“Ohmygod,” she whines, gripping tight to his arm. “This is just so exciting. I can’t believe they said no pictures. I’m dyin’ over here.”
Of course, our public relations manager wants pictures of the Rays rubbing shoulders with Hollywood and rock royalty. But the goons at the door were clear: no pictures, no video.
“You know, we’re all kind of big deals too,” Novy mutters, arms crossed. “Hockey’s only a multibillion dollar a year industry—”
“Hush,” she says, eyes wide as she looks all around.
I chuckle, clicking my phone into silent mode. Doc and the guys are never gonna live this night down. This is already the coolest wedding ever and it hasn’t even started.
It only takes a few minutes for everyone to settle. Over half this room is Rays. I don’t think anyone opted to stay at the hotel. Even the coaches are here. Head Coach Johnson is sitting in the back, three seats down from Slash.
Suddenly, some of the guys all start to whoop and cheer. I turn, eyes wide, as I take in Kinnunen walking down the makeshift aisle between the chairs. He’s easily one of the best-dressed guys on the team. Tonight, he’s rocking a moss green suit and no tie. If I wore that color, I’d look like an idiot. On him, it’s effortlessly cool.
“Go, Bear!”
“There he is!”
“Get it done, Mars!”
Morrow leans across Poppy, patting his arm as he passes.
Compton and Sanny walk in right behind him, big smiles on their faces. Compton catches my eye, grinning like a lovestruck idiot.
“Yeah, Sanny,” Novy shouts. “Lock him down quick, or I will!”
The guys all laugh as Sanford gives Novy a death glare. He may not have the scar to match Novikov, but it’s still intimidating as hell. The guys shuffle around at the front of the room, Kinnunen stepping back to let Compton and Sanford claim the middle spots.
“Aren’t we supposed to hold hands?” asks Compton.
“Shut up,” Sanford says and we all laugh.
“Come on, asshole. Hold my hand or something,” he replies, holding out a hand towards our equipment manager.
“Hold his hand or I will,” Novy shouts to more laughter.
With a sigh, Sanford takes it, which makes Compton’s grin grow even wider. Damn, I can’t help it. I’m smiling too.
Soft music starts playing over the surround sound speakers. Then there’s a wolf whistle and we’re all turning to watch Compton’s sister walk down the aisle. She’s smiling wide, the super-hot female version of Compton. It’s honestly kind of trippy.
As if we’re having the same thought, Novy leans in at my shoulder. “Am I crazy, or does Compton make a very hot girl?”
I want to laugh or give him a shove, but I can’t. I can’t do anything. I can’t even fucking breathe. Walking in right behind Compton’s twin is the woman who has single-handedly been haunting all my dreams.
Tess.
Fuck, she’s so goddamn beautiful. Compton’s sister is in a slinky black dress, but Tess is in emerald green. It sets off the red in her hair and the cream of her skin. My chest feels tight. My hands are clammy. She’s smiling wide as she sways down the aisle. She catches my eye as she passes and winks.
Kill me dead.
Compton’s twin takes her place just behind him at the front, but Tess sits in the front row next to Doc’s twin. Someone else has joined the guys up at the front. I perk up as I place the face with the name. Holy shit, it’s John Jay Walsher, original drummer for the Ferrymen. The Johnny Jay is going to officiate? This wedding is so fucking cool.
“Please rise for the bride,” he calls.
We all stand as the music changes. With a room full of Rays, quarters are cramped. A row of defensemen stand behind me, so I can’t see a damn thing. I turn, looking to the front instead. I’m not disappointed by the view. My heart squeezes tight as I see the looks on the faces of Compton, Sanford, and Kinnunen. Holy shit, they’re in love. All three of them. It’s written all over their faces. Compton is crying. So is his twin. Even stoic Kinnunen looks misty.
I smile. Suddenly this doesn’t feel so weird. They all look happy. They all want Doc, and they’re willing to share her. It’s kind of beautiful, actually. Life’s too short to go through it settling for a life you don’t want.
With that thought in my mind, I turn, peering between the two rows separating me from Tess. Her eyes are locked on the guys too. I wonder if she sees what I see. Is she happy for her best friend?