I turn to face him and adjust his black bow tie. “Easton Hayes. I am wearing a lace and silk, hand-dyed pink panty and strapless bra set that cost more than some people’s mortgage payments. At the end of this night, we’re going to partake in all the doctor-approved activity we can. But in the meantime, I’m going to walk the black carpet in an Everly Sinclair original with my unbelievably hot husband next to me.” I look him over and lick my lips. “You really do clean up nicely, husband.”
I sway in my pink watercolor ballgown that was hand-sewn by Evie. A small, pink satin ribbon ties around my neck, leaving my back completely bare. Add to that, this stunning gown cinches in at the waist and flares out in box pleats, and it’s the most gorgeous gown I’ve ever seen, and my incredibly talented best friend made it just for me.
“We’re going to show the world we’re all right, and I’m going to start a campaign to change the privacy laws in this country. I don’t want anyone else to ever have to go through what we just went through. And with Becket’s help, I don’t plan on stopping until we’ve got the change we want. One day, we’re going to have babies, E. And I don’t want them to have to deal with this too, just because they’re the children of a fabulously skilled hockey player and a mother who hit the genetic lottery. We’re no different from anyone else, and I want our children to be safe and able to live a normal life like everyone else.”
“You are incredible, Madeline Hayes.” He takes my face in his hands. “I love you, baby.”
“Till we’re old and gray, hockey boy. Till we’re old and gray.”
We ride over to the event in a limo, which Crew rides in with us. He has two other men inside the ballroom already. Not to mention the men Sam has here, simply because his wife and my siblings are here. We’ve all doubled down on security since the accident. It was too close for any of us to feel comfortable.
Some of the media outlets have backed off.
For now.
The Kroydon Kronicles posted a statement after the accident, saying they would no longer run any images gotten by nefarious means. I not sure exactly what constitutes nefarious, but they’ve been willing to leave us alone.
For now.
I doubt that will last though.
The Ballroom at the Beacon House is one of the oldest ballrooms in the city. It overlooks the silver glittery ball the city drops at midnight and provides a perfect view of that and the fireworks from the roof. My sister-in-law, Daphne, has been running this event for years to raise money for her charity supporting the youth of Philadelphia, so it’s no surprise at all that all my friends and family will be there tonight.
We coordinated with the girls and Maddox and Callen so we all arrive together. We walk the black-velvet carpet behind them but don’t answer questions unless they’re asking who I’m wearing, and then I happily name drop my best friend. But one reporter looks familiar. I think I’ve seen her at Easton’s games. “Lindy, how are you feeling?”
I link my arm through Easton’s good arm and pose as flashes go off. “I’m feeling incredibly lucky, thank you for asking. I’m lucky to be alive. I’m lucky to have the love of my life next to me. Not everyone involved in our accident was as lucky as us—all in the name of a photo.” I consider walking away but don’t. Instead, I stand there with my strength at my side, holding me up. “I thank you all for being here tonight. For helping to bring awareness to this incredibly important cause. And I ask you to consider what photos you use in your magazines, newspapers, blog posts, and TV shows. I will always stop for you at events. But I beg you to consider what you’re doing and how you’re doing it the rest of the time.”
Easton moves his hand to the center of my back and guides me into the event. “You feeling okay, princess? You need to sit down?”
“I’m okay for now, but I’ll sit soon. I promise.”
We slowly make our way over to one of the many tables my family has reserved, and eventually take our seats for dinner and Daphne’s speech. Waiters in tuxes with tails and white gloves pass out champagne, but Easton and I stick to soda.
Medication and alcohol is a bitch.
Eventually, Kenzie moves next to me. “How are you feeling?”
“Other than being done with people asking me that?” I answer. “I’m okay. Tired and sore, but I want to stay until midnight. This Cinderella wants to kiss her prince.”
“Just try not to lose your shoe. Your balance hasn’t been the best lately.”