Page 271 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I brush a loose strand of hair behind her ear, letting my fingertips linger against her cheek.

"Welcome home," I murmur.

Her eyes glisten.

"I think I've been home longer than I realized."

The words settle quietly between us, filling every corner of my heart.

I cradle her face in both hands, marveling that this remarkable woman somehow chose me, then lean down once more.

This kiss is different.

Longer, more tender and filled with promise.

For a few precious moments when I draw her close, nothing else exists.

Not hockey.

Not injuries.

Not tomorrow.

Only the steady rhythm of our hearts, finally keeping time together.

For the first time since my injury, I don't feel like I'm standing at the beginning of recovery.

I feel like I'm standing at the beginning of the rest of my life.

***

I look at her for another moment as an idea begins to form.

“There's something I want to show you.”

She tilts her head. “What?”

“Actually...” I pull out my phone. “A few things. But first I need to make a call.”

Her eyes narrow. “Jamie...”

I grin. “Trust me.”

“Those words have gotten me into trouble before.”

“This time they'll get you somewhere good.”

After I hang up, instead of answering, I reach for her hand again. "Come with me."

She slips her fingers into mine without hesitation. "I thought you'd never ask."

Together, we step off the porch and walk toward my truck.

Annette keeps one hand resting lightly in mine across the center console. Every so often, she glances out the window before looking back at me with a smile that still catches me off guard.

"What?" I finally ask.

She shakes her head. "I just realized something."