Page 283 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

"I've brought teammates here."

I continue watching the building.

"Sponsors."

"Owners."

"Media."

I finally turn toward her. "But I've never brought someone whose opinion matters this much."

Her expression softens. "Jamie..."

"I want you to like this place."

"I already do."

"You haven't even gone inside."

She smiles the way only Annette can. "I don't have to."

"Why?"

"Because it matters to you."

She reaches up and gently cups my cheek. "And anything that helped make you the man I fell in love with..."

Her smile grows. "...already matters to me too."

For a moment I simply look at her, then I lean forward and kiss her.

Not because I planned to, because there isn't another response big enough.

When we finally pull apart, I ask: "Ready?"

She smiles. "I think I've been ready for a long time."

Together, we step out into the warm Briar Cove evening.

Here’s one more part of my world to show her.

***

The brick building isn't especially large. In fact, most people who are driving past probably wouldn't look twice. The flowerbeds are neat but simple. A faded wooden bench sits beside the entrance beneath a maple tree, and bicycles lean against the rack near the sidewalk where half a dozen children apparently forgot they existed.

Annette studies the building for a long moment.

"I expected..."

I grin. "I know...something bigger."

"So did the architect."

She laughs. "What happened?"

"We discovered hockey equipment costs money."

"So you downsized the building?"