Page 44 of Center Ice

“Hey, Drake, can you get a photo?” Justin called the photographer over and took a few shots of the four of us.

“Yeah, Dani’s going to be working with some of the guys from the basketball and soccer teams too. She’s quickly becoming the professional athlete’s go-to wedding and event planner. Malkin was lucky to get her on such short notice,” I added.

Justin was eating this up. “So you’re someone I should keep an eye on?”

I didn’t like the flirting, but I ignored it. Dani needed this press more than my ego needed to be stroked.

“Definitely,” Hartman called from behind us. He and Kendall were walking up, holding hands. “She pulled off the perfect surprise wedding for us with less than twenty-four hours’ notice.”

He and Kendall pushed through us to surround her. “Without her, we wouldn’t have been able to get married with all of our friends together.”

Drake took more pictures, and we were gaining the attention of the other reporters. Soon they were asking questions about Dani and the weddings, and we continued to rave about her.

More of our teammates started arriving, and she pulled away. “It’s time to take your seats!”

She smiled at me and mouthed, thank you, before turning and heading to the building where the bride’s room was located.

Noah walked out to the beach with us, looking nervous.

“Think she’s got cold feet?” Erik teased.

Noah narrowed his eyes. “No.”

“Don’t worry. Everything’s going to be perfect, and in about twenty minutes, you'll be a married man.” Reese clapped him on the back.

We began filling in the seats, and I went up to the front to say hi to Noah’s family before taking a seat with Mikey and Lance in the fourth row.

Music started, and a moment later the officiator told us to stand. We turned around to see Colby striding toward us, looking absolutely radiant. Her long, white gown was simple but beautiful, and when she passed us, I saw the open back and smiled. Noah would like that surprise.

I glanced at my friend, and his expression nearly had me choking up. His eyes were wet, and his smile was pure joy. That was love. How could I not believe that was real? I knew Noah and Colby. I knew how dedicated they were to each other. They weren’t thinking about divorce statistics today. They were here because they chose to be. They wanted to put in the work to make their relationship not only work but last.

We sat down and watched as they said their vows and became husband and wife right in front of us. Once they kissed, we broke out in cheers. This was exactly what they deserved before leaving to start their next chapter together.

Dani directed us to the patio where drinks and food were already arranged. As soon as we were all seated, Coach Romney started with the first toast, then Wyatt, her dad, and his mom, until almost everyone had said something to congratulate the newlyweds.

I locked eyes with Dani and smiled. Who knew one week could change so much? What started out as her dodging Lance turned into me meeting someone I didn’t have to hold back with and learning so much about myself.

I didn’t expect anything for this trip, other than maybe a tan and some much-needed relaxation. I hoped to bond more with the guys, and while that had all happened, I got so much more. I tried to contain any excitement I felt about the possibility of her moving to Salt Lake. I wasn’t sure I would survive the disappointment if I got my hopes up and she picked somewhere else.

“Now for the bride and groom’s first dance!” the DJ announced, moving the night along.

Noah took Colby’s hand and led her out of the center of the tables to the makeshift dance floor. Quiet music floated through the air, and they held each other close, whispering and smiling to each other.

Lance leaned over. “They really did it.”

“They did.” And I couldn’t think of two people that deserved this more. Even though they were young, they knew themselves and what they wanted. Their careers made both of them grow up fast, him in the league and her as a personal assistant. They knew responsibility and commitment more than most people their age.

“Do you think they’re as happy as they look?” he asked in a low tone.

I glanced at him, but he was focused on the couple. “Yeah, I really do.”

He nodded once and I wanted to ask him if things were alright, but the distant look in his eyes made me pause. Maybe he was coming to the same realization I had over this week. Maybe it was time for us to let someone else into our lives.

For him, it would mean slowing down and taking things seriously for once. Crazier things had happened.

Never in a million years did I think Hartman would get married while he was still playing. And Erik Schultz? I thought he would be the playboy until he was fifty, at least. Grant Fisher was a step-dad. Even the angry Russian was engaged.

If Dad could move on after his awful divorce and find a fantastic woman that loved his twins like her own, then maybe I could find happiness. Somehow, Derek Aston found someone to put up with him. Even Jason got Taylor to forgive him after the crap he put her through.