Page 30 of Secrets on Ice

The music changes, and everyone stands. Pierre is already waiting beneath the floral arch. I’ve never seen him look so nervous. He did run out on his last wedding. This is true. Then Issy appears behind us, she looks incredible, and as soon as Pierre sees her the nerves seem to disappear. The golden retriever glances up at Pierre, his tail thumping once against the sand before his attention shifts back to Issy. A smile spreads across Pierre's face.

"There she is," Bouch murmurs quietly beside me.

I don't think Pierre hears a single word the celebrant says after that. His eyes never leave her. When they ask if anyone objects Puck, Felix and Harper’s husky howls, making the wedding guests burst out laughing. The ceremony is exactly what you'd expect from Pierre and Issy, simple, heartfelt, no fuss, just two people completely in love. I glance around at the guests. His mom, Claire, is already wiping away tears, Jo has hold of Emmett's hand, and he is kissing it. It won’t be long until this is them. Fish is whispering into Collette’s ear as she snuggles into him. I'm watching all the closest people around me find the loves of their lives, and an ache that has been slowly building hits me square in the chest. I'm in my mid-thirties, and I’m not sure how many years I have left in my career, especially with a lot of younger, faster guys coming up. I've probably only got a couple more good seasons left before retirement starts becoming a real conversation. That scares me, not the retirement, that is inevitable, but the fact that I don’t have anyone to share it with. I thought I would have met someone by now, but it never happened. I’ve had a couple of long-term relationships, nothing longer than two years, but otherwise I’ve been casual with most women. Since losing Emmett, and seeing how happy he is, it has made me rethink what I want out of my life. I mean, if Fish, the biggest playboy of the team can turn into a one-woman man and be happier than he’s ever been, then this guy can too. I want what they've got, someone to come home to after a long day on the ice, someone to build a life with, someone who is going to be there long after hockey is over.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife." I hear the celebrant say.

Pierre doesn't hesitate, he cups Issy's face and kisses her as cheers erupt around us. Frankston barks once as if he's joining in the celebration, making everyone laugh. Pierre pulls back, resting his forehead against Issy's, both smiling so hard it looks like their faces might crack.

Yeah, I’m jealous as hell.

Cocktail hour kicks off as the newly married couple disappear with the photographer to capture a few photos around the island. Everyone else spills out onto the lawn overlooking the beach, champagne appearing in our hands almost instantly. I quietly slip away to check in with my sister. The beach is almost empty, with everyone gathered back near the reception while I wander down toward the water. The waves roll gently onto the shore, and I pull my phone from my pocket.

Sully: (Photo of the moon over the ocean).

Cassidy: (Photo of her and Ember sitting on a beach with lobster rolls and the ocean behind them).

Sully: Where is that?

Cassidy: Hamptons.

Sully: Wow, you took a day trip out there in the summer.

Cassidy: Yeah, a day trip on the weekend probably wasn’t the smartest. But I feel like a real New Yorker.

Sully: Sounds like you’re having fun.

Cassidy: We are. How was the wedding?

Sully: Beautiful. I’m a little jealous.

Cassidy: Wait, what?

Sully: Don’t be a dick. Just seeing everyone happy and settling down makes me realize I’m not there.

Cassidy: Hate to break it to you, but neither am I now.

Shit, that was a stupid thing to say to my sister.

Sully: Sorry.

Cassidy: Nothing to be sorry for. I’m just so excited that my baby brother wants to settle down.

Sully: You’re one minute older.

Cassidy: Still makes you my baby brother.

I roll my eyes.

Cassidy: You over the puck bunny life?

Sully: Yeah.

Cassidy: Wow, never thought you would confess to that.

Sully: Guess we are both going through transformations.

Cassidy: We’re both single at the same time now.