Page 85 of The Dating Coach

"Just thinking about everything ahead of us. How many possibilities we have now."

"Yeah?" She set aside her book, giving me full attention.

"Six months ago, I couldn't see past the next game, the next disappointing conversation with my father." I pulled her onto my lap. "Now I wake up thinking about what we're building together. The houses I'll design someday. You saving lives as an oncologist. Maybe a little place with a backyard where we can host everyone for holidays."

"Getting ahead of yourself there," she teased, but I could see the soft look in her eyes.

“Am I? Because I’m already picturing residency applications, job interviews, and choosing a city that fits both our dreams.” I traced her hand.

“Where will we go next, after graduation?” she asked.

"Wherever you get matched for residency," I said simply. "I can build buildings anywhere. Hockey's flexible. But you're going to get into the best oncology programs, so we go where they are."

"That's still years away," she pointed out.

"I know. Plenty of time to plan." I kissed her nose. "Maybe we'll stay in Montreal. Maybe Boston or Toronto. Maybe somewhere totally new."

"As long as we're together," she said softly.

"Always together," I agreed. "No more noble sacrifices or protective pushing away."

From the living room, we heard Frank declare something about midnight pancakes. Henry's groan suggested this was a recurring theme.

A knock on our door interrupted. Mia poked her head in. "Frank's making pancakes and forcing us all to participate. Resistance is futile."

When we finally joined our friends for midnight pancakes, flour already coating most surfaces, I couldn't stop smiling. Mia was right – this was possible. Love without conditions, success by our own definitions, chosen family who showed up.

My architecture professor had asked me to design my dream project, something that represented my values and vision. Watching Gemma laugh as Frank tried to flip a pancake and failed spectacularly, I realized I'd already built it.

Not a building, but a life. Constructed from broken pieces and second chances, held together by trust and laughter and the absolute certainty that we'd chosen right.

"Earth to Liam!" Karen called. "You're on mixing duty!"

I joined the chaos, accepting my role in our beautiful, messy family. Gemma caught my eye across the kitchen, flour in her hair and joy in her smile, and mouthed "I love you."

"Love you too," I mouthed back.

"Stop being gross and help!" Frank commanded.

The pancakes burned. The smoke alarm went off. Henry accidentally flung batter on the ceiling. Karen documented everything for future blackmail. Mia laughed at the chaos unfolding around us.

It was perfect. Absolutely, chaotically, wonderfully perfect. Just like us.