The next morning, my parents saw us off to the airport where I choked back the tears as I said goodbye to them. They plan to come down and see us for Christmas for a couple of weeks, so at least I have that visit to look forward to.
Once we arrive at the Minneapolis airport, my nerves settle back in about meeting Brian’s family. I know he can sense my anxiety as he grabs my hand, softly rubbing circles with his thumb.
“Kin, you’ve got nothing to worry about. They already love you. It’s not like you’ve never talked to them before,” Brian tries to assure me.
“I know, I just can’t help it. What if we don’t get along in person?” I pout.
He just shakes his head at me. “Really, Kin. You’ll be fine. I bet by 8 PM tonight, the three of you will all be sitting around with a glass of wine, and they’ll be sharing all my embarrassing stories and baby pictures.”
“Ooh, I can’t wait to see you as a baby. And I’m all for hearing about your embarrassing stories,” I tell him, my worries subsiding a bit.
Before I know it, we’ve collected our bags and are headed for Jennifer and Drew’s house. His mom, Karen, is meeting us at Jenn’s house as well.
We make it to Jenn’s about a half an hour later, and as soon as we get out of the rental, I see the front door open and Jenn step out on the porch with the cutest little man on her hip. Isaiah turned one just a few weeks ago, and he is the cutest little guy. I stay back a few steps, watching Brian interact with his family. It’s a new side of him I’ve never gotten to experience, and seeing him scoop his nephew into his arms causes a twinge in my heart. It makes me long for that for us. It makes me grieve the fact that I don’t get to see Brian doing that with our child, but also plants the seed that maybe we need to discuss kids sooner rather than later. We’re both in our thirties, so it isn’t like we’re young kids anymore.
Jenn walks down the few steps and engulfs me in a hug.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you in person!” she happily greets me. “Please, come in!” she says to the both of us. Brian is still playing with Isaiah, trying to get him to laugh at him as he blows raspberries on his cheeks and neck.
Upon entering Jenn’s house, she introduces me to her husband, Drew, and a few minutes later, Brian’s mom arrives with her husband, Thomas.
As he had assured me before, I had nothing to worry about. I was folded right into their family as he was in mine. And as he predicted, the wine was brought out, along with the baby books and stories from his childhood, that his mother had brought along with her.
It’s well past dinnertime by the time we say our goodbyes to Karen and Thomas, and then goodnight to Jenn and Drew as we head for their guest room. We’re staying with them while here in Minneapolis. Now that I know Jenn and I get along in person, I’m looking forward to getting to know her over the next few weeks.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Brian
September
This summer has flown by and was filled with some great times. Having Kinley with me when I went home was incredible. Seeing her around my family, having the three most important women in my life all together, was amazing – most of the time. When they decided to gang up on me, I wasn’t as thrilled, but it was always with good intentions, and mostly to ply her with stories of my childhood.
We arrived in Indy last night and as much as I enjoyed staying at my sister’s house, I’m glad to finally be back in my condo, and alone with Kinley. If I want to walk around naked, I can, and that’s the greatest feeling. While I didn’t keep my hands off her at my sister’s, we had to be quiet when we made love. There is one thing my girl doesn’t do well, and that is stay quiet when we’re having sex. We were both too tired last night when we got in, as it was late, but today’s a different story. I don’t plan on letting her out of bed much today. Maybe a couple times to get some food to refuel.
After our second round, we’re both well-relaxed, and Kinley’s running her fingers along the lines on my chest. I can tell by the way she’s concentrating that she’s thinking hard about something. I’ve come to realize when she gets this way, I just have to let her think through whatever it is that’s on her mind. She’ll come to me with whatever it is when she’s ready.
We lay in silence for a while longer. She’s still tracing along my chest as I trail my fingers over her back.
“Brian.” She says my name softly. “Do you still want kids?”
Is she serious? “Where is this coming from?” I ask, rather than answer her.
“After spending all that time with Isaiah, it made me realize how badly I want kids, and sooner rather than later. Plus, you’re pretty adorable with little kids. My ovaries might have exploded a few times watching you with him.”
I roll her onto her back and hover over her, caging her with my arms. “Yes, I want kids, and yes, I want them with you,” I tell her, leaning down to kiss her. “And if you want, we can start practicing right now.” I kiss her again, this time sweeping my tongue into her mouth, bringing with it the heat and desire pumping through my body.
She breaks the kiss and looks at me; really searching my eyes, like she’s checking to make sure I’m serious. “Really? You’d be fine if we got pregnant soon?”
“I want everything with you, Kin. I want to change your last name. I want little babies running around, driving us crazy. I want the two-story house, with the white picket fence, and the dog out front,” I confess to her, punctuating each statement with a kiss. I roll over and open the nightstand drawer, reaching to the back and grabbing the box I’ve had in there for months now. I pull it out, slipping the ring from the box, and into my palm.
“I didn’t plan on doing this now. I wanted to plan something special for you,” I tell her, rolling back to where I was before, hovering over her. “Kinley Marie Williams, will you marry me?” I ask, holding up the diamond ring for her to see.
“Are you kidding me right now? Yes!” she cries, as I slide the ring onto her finger, then she crushes her lips against mine. The tears slide down her face, but I know these are happy tears.
We break the kiss and she looks from me to the ring on her hand and back, the look of shock still evident on her face.
“When did you buy this?” she asks, admiring the ring.
“I bought it when I got back from coming to see you for your first appointment. I knew then I wanted to marry you, and had planned on asking you the next time we were together.” I grab her left hand and kiss her knuckles. “It looks good on you. I even asked your dad for permission to marry you.”
Gasping, Kinley covers her mouth with her hand, tears welling in her eyes as she looks at me in astonishment. “You did? When?”
“One of the times we were over at their house this summer for dinner. We were out back on the porch, while you and your mom were still inside.”
“Do you like it?” I ask, pointing to the ring.
“No…” she says, and my heart just about stops before she continues, “I love it, and I love you. Thank you for loving me and for thinking to ask my dad. That means the world to me.”
“I love you,” I say softly against her lips. “As for that baby-making practice…is now a good time for you?”
“Practice never hurt anyone,” Kinley teases, as she climbs on top of me, ready for another round.
Epilogue
Kinley
December
I’m still shocked Brian proposed to me the way he did. As much as he had wanted to plan the perfect proposal, I wouldn’t change anything about the way it happened. We decided that we didn’t want a huge wedding; just something small, with our closest family and friends. We also didn’t want to wait long. We knew we were it for each other, and were ready to make it official. With my parents already coming to visit around Christmas, we decided to take advantage of them being here and plan to be married in just a couple days, when everyone is here to celebrate with us.
Baby-making practice has been fun, even if we haven’t had any success yet.
It was a little confusing at first, considering the last time was an accident; we kind of figured it would happen quickly when we were actually ready for it. But, in the meantime, we’re practicing a lot and neither one of us is complaining.
I took a few weeks after we arrived to get settled before I started my job search. Brian was adamant that I didn’t have to work if I didn’t want to, but I thought it was best if I found something, even if it was only part-time. I just needed something to keep me busy and I lucked out when I found a part-time position in a pediatric clinic. It’s been a change of pace, since I worked in the ER for so long, but I love my job and the doctors I work with. What’s even better is, with my hours, I get to see all of Brian’s home games. Becca and I have already planned a few trips for some away games while she can still travel before their baby comes in the spring.
I wake up, excitement flowing through my blood. I get to marry Brian today! Becca will be arriving soon, along with the whole entourage – Madison, Bridget, my mom, Becca’s mom, Brian’s sister, Jenn, and his mom, Karen – to get me all glammed up before the ceremony. We’ve rented out a ballroom at one of the local hotels to host both the wedding and reception. Brian won’t tell me what he’s got planned for our two-night honeymoon, but I’m sure it’s something local, since he has such a short amount of time off around the holidays. We’ve already planned to take a much longer honeymoon after the season ends.
I roll over, needing to get a move on things before everyone arrives, but just as I’m about to get out of bed, two strong arms circle around my waist, pulling me back toward the center of the bed.
Laughing, I swat at Brian’s chest. “Hey, no sexy times this morning!”
Grumbling at me, Brian buries his face in my neck, attaching his lips to it. I squirm, trying my best to get out of his grasp. It does no good, as he just tightens his hold on me.
“Brian!” I screech. “Stop! If you leave a huge-ass hickey on my neck the morning of our wedding, I’m going to kill you!”
“But you taste so good,” he mumbles against my neck.
Laughing some more, I push back some as he pulls his head up to look at me. I drop my lips to his, accepting the kiss I know he’s searching for. I know it goes against the holy book of wedding traditions for the bride and groom not to spend the night before their wedding apart, but Brian and I are anything but conventional. I don’t want to miss a moment together.
“I promise you can have your wicked way with me tonight, after the wedding,” I say against his lips. “But for now, you’ve got to let me out of bed. I need to shower and be ready for when my beauty squad shows up, and they’re due within the next hour.”
“Fine,” he grumbles, the smile on his face letting me know he isn’t really mad.
As I get out of bed, he reaches over and smacks my ass.
“Hey!” I call over my shoulder at him.
“What?” He tries to act innocent. “There will be more where that came from,” he adds. “Lots and lots of ass grabbing. I’m just warning you now…. wife. I don’t think I’m going to be able to keep my hands off of you once we’re back together later.”
I just laugh at his antics and head into the bathroom.
After I showered and forced Brian to let me get dressed, I pushed him into his own shower, then out the door to meet his guys at Top Golf. I was ready for my girls to arrive.
As I wait, I pull out the champagne and orange juice for mimosas, along with a couple platters of finger foods that we can easily snack on as we get ready. The guys will be meeting us at the hotel for pictures, later this afternoon.
I’ve just gotten everything set out when I hear the knock at the door. As soon as I open it, the rush of women file into our condo. I’m swarmed with hugs, love, and laughter as everyone is excited for our big day.
“How are you so calm?” Becca asks, as she releases the hold she’s got on me.
“I don’t know. I thought I’d be a mess this morning, but I’m just excited the day has finally arrived,” I tell her, as my mom pushes her aside, so she can give me a hug.
“You look beautiful this morning,” my mom says.
“No need to lie to me, Mom,” I joke. “I don’t even have any makeup on yet.”
“You don’t need it, Kin. You’re glowing, just like this.”
Laughing, I reply, “Yeah, well that will not be the case once the camera starts taking pictures.”
“Oh, stop that,” she chides.
Changing the subject, I lead everyone into the living room.
“Help yourself to some food and beverages. Then we can start on hair and makeup.”
We all gather around the table, the excitement flowing between everyone. Once we’ve finished, Becca pulls out my makeup bag I brought out, as well as the one she brought with her.
“Sit here, bride-to-be.”
I do as she says, and she starts my makeup. Once she’s finished, I get ushered into another chair, where Madison is ready for me. She curls and pins up my hair. As the time goes on, everyone is glammed up and before we know it, it’s time to head to the hotel for pictures.
After arriving at the hotel, we head to my parents’ room so we can get into our dresses. The one thing I would not let Brian see was my dress; I want him to be completely surprised. While we’re dressing, our photographer arrives and takes a few pictures of all of us.
“As soon as you’re ready, Kinley, come on downstairs. We’ll snap a few pictures of you and Brian seeing each other for the first time,” she says, and I grin.
“I’ll be down as soon as I can.”
A short while later, Becca and my mom help accompany me down to the ballroom, and get me in place before Brian enters. I’m standing at the makeshift altar, waiting to see my future husband, and the emotion of the day hits me all at once as soon as I see him enter. Brian is my rock and strength. I don’t know what I would do without him. I was so foolish to try and push him away, when he was what I needed most. I take a few calming breaths as he walks closer to me.
Once he’s within arm’s reach of me, Brian reaches out and cups my face, wiping a tear that slipped out.
“Hi, sweetheart. I hope those are happy tears.”
I can’t answer with words, for fear that the tears will just continue to fall, so I simply nod my head.
“I love you, Kinley,” he tells me, tipping my chin up so we are looking at each other.
“I love you, too,” I whisper out.
Brian drops his lips to mine, placing a sweet kiss to my lips.
The photographer asks us to change positions, so she can snap a few more photos before bringing in our family and wedding party. I was so wrapped up in seeing Brian and the emotions that swept over me, I forgot all about the photographer snapping the candid pictures of us.
The ceremony was just what we wanted. Small, intimate, and us surrounded by our family and friends. The reception was as expected, considering our rowdy bunch of friends, and lasted late into the night. We danced, ate, and had a great time with our small group.
Since I arrived in Indy, I’ve been welcomed right into the fold with Bridget, a few of the other wives and girlfriends of the other players, and Becca, of course. They made me feel right at home. After meeting Madison, we’ve also wrapped her right into our group, even if she and Murph are still fighting whatever it is that’s between the two of them. I have a feeling they are not going to be able to ignore it much longer. And I kind of hope they don’t. They are so good together, and would make a great couple, if they’d just take the leap.
As the party dwindles down, Brian reaches his hand out to me for one last dance.
“Come dance with me, wife.”
He leads me out onto the dance floor, pulling me close to his chest as the DJ starts “What Ifs” by Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina. The song is so fitting for us and I lay my head on his chest, letting the lyrics sink in. Brian was made for me, and I was made for him. I truly believe that down to my soul, and I will love this man for th
e rest of my life.
Brian
Marrying Kinley a few days ago was everything I was hoping for, and more. Seeing her in her dress nearly knocked me on my ass. The small ceremony and reception weren’t a lot of fuss to put together, but left us with memories that will last the rest of our lives.
Since we got married during the season, our big honeymoon has to wait until the season is over, but I planned two nights, just for us, in the honeymoon suite at a bed and breakfast, right outside of town. Once the season is over, I promised Kinley a very romantic trip of her dreams, and told her she could plan everything. My only stipulations were that it had to be somewhere she has always dreamed of going, and that we get time alone together. She’s picked Bora Bora, and has been planning away.
When Kinley stumbled into my life a year and a half ago, I might have been the stereotypical playboy, but she cast her spell over me the moment we met, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. I tease her all the time that she scored herself a player – on and off the ice.
The End
Afterword
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Scoring the Player Page 19