Page 61 of Full Strength

They both stared at me, Lucy looking skeptical.

“I mean, not yet? I’m not sure what we are.”

They shared a knowing look. “You two spend all your time together. You come to practice and the games when you can. He watches your son. You’ve been out together. I don’t get where the confusion is.” Lucy stated matter of factly.

“We just haven’t discussed-”

“That doesn’t mean you’re not a couple.” Elena said with a sharp nod. So suddenly she was the relationship expert.

“I think there does need to be a mutual decision about it before you tell people you are or are not a couple.” I tried to argue but they didn’t seem to care about what I was saying.

“Trust me, Elena. They’re a couple. I wouldn’t be surprised if they ended up being the next married couple.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “I think there are several people ahead of us in that line.”

She shrugged. “I’m just saying it how I see it.”

I switched Eli to my hip and looked for an escape from this conversation.

“Can I have everyone’s attention?”

I turned to the sound of Noah’s voice, grateful he somehow read my mind from across the room. Everyone turned, falling silent.

Noah turned around, addressing the room. “I know we’re all here to celebrate our winning streak, but I wanted to take advantage of all the people that matter most in our lives being in one place.”

With that he turned to face Colby who looked as confused as everyone else. He got down on one knee and the room gasped. “Colby, I’ve loved you from the moment that Coach told me I had to pretend to.”

The room started laughing, and I shook my head. Their fake relationship that turned real was one of my favorite love stories.

“I can’t imagine going through life without you and I never want to. That’s why I want to ask if you’ll marry me? If you’ll go through this adventure with me?”

There was an audible gasp throughout the room. Colby started nodding and eventually got out the word. “Yes.”

Everyone clapped as he slid a ring onto her finger and stood up to kiss her. People I didn’t recognize came forward and Colby screamed. “Dad!”

I watched with tear filled eyes as her dad hugged her. Then Noah’s parents came forward hugging and congratulating both of them.

Before anyone else could make a move toward them, Noah held up his hand. “I have another announcement.” He glanced to Colby who was still smiling then to the Coaches. Romney nodded once, looking a bit sad.

“It became official earlier this week that I’ll be moving to the Seattle Whitecaps next season.”

Colby took his hand and they stood together, looking nervous.

Hartman was the first to break the silence. “Congratulations you guys.” He stepped forward and gave both of them a hug. “You’re going to be the face of the team.”

I looked around to see most of the players nodding and getting in line to congratulate them.

Elena leaned forward. “Is that a good thing?”

Lucy nodded. “It’s a brand-new team, and Noah has the potential to be a star there. It’s a really good thing. Well, for them. It’s sad for us.”

I sighed. I knew it was a fact of life in the NHL, but it still sucked. I loved Noah and Colby, but Lucy was right. This was a huge opportunity for Noah to really take off.

“Can you believe that?” Grant whispered in my ear and I spun around to find him smiling down at me.

I shook my head. “I really can’t.”

“It’s sad to see him leave so soon, but he’s going to be amazing there. I’ve heard of a few other names that are in talks to move to Seattle, and it’s going to be good for Noah. He’ll have the chance to be the face of the franchise.”