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This was why Ricky had stepped in for me with my father.

“I still don’t understand what’s going on here, though?” I looked up into Dalton’s warm green eyes.

His hand slipped into mine, giving it a tight squeeze. “I told you, tonight’s special. You deserve to be celebrated.”

“I’m not even the one playing. Hell, I’m not even doing any actual coaching tonight. I’m basically another fan.”

“You’re nothing like a fan. You’re so much more, Sunshine.” He cupped my face with his hand, and my cheeks heated with the thought of him touching me like this in front of my family. For a brief second, I considered pulling away, but those were remnants of the old me. The one who ran from relationships because I thought they’d cost me my independence, that I’d be forced to support someone at the detriment to my dreams.

Yet here I stood, surrounded by family, never having felt more supported in my life.

And it was all thanks to one man.

Ricky’s voice cut through the moment, reminding me of where I was. “You know who will be a fan tonight? Me.”

I turned. “Wait, you’re coming to the game? You don’t even like hockey.”

Ricky shrugged a shoulder, taking a sip of his beer. “Your boyfriend got us tickets, so we’re all going.” He paused, looking over the yard where all my aunts and uncles were milling about. “Well, not all of us. My mom just got a little excited and thought everyone needed to come for birria.”

As if summoned by his words, something dashed between us.

“Is that a goat?”

My face flushed, and my eyes probably looked like fucking dinner plates. “Oh my god, I forgot that white people don’t usually butcher their own animals at family parties.” I covered my face with my hands, wishing the ground would swallow me. Meanwhile, Ricky was nearly doubled over in laughter.

We’d just been having this heartfelt moment, and a fucking goat ruined it.

“Ari?” Dalton peeled my hands away.

“I’m sorry, when my parents heard I was bringing someone, they got all excited an⁠—”

“Ari.”

I ignored him, the ramble pouring out. “They wanted to do birria, but I should have known that would be too weird and told them to do…I don’t know, quesadillas? Or mayb⁠—”

He pulled me in tight, kissing the top of my head. “I am honored that you brought me, and I want to experience what your family is willing to share with me. I’d never come into their home and ask or expect them to alter their food, culture, way of life, or any of those things.” He pulled back, looking down at me. “Same way I’d never ask you to change for me. I want all of it, Ariella.”

I wasn’t entirely sure he was still talking about the food with that last part.

FORTY-FIVE

ARIELLA

I HOPE YOU FIND A PARTNER WHO GIVES YOU GIFTS THAT PROVE THEY KNOW YOU.

The chill cut through the fabric of my suit, but I didn’t mind. I enjoyed the reprieve from all the anticipation coursing in my body. The atmosphere was electric, and the opener hadn’t even started yet.

“So, what do you think?”

Dalton’s words rumbled in my ear as I stared out the tunnel we were minutes from walking down.

“I can’t believe I’m on the coaching staff for an NHL team.”

His warm chuckle traveled down my spine, settling between my thighs.

“I can’t believe I’m going to try and play after eating all that food.”

“I told you to slow down,” I scolded, rounding on him.