Page 353 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

As the cabin comes into view between the trees, Annette smiles.

"I don't think I've ever been happier to see this place."

"I was hoping you'd say that."

Something catches my eye. The porch lights are already on.

I slow the truck and Annette notices immediately. "That's odd, I thought you usually turn everything off."

"Hmmm”

She looks toward me as I do my very best to look innocent. She narrows her eyes.

"You have that smile again."

"What smile?"

I pull to a stop beside the porch. Warm light spills from every window, then...laughter.

Annette freezes. "Do you hear that?"

"I do."

She turns slowly toward me. "You invited someone."

"I may have."

"Jamie Walker..."

She isn't even trying to hide her smile anymore. "How many people?"

I pretend to think. "More than two."

She laughs. "I walked right into that."

"You did."

Before we reach the porch, the front door flies open and Liam bursts outside with all the subtlety of a fireworks display. "I KNEW IT!" His voice echoes across the lake.

"I TOLD EVERYBODY SHE'D SAY YES!"

Behind him Toby appears, laughing so hard he’s bracing one hand against the doorframe.

"You absolutely did not tell everybody."

"I told twelve people."

"You told three."

"I rounded."

Colby steps onto the porch behind them, shaking his head with a quiet smile. "I believe the official number was fourteen."

Liam points dramatically. "Details."

Annette laughs until she has to lean against my chest. "I should have known."

"I was sworn to secrecy," Liam announces proudly.