Blindsided: Renegades 7 (The Renegades Series)

by Melody Heck Gatto

  Her heart hurt to see him beating himself up. It would take time to get past this.

  “Hey.” Trina tilted his head up towards hers, their lips so close that heat filled her stomach. She wanted to kiss him, but he needed her reassurance right now. There’d be plenty of time for kissing later. “You were injured. That wasn’t you. And you’re right, it wasn’t easy. But I love you and I promised to love you in sickness and in health, on ice or off, and that’s just what I intend to do.”

  Sam’s face changed, as though the heavy load he was bearing was lifted, at least a little. The corners of his lips curved again into a sly and sexy smile. Damn, I love his smile.

  “That’s kind of what I’m getting at. Tri, I love you so much. You deserve nothing but the best of everything.”

  “I have you and our family. That is the best as far as I’m concerned. It’s everything I need.”

  “Right. But you always wanted a big wedding, right?”

  Trina shrugged. “I dunno, I guess.”

  “You did. You told me after we moved to San Jose. That’s the one thing that I didn’t give you.”

  “Oh Sam, our wedding was perfect. It was intimate.”

  “It was small.”

  “Yeah, okay. Sure, it was small. But it was quaint, and sweet and—”

  “Small. Tri, it was small. And we did it on such a spur of the moment, we weren’t even able to get hold of Ty. It wasn’t the grand wedding that you deserved. I’ve always regretted not giving you that. Isn’t that what all little girls dream of?” He took Trina’s hand in his and dropped to one knee in front of her. “Trina Kidd Morris, marry me again.”

  Trina stared at him there on one knee. Confusion and love welled up inside her, as hot tears filled her eyes. “Sam?”

  “Marry me again. Let’s renew our vows in a huge ceremony on the beach. It’s only fitting for us. But not just any beach. Let’s do it big at a resort. We can invite all of our friends and family. It’ll be great.” Sam stood up and wrapped his arms around her middle, pulling her close. “It’ll be perfect.”

  His arms around her reminded her of the baby. Joy turned to worry, and she was sure the hasty change in mood showed on her face, because he immediately became protective.

  “Baby, what’s wrong? Did I say something stupid? I didn’t think I did, but tell me. I’ll fix it.”

  “No, no. It was nothing you said. It sounds like a wonderful idea. But I was just thinking. I’m only going to get bigger over the next couple of months. I really don’t want to do something as grand as this when I’m the size of a house.” Her tears of joy were now distress.

  “Woah, babe. It’s okay. With the help of our friends, we can get this together in no time. I’ll make a few calls and we can be married in June. Trust me, we’ll make it work.”

  He really was her prince, her happily ever after. She didn’t need fancy things, she just needed him. But the little girl in her was pleased with his idea. She always had wanted the big, fairy tale wedding, the princess gown, and all the goodies that went along with it. Having the ceremony by the ocean made it that much better. “Willow could be our flower girl, and all our family and friends would be there.”

  “Yes! Anything you want, just say the word. So, does this mean you like the idea?” His expression was hopeful and full of love.

  “Yes! Baby, I’ll marry you again. I love you so much, Sam Morris.”

  “Tri, you are too good for me. I’ll never know what I did to deserve you. But, I’m never letting you go. I’m so lucky to have you in my life.”

  EPILOGUE

  Sam

  Sam stood in the team suite, watching the Renegades play in the first round of the playoffs. He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his suit jacket, anything to be as comfortable as he’d be in his uniform. The dress shirt chafed at his neck and the jacket was hot. As he looked down onto the ice, every molecule in him wanted to be out on that ice with his team. His mouth was dry and his heart pounded. He wanted to be the man carrying the puck down the ice instead of Tyler. He wanted to be making a crazy play into the goal crease instead of Kris. He just wanted to be playing hockey.

  A twitch formed in his right eye as he watched his friends and teammates playing the game that he loved. The smell of the arena, the sound of their skate blades scraping the ice… It all awakened the passion inside him. Unfortunately for him, he was stuck watching from the box seats in the family suite.

  The team’s owner, Ben Nolan, and General Manager, Nicholas Talon, sat in the adjoining suite, along with Matt Jasper who’d been dealing with a lingering injury, and the healthy scratches from tonight’s game. He could sympathize with those guys. Watching from the seats was not where they wanted to be.

  Sam was determined to not make this a permanent situation. He’d get back in the game. It just wouldn’t be this season. The healing process was slow. Too slow for Sam. His headaches were getting better and happening less often, but they weren’t completely gone. That part worried him. Being back at home was less stressful and enabled him to relax easier, which in turn helped his headaches. Maybe that had been the key to his recovery all along?

  Trina appeared next to him, slipped her arms under his jacket and around his middle. She cuddled close to him, pulling him out of his own self-pity. “Hey, babe. You doing okay?”

  “Now I am.” Sam nuzzled his wife close. “I was just standing here thinking how badly I wanted to be down on the ice with the guys.”

  Trina pressed her warm lips to his cheek, then wiped off the lipstick she left behind. “I know, and I’m sorry, babe.”

  Pulling his focus from the ice to her, he looked into those loving eyes, adorned with her usual dark makeup. He pushed some rogue hairs away from her face, then cupped her jaw with his hand. She was beautiful. She was his rock and his purpose. She was his everything and always would be.

  All the depression he was feeling about not being down on the ice with his team faded away when he looked at his wife.

  “But then you showed up beside me, put your arms around me, and reminded me of what really matters.” He looked at Willow and Ian sitting with the Lafleur’s nanny, watching the game in their little jerseys, cheering and clapping. The kids were enjoying popcorn and cotton candy, with great big smiles on their faces. They were surrounded by the wives, girlfriends and other family members of the players.

  As much as he wanted to be on the ice with his teammates, this was what really mattered. This was the real reason he fought so hard to get better. Maybe he thought it was his love of the game, but his heart knew better.

  “Sam.” The Renegades General Manager, Nick, held out his hand to him. “Good to see you. How’s your recovery coming along?”

  Shaking Nick’s hand, Sam continued to hold on to Trina. “Nick, good to see you. Slow and steady, as it should be.”

  “Good to hear. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

  During the first intermission, the Renegades were leading by one. Sam followed Trina to the table full of snacks and admired her while she enjoyed potato chips and dip. He finished his water and grabbed another bottle for himself and one for Trina.

  “Water? Since when do you drink water at the games? Sam’s here, he can drive home. Let’s go get a beer.” Kat motioned towards the bar area.

  “Kat, I’m fine with my water and chips.” Trina popped a few more into her mouth.

  “No beer?”

  “No beer.”

  Kat eyed her suspiciously, then turned her focus to Sam. She crossed her arms and adjusted her stance. “Spill it.”

  Sam knew his grin was big and bright, and he couldn’t help it. He wanted to scream it from the rooftops. Beaming proudly, he looked around at their friends, who had become their family. Kissing Trina on her cheek, he wrapped his arms around her. “Babe, you tell them.”

  Trina put her hand on her stomach, and cuddled into Sam’s hug. “We’re expecting baby number two!”

  “I knew it, I knew something w
as up!” Kat said with a laugh. She hugged Sam and Trina together.

  “Did I hear ‘baby’?” Paige’s voice came from the doorway. She peered into the room with eagerness in her eyes.

  Trina turned to Paige and patted her middle. “You certainly did, Auntie Paige.”

  “Yes! More babies for me to love!” Paige cheered. Running to Trina, Paige grabbed her and hugged her, then wrapped her arms around Sam also.

  “I knew she’d be excited,” Sam said, grinning.

  “Excited? Of course I’m excited!” Paige beamed. “Guess I have more baby shopping to do! You need more nachos—let me go talk to catering and make sure you have all the snacks you need. I’ll be right back.” Paige ran out of the room, still talking about something, but Sam couldn’t make out what she was saying.

  Sam slid his arm around Trina, and patted her middle. He nodded to where Paige was headed, and with a chuckle, said, “This could be a long nine months.”

  “Paige? She’s harmless.” Trina waved her off.

  Sam stood staring at Trina, not saying a word. She now had a sexy glow to her that apparently only he could see. Her blond hair shimmered, and her crystal eyes were wide, as she waited for him to say something.

  But there were no words that could describe his deep love for her. She was everything he ever needed. Cradling her jaw in his large hand, he skimmed her soft chin with his thumb. She was his life. Forgetting about everyone else in the room that surrounded them, he was overwhelmed with love.

  He met her soft, warm lips with his, kissing her long and passionately. Keeping it PG, their lips moved together.

  “Get a room, you two!” Gia called.

  Smiling against Trina’s mouth, Sam couldn’t help but chuckle at Gia’s sarcastic remark. Not letting his wife out of his arms, he looked longingly into Trina’s eyes.

  The goal horn sounded—the Renegades had scored. Lights flashed, and fans yelled and cheered. But with Trina at his side, it was as if they were in their own little world. They were in a bubble, and the noise around them was on the outside.

  As he stared into her eyes, his heart was full. His life was complete. Holding her tight, it was just him and her. No one else existed.

  “Trina, my love, my life. You saved me from myself, and reminded me of what’s really important. The game is in my blood, and it will always be, but you, you make me whole. Regardless of what the future holds for me, you’re all I need.”

  Trina smiled at him, ignoring the comments and calls from their friends. “And I’ll never leave your side.”

  THE END

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

  My Beta readers, Jennifer, Mary and Cindy. Thank you, ladies, for your time and honesty, as well as being my friends and my cheerleaders. *hugs*

  Thanks to my friends and readers who support me. Your friendship and encouragement means a lot to me. I love that you adore my fictional characters as much as I do. I wake up every day and still can’t believe that I have “fans” of my Renegades books. I’m just some girl from Pittsburgh, lol. You guys mean the world to me.

  Special thanks to Elle and her husband, and Debbie and her husband for answering my questions about concussions. I wanted to make sure I had the facts straight, and to portray it as real as possible. I couldn’t have done that without your expertise. Thank You.

  We all know concussions are scary, and no two presents the same. I spent countless hours researching online, reading articles from former athletes and medical studies, as well as paying attention to what’s happening in the world of sports with head injuries. I’ve watched many of my favorite players go down to a head injury, and wondered what was going on in their minds as well as their families. I knew I was scared just seeing it on television, but how was it from that personal side? That is what inspired me to write this story. Thanks to all the information and personal stories that are online. It really makes a person think. I hope BLINDSIDED has captured that personal side, and will also make you think.

  I started this book earlier this hockey season, after past hits stuck in my brain. I couldn’t shake the head-hits, or how long they took out one of my favorite players. Every time they hit the ice after an injury, I was nervous and yelling, “Don’t hit him!”. If I was doing that, I can only imagine knowing that player personally.

  In this day and age, we have access to so much information. If I compelled you to do your own research, there are plenty of places to look, from Googling ‘concussions’ to checking out the Concussion Foundation’s page.

  To all my hockey girls who cheer along with me for our favorite team, you girls rock! We have to stick together!

  To my author friends, thank you for being there for venting, for questions, and just for support. You are an asset and I’m so thankful for your friendships.

  Renegades fans that I’ve formed a friendship with outside of the books, thank you. Your friendship means a lot to me. Thanks for giving me a chance, and sticking around for all the craziness!

  I’m sure I missed people, because I always do. Just know if you support me on this crazy ride, I hold you close to my heart and appreciate you. Your support means more than you know.

  Melody

  Other Books by Melody

  Until You (The Renegades Series Prequel 0.5)

  Score on Me (The Renegades Series Book 1)

  Unsportsmanlike Conduct (The Renegades Series Book 2)

  Playing the Game (The Renegades Series Book 3)

  Zambonis and Mistletoe (The Renegades Series Book 4)

  Shutout (The Renegades Series Book 5)

  Shootout Save (The Renegades Series Book 6)

  Please follow me on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AuthorMelodyHeckGatto

  Join the Renegades Ice Crew Readers Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MelodysIceCrew

  Click Here to Find Me on the Web: http://www.melodyheckgatto.com/

  BLINDSIDED Playlist on Spotify

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Melody was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband, and son. She’s a dog lover and losing her two 15yr old girls (dogs) inspired them to adopt a new puppy, in addition to a new cat. After years of begging for a cat, she finally let her son adopt a kitten (even though she’s allergic!) The cat is definitely a “mama’s boy”. She graciously accepts kitty snuggles and head butts even though it will result in an allergic reaction. Buddy the cat is her kitty-baby. A house just isn’t a home without pets.

  The whole family are avid Pittsburgh Penguins fans and like going to hockey games when they get the chance. Having met some of the players has fueled her interest in writing about them and creating wonderful stories.

  Melody has loved writing since she was small, in school she never met a creative writing assignment that she didn't love. She is lucky enough to have a wonderful husband who encourages her to write. When she was laid off from her job of 14 years, he was supportive about letting her stay home and just be a mom. During that time, she discovered hockey-romances and found a renewed love of reading as well as a passion for writing.

  There isn’t a lot of time for other television during hockey season, but when she does watch, her favorite shows are BONES and SUPERNATURAL. Looking through her DVD/Blu-ray collection you’ll find every movie that stars Paul Walker, including every one of the Fast and the Furious movies.

  When she’s not being a teacher to her teenage son (cyber school), being a wife and a mom, or helping out her grandmother, she spends her time reading hockey romances. During the holidays, she really enjoys any romance about Christmas, and Hallmark movies on tv. When it is the hockey off-season, she catches a good Hallmark wedding movie, enjoys swimming and spending her days out in the sun with her family and a good book.

  Basically, if she’s not writing or reading, then she’s doing something that has to do with hockey!

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  Twitter @BookChick58

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