Page 224 of While You Were Trending

She looks back at me.

“He knew,” I say.

Her smile grows until she laughs softly. “That’s so Alex. Not wanting to shake up the status quo even if it needs to be shaken up.”

“I thought I was doing such a good job of keeping the secret.”

“It’s good to have friends who can see through you and love you anyway.”

“It really is,” I agree. I shift in the bed, moving to lay my head in Ginny’s lap. “Do you have any idea—” I start, but I can’t finish.

I’m getting choked up again.

“I think I do, Mr. Flew Across The Country So I Wouldn’t Have To Be Alone Even Though I Wasn’t Alone,” she murmurs as she threads her fingers through my hair.

“I love you.” I press a kiss to her bare leg.

“Love you back,” she replies. “Now. When does our plane leave to get us to Copper Valley and you back on that hockey team?”

I’ve always loved her.

Always.

But every day, I love her more.

Ginny’s not hell on my heart.

She is my heart.

EPILOGUE

HEATED REVELRY

Ginny

It’sweird being back in a hockey arena.

Weird but good.

I’m in the family suite with the Thrusters wives and girlfriends, all of them welcoming me as if I’ve been here forever.

Declan’s name and number adorn the back of my new Thrusters jersey.

I’ve answered dozens of questions about the winery, including questions about how soon people can order wine and how to get invitations to our grand opening.

And now I’m watching him and Alex chat at the centerline during pregame warm-ups.

For Declan’s first game back in professional hockey.

“Life’s strange, isn’t it?” a woman I vaguely recognize says as she takes the seat beside me. She has long brown hair, a muscular build, a strong jawline, and warm eyes that instantly put me at ease.

“It is,” I agree.

She holds out a hand. “Addie Bloom. I’m with the captain.”

“Ginny Rhodes. Foxy’s girlfriend. I’m a little overwhelmed but in a good way.”

Her smile grows. “Imagine so. Not every day your ex-boyfriend puts out a statement that he’s happy for you and his best friend in your new life together, and that he hopes your mother gets the help she needs.”