It’s the first home game after Christmas, and the whole family is here.
Like, all of them.
My parents hosted Christmas, and they invited the Wilder family, and Izzy, and Coach. It was chaotic, but one of the best holidays I can remember. My parents met Jackson over Thanksgiving, but this was the first time everyone from both families got together. Of course, my uncles all crashed the party by the time we were eating dessert. They couldn’t even pretend to be chill around Jackson and Coach. It was a little embarrassing. But the guys are used to fans, so they kept it from being weird.
My mom and Jackson’s mama appeared to become instant friends. But we later learned that they’d found each other on Facebook and had been chatting for weeks. They even went in on a joint gift for Jackson and me – tickets to a Christina Aguilera concert. And not just tickets; Mary talked to Coach, who talked to the team publicist, who talked to Christina’s publicist, who got us VIP all-access tickets. Including a meet and greet with the singer herself. Apparently, there was some talk about getting Jackson on stage during “Candyman,” but he shut that down the moment it was suggested. I did notice that the date of the concert was over six months away, so clearly our parents have no doubt that we’ll still be together. It was all very sweet.
Jackson’s gift to the family was a bunch of tickets to a Sleet game. Front-row tickets. Well, I’m in the front row. There are so many of us, Jackson got a chunk of tickets taking up the first three rows. He gave everyone their own ticket in an envelope, saying we had to keep the seat he gave us. He can be a peculiar man, so I didn’t argue even though I thought it was unfair for me to take one of the best spots.
Sitting down, this is just like every other game… I’m nervous.
I told Jackson about how stressed I get, but he just kissed me and told me not to worry. Secretly, I think he likes it. Maybe my stress is just a reminder of how much I love him. Not that he should have any doubts. Since Career Day, we’ve spent every night together. Minus the ones when he’s on the road. We stay at his place a lot, but he also has a key for my house. That way it doesn’t matter what time he flies home, he can always come right over.
I’ve never been happier. I don’t know if our routine will change in the off-season, but I hope not. I know we’ve moved fast, but it works for us. When it’s right, it’s right.
“Katelyn, you are by far my coolest relative!” One of my uncles thumps me on my back, breaking me out of my daydream.
“Hey!” Alex shouts from a few seats over. “I arranged their little love reunion at the school. If it wasn’t for me, none of this would be possible.”
“Boo!” Daniel throws a peanut at Alex. He might be a fancy city council member now, but he’s still my dorky cousin.
They all know the full story. That we were already on the collision course back to each other, but my brother likes to pretend he’s the reason we’re together.
Among my family, Jackson’s family, Meghan, and Izzy, I got the spot in the front row, on the end of the grouping. I don’t mind, it’s kind of fun to be able to sit back and watch the family be weird.
There’s a handful of seats still open on my right side, but I don’t have to wait long to see who’ll be sitting there. A group of noisy college-aged guys appear and start making their way down the row. Locking eyes with the one closest to me, I feel myself sit up straighter.
“Shut. up.” – is the best thing I think of saying.
He smiles. “Well, would you look at that!”
It’s fucking Frat Boy. I must be making a face that shows my unease, because he raises his hands, palms out.
“Hey, I learned my lesson. I won’t try to kiss you. Ever. I promise.” He stretches one of his hands out to me. “Truce?”
I act like I’m thinking about it, but of course I accept. “Truce.”
I’ve enjoyed every game that I’ve attended, but having all of my family here makes this experience even better. Everyone’s reactions are so hilarious; I keep catching myself watching them, rather than the game.
Being this close to the ice is more of a thrill than I expected. Watching the players fly past, or smash into the glass, has jolted me more than once. And anytime I catch Jackson looking at me, I can’t help the dopey smile that takes over my face.
The third period just started, and the Sleet are up by 3 points. We should be able to keep the lead, but the opposition has been aggressive the whole game. A player from the other team accepts a pass and heads in this direction. Two Sleet players come in from opposite sides, seeming to trap him, funneling towards me. Then, before I even see it happening, Jackson is on top of the guy, slamming him into the glass, right in front of me.
Luckily, the crowd is cheering so loud it covers up my startled scream. One of the other Sleet players snags the puck and takes off.
Jackson moves back from the player he just checked, and before turning away he gives me a quick wink. I try to be discreet when I press my thighs together.
As he skates away, I see there’s now a large crack right down the center of the glass panel. I’ve had Jackson give me lessons on the rules of hockey, so I know that this broken pane will have to be repaired before they can continue the game.
In no time, the teams are at their benches and the maintenance crew has just removed the damaged panel.
As we all wait for the new glass to be brought out, the big screen comes to life. With the Kiss Cam.
I hate that my new reaction is to tense up. Then I see that my mom and dad are centered on the screen. My dad turns beet red as he leans over to give my mom a quick kiss on the lips. Adorable.
Then my aunt and uncle appear on screen. My uncle makes a big show of grabbing my aunt by the cheeks and kissing her hard. The crowd laughs.
Then the screen is centered on me. And Frat Boy. No. Fucking. Way.
My family all starts to laugh and I quickly shake my head. Glancing over to Frat Boy, he just gives me a shrug and slowly starts to lean in.
Before he can get close enough that I’m forced to punch him, we’re both started by a loud “HEY!”
Eyes following the sound, I see Jackson skating straight toward us. Fast. He reaches us in a matter of seconds, does that impressive sliding hockey stop right up to the boards, leans over the rail, grabs me under my arms, and hauls me up and over the wall.
I’m a confusing combination of turned on and mortified.
“Jackson!” I whisper shout. “Are you insane?”
He keeps a grip on me, while he gently sets my feet on the ice.
“A little. I think.” Then he smiles. A big I love you type of smile. “Kitten, I’m crazy in love with you. The thought of a single other person putting their lips on yours is intolerable. I need those lips to be mine. Forever.” He looks over my shoulder and shouts, “Alex!”
Huh?
Jackson’s hand snaps up as he catches something. It’s a little box. And my breath is already hitching when Jackson lowers himself onto one knee.
Oh. My. Holy. Shit.
“Kitten. Baby. Katelyn Jean Brown. I love you. Will you please agree to be my wife?”
On their own accord, my hands have flown up my mouth, and I’m shaking my head.
“Are you shaking your head No?” He doesn’t look concerned. He knows me well enough by now.
Lowering my hands, I reveal my smile. “I’m shaking my head because you really are crazy. But I love your crazy. So, yes. Of course, yes. I’ll marry you.”
Jackson grabs my hand, and it’s only now that I look at the ring. It’s a slim band covered in small sparkling emeralds. It’s gorgeous. It’s my favorite color and one of his team’s colors.
It’s perfect. It’s us.
With the ring on my finger, Jackson stands. Wrapping his arms around me, he lifts me up and presses his lips to mine, in a kiss that I’ll remember forever.
