countless hours going over the footage to create something she hoped he’d love. Pictures and videos of him as a boy, of him and Gwen when they first fell in love, of him and his wife and their children filled the big screen.
As she watched his eyes water, she knew she’d hit the mark. Soft music played as the slides rolled on. When it ended, he kissed her like they were alone. His lips covered hers as his tongue roamed her mouth with deep languid strokes. She didn’t pull away. Even as she heard the catcalls and snickering, she held him close and kissed him with all the love she possessed.
Caroline interrupted them. “All right, that’s enough. Get up there and say a few words.”
“I’m happy right here,” he replied.
His daughter coaxed him to go on the stage. He dragged Gwen up there with him. Spencer grabbed the microphone and gained the crowds attention. He was used to making speeches and commanding a group. Gwen’s pulse raced as all eyes focused on them. She wanted to dart off the stage, but she remained glued by his side.
“Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to celebrate with me. I’m another year older, and I am one lucky guy to be this loved.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “I also want to thank my better half. Gwen, I had no idea tonight would be like this. I expected a very different birthday present.”
Gwen bit her lip and swallowed hard. “I hope you’re not disappointed,” she whispered away from the mic.
“Not possible,” he replied with a wink.
When he reached into his pocket and dropped to one knee, she thought her heart might explode. He opened a tiny box, and a diamond ring sparkled in the center. Gwen’s hand fluttered over her mouth as she gasped. With every passing second, she came closer to fainting.
“Breathe, Darlin’.” He smiled and squeezed her hand. “I need you to stay with me. Okay?”
She nodded, fighting back tears.
Spencer cleared his throat. “Gwen, I fell in love with you a long time ago, but our timing was off. When you stumbled back into my life,
I wasn’t prepared for how hard I would fall all over again. One look was all it took. Your inner beauty shines so damn bright. I love you with all my heart. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes,” she breathed. “I would love to wear your ring and be your wife.”
The room erupted in cheers as he slipped the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly.
“I love you,” he said, rising to his full height and hugging her.
She kissed him. Softly sucking on his lower lip. “I love you so much.”
Gwen glanced at the ring. The elegant solitary diamond was beautiful. It took her breath away just like the man who gave it to her. His parents rushed from the curtains along the side of the stage and congratulated them. Their presence surprised them both, but she was elated everyone they loved could share in the celebration. The kids came on stage next and soon they were swarmed with congratulations.
It seemed like forever before they had a moment alone. Spencer kissed her hard. Her toes curled, and she clung to his lapels to stay upright. She could almost taste the love between them. It was intoxicating.
Their eyes locked as he pressed his forehead against hers. “I’ve always loved you. Let there be no more doubt.”
“You’re the one.” She smiled and held his hand over her heart. “You own my heart and my love for as long as I live.”
“I belong to you, heart and soul, for as long as I live. I bought that ring when I was nineteen. It’s been waiting a long time to be on your finger.” He exhaled and pressed her hand over his heart.
Their hearts beat as one.
True happiness was hard to process. Some things were worth waiting for. Spencer Northcote was definitely worth the wait.
EPILOGUE
T he wedding day had arrived. Gwen leaned against the dresser in her bedroom and looked at her bridal party. They were ready and so was she.
Miranda bounced her son on her lap as Gwen searched for his bib. The baby had a head full of blonde hair. “Keep away from my little spitter. I don’t want to see a breast milk stain on your wedding dress.” “A bit of spit up won’t ruin anything,” Gwen replied. “Besides, Spencer wants our ring bearer to wear the little bib with the Puck Battle hockey sticks emblem on the front.”
“I found it.” Wes tied the bib around the future NHLer’s neck. “Are you ready to marry Spencer?”
“Nice people don’t have to finish last,” Cherie said, holding two bouquets. “I think they are both ready for this next step.”
Gwen smiled at her sister and daughter. “More than ready. Let’s get this show on the road and not keep him waiting any longer.”
“Good answer,” Caroline said as she adjusted the veil on Gwen’s head.
The white sheer fabric ghosted across her face. She was a bride. This was a day she thought would never come.
The girls had insisted she have a big white wedding. Spencer had attempted to steal her away and elope the day after his birthday, but the kids wanted a backyard wedding. Neither of them could deny their request. The only stipulation was it had to be soon.
They wanted to be wed before they met with their foster care caseworker at the end of September. Even with all of Spencer’s connections and money, that was the soonest appointment available. They hadn’t told the girls about a potential sibling. Not until they knew for sure their family would be growing.
Traditions and superstitions didn’t factor into her wedding plans. Gwen had refused to spend the night away from her fiancé. They woke up in each other’s arms and started their wedding day with a proper three course orgasm. She worried she’d walk funny down the aisle, but she didn’t care.
“Thank you.” She walked over to the dresser and grabbed the lockets from the top drawer. She’d bought one for each daughter and one for her sister. As she handed them out, she felt her mother’s presence close to her heart. Cherie had given her their mother’s old locket to wear for the day as her something borrowed. The gesture had been unexpected and caused a ten-minute fountain to spill from her eyes.
“I love you all beyond measure.” She choked up and paused to catch her breath. “My family.” She covered her heart and blinked away the tears.
“Thank goodness for waterproof mascara,” Miranda joked.
Connie stared out the window, rocking on her heels. Her pale, pink bridesmaid dress swayed above her knees. “He’s ready. I can see Daddy standing under the pergola.”
Picturing him at the alter sent butterflies dancing in her belly, but she was surprisingly calm. There wasn’t an ounce of doubt that this decision was the right one. She’d loved Spencer for over twenty years. A legal piece of paper wouldn’t change anything except her last name.
She joined her daughter at the window and peered at her future. The sun kissed the horizon as swirls of pink, purple and orange mingled. An explosion of flowers decorated the grass aisle. The chairs were full and so was her heart. The scene below was even more beautiful than she’d imagined. Her teenage dreams were coming true.
Gwen climbed down the stairs and listened to the music as everyone followed the path and got into position. She gripped Westlyn’s arm as the crowd rose to their feet. Her eyes found his. The deep blue hypnotized her and everyone else melted away. His full lips parted as he returned her smile. He looked delectable in a tux.
Was it wrong to skip the cake and go right for dessert?
“Keep walking,” Wes whispered.
She giggled and raced the rest of the way, dragging her daughter down the aisle. “It’s time.”
Westlyn placed Gwen’s hand in Spencer’s and stood beside her as she spoke her vows.
They declared their love in front of their family and friends. Holding hands and staring into each other’s eyes, they promised to be faithful. They pledged to take care of each other forevermore.
As soon as the ring slid onto his finger, Spencer dipped Gwen backwards and kissed her. He didn’t wait for the announcement of husband and wife to seal their fate. His lips crashed into hers. He claimed her mouth and her heart just as he had the first night they met.
Under a blanket of twinkling stars and glittering lights, Gwen married her best friend and the love of her life. She was glad they had hired a photographer and videographer to capture the special moments because she was too focused on him to remember any of it.
There was nothing simple about Spencer and the wedding was a lavish event. NHL royalty were there, along with half the city. They greeted their guests and thanked everyone for coming. Speeches were quick, but everyone had something to say it seemed.
Luka and Jill Pedlandsky held up their glass. “May the happy couple never fight,” Jill said.
“But if they do, make up fast and hard,” Luka added, earning him a smack from his wife.
Laughter filled the yard. The toasts seemed never ending. It didn’t take long for the conversation to switch from love and flowers to pucks and the Stanley Cup.
Not that she minded. Hockey held her interest more than table runners and lace.
Martin and Sylvie stood next, holding their glasses above their heads. “May your marriage be as successful as our last season.” Sylvie smiled. Gwen loved her French accent. “You’ll share many ups and downs.”
“In bed,” Martin joked. “And may you always come out on top.”
The group cheered. It was obvious the booze was working its way through the group. As the toasts turned progressively more inappropriate.
Sergei, the newest draft pick, downed his beer and grabbed a glass of champagne from a tray. “You’re lucky to have found each other. I hope this luck follows us into next season.”
Everyone cheered to the couple and another Stanley Cup victory.
Spencer stood and Gwen joined him. “The next season is just around the corner and the future is anyone’s guess,” he said, hugging Gwen tighter. “I’d love our team to win another Cup. But right now, I’d love to take my wife and—”
“Thanks everyone for your well wis
hes,” she interrupted, not knowing where he would go with that statement. If his thoughts were following hers, it wasn’t meant for public consumption. “Enjoy your night,” she added.
If it had been up to Spencer and Gwen, they would have skipped the rest of the formalities and left for the honeymoon as soon as they’d cut the cake. But they stayed.
Caroline’s band, Altered Chords, played a ballade for their first dance. Nathan sang the hauntingly perfect love song Caroline had written for them. It was touching and Gwen cried. She’d held back the waterworks through the ceremony but hearing her daughter’s words proved to be too much. The tears poured down her cheeks as Connie, Westlyn and Caroline joined them on the dance-floor. The five of them held hands and swayed together.
Once the kids left them, she wiped her face with a handkerchief. “Did you ever think your life would turn out like this? I’ll be honest. With all the mistakes I’ve made, I didn’t think I deserved a happy ending.”
“I did.” Spencer twirled her out and pulled her back to his chest. “Mistakes are an opportunity to learn. I don’t make the same mistakes twice. The first time I dreamed of our future it wasn’t big enough. The sky’s the limit this time.”
She peered into the endless ocean of his eyes and kissed him. “I love you. I look forward to building our future together.” Gwen squeezed his tight, round ass and purred like a cat in heat. “Are you ready to start our happily ever after?”
“Darlin’, we started that tale two decades ago. I’m ready to take my wife to bed and make love until the sun comes up.”
“Good answer.”
She laughed, took her husband’s hand and headed for the house. The wedding was over. The honeymoon was about to begin, and she had a feeling it would last for the rest of her life.
Thanks for reading! If you can’t get enough of the Puck Battle crew, check out how it all started. How one moment turned into a series. Extended epilogues and short stories are available on my website in the Bonus section: EchoRomance.com