Page 34 of Center Ice

Well, one report I read said that, but Dani did prove me wrong with seventy percent of her clients.

“One hundred percent of marriages end in death or divorce, Jake. Does that mean that the time together isn’t worth it?” Olli suddenly joined the conversation with words that felt like an anvil landing on me.

All marriages end in death or divorce. I let out a laugh. “That’s very true.”

“Everything comes to an end. It’s a fact of life, but that doesn't mean you shouldn’t go for something. Your career has what, another ten or twelve years if you’re lucky and stay healthy? Does that mean you should quit now because eventually, it’s going to be over?” he continued with words of wisdom. “You’re being a cynical idiot if you let the fear of divorce keep you from attempting to have a healthy relationship.”

His words were harsh, but he wasn’t wrong.

“I agree,” Wyatt said. “Your mom raised you alone, right?”

I nodded.

“A lot of our parents are divorced, but that hasn’t kept us from searching for someone we want to try to spend the rest of our lives with.” He looked to the other guys who all agreed.

“Look at Brandon. His first marriage was a disaster, but that didn’t keep him from trying again. He couldn’t be happier with Syd, and that never would have happened if he let himself grow bitter.” Reese pointed out what I’d already considered. I wished Brandon were here so I could talk to him about it.

“I’ve thought this through, you guys. I want to believe. I want to allow myself to try, but the fear of getting hurt is very real.” It wasn’t the most comfortable thing to admit, but it was time to let them in. They were my friends, and I needed to start acting like it.

“I get that,” Olli said. “It’s terrifying to let yourself be vulnerable around someone, but the risk is worth it when you meet the right person.”

“Jake, you’ve given all of yourself to others for as long as I’ve known you,” Wyatt started. “You’re one of the most selfless people I know, and we appreciate your quiet, hard work. You don’t ask for fame or glory, but it’s about time we recognize what you’ve contributed. It’s our turn to pick up the slack for a while. Let us help you for a change.”

Most of the guys nodded in agreement.

I hadn’t realized he thought of me like that. I didn’t think any of them noticed that I left all of me on the ice for every practice and game. It was the only time I could turn off my worry and just be an athlete. I never wanted my personal problems to affect the team, so I kept them to myself. But they’d known this whole time. They saw me. It was something I hadn’t known I needed to hear until now.

“Thanks, Captain.”

He smiled. “I think it’s time you start to see yourself as we all do.”

“Don’t lay it on too thick. I don’t want this going straight to his head,” Reese teased.

They moved on to new topics, leaving me to relax and take in what they said. I was living in fear. In trying to protect myself, I did more damage than good.

12

Dani

The bride and groom’s families were arriving today. From everything I’d seen from Colby and Noah, I wasn’t too worried, but you never knew. The families could be the monsters, especially the mother of the bride. Colby might be the most easy-going person in the world, but her mom could come in with guns blazing and a million demands.

“We’re meeting the families in the lobby at three. We’ll give them the condensed walkthrough so they know what to expect, and I’ve got to be back here by four to do a few interviews about the wedding with the press. Can you take notes and make sure you log any of their requests in their file by six? I’ll do a final check tonight.”

“Got it.” Maggie wrote something in her notebook before looking back at me.

“And you called and confirmed all the vendors?” I’d asked her to do that yesterday.

“Yes, we’re all set.”

“Thank you.” I looked down at my checklist. “This wedding has to go perfectly. It’s a huge deal for us.”

“I know, Dani. It’s going to be great. You’ll pull it off like you always do.”

I wished I had some of her confidence, but I was too nervous. Even though I’d done much more complicated weddings I had so much riding on this one going off without a hitch. This could be the one that changed things.

“I really appreciate all your help with this. I would have lost my mind without you.”

Maggie just smiled. “It’s what I’m here for.”