Page 386 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

It isn't enormous or elaborate. Three simple tiers decorated with fresh white flowers and tiny sprigs of greenery. Exactly what we'd wanted.

Liam immediately appears beside it.

"I've been instructed to remind Captain Jamie that smashing cake in his bride's face is strongly discouraged."

Jamie looks at him. "By whom?"

"Every woman at this wedding."

More laughter ripples.

We pick up the silver knife and cut the first slice together. I hold a bite toward Jamie who smiles as he eats it.

"Perfect."

"So, no frosting attack?"

He looks genuinely offended.

"Annette..."

"What?"

"I have an image to maintain."

Liam snorts. "You absolutely do not."

The room erupts again.

Jamie cuts a small piece for me.

When he gently feeds it to me, someone whistles from the back of the tent.

"Aww..."

Liam shakes his head dramatically.

"They're emotionally healthy."

Coach chuckles. "It's disgusting."

***

Twilight settles gently over Briar Cove.

The café lights glow overhead now, casting warm pools of golden light across the reception while someone quietly begins gathering the last of the dessert plates.

Neither Jamie nor I notice. We are too busy saying goodbyes. Or at least trying to.

Every farewell seems to become another conversation. Another hug. Another promise to visit the cabin. Another photograph.

We catch a quick glimpse of a little blonde fur ball with a white frosting nose scuttle by and just laugh.

Carol from the foundation squeezes both my hands before stepping back with tears shining in her eyes. "I've watched Jamie grow into an extraordinary man."

She smiles warmly. "I'm so glad he found someone extraordinary too."

Before I can answer, she wraps me into another hug.