A Very Merry Hockey Holiday
Page 18

“Great, I’m hungry,” she said with a grin. “Can’t wait to see everyone.”
“They are excited to see you. Guess what?”
“What?”
“Harper is pregnant.”
Sitting up erect, she shouted, “What?”
“Yup!”
“Oh my God! I thought she couldn’t have any more kids.”
“We all thought that, hell, she thought that, but she’s ten weeks!”
Happiness and excitement poured out her pores as her grin grew. “That is so awesome.”
“I know, we are all so excited. She’s a blubbering mess, but she’s not the only one.”
“Really! Elli?”
Reese laughed. “Nope, the in vitro worked and Audrey’s pregnant too.”
“Awww. That’s so awesome!
“Yeah, she isn’t telling the world, but everyone who knows is pretty excited. Our little Assassins family is growing.”
“This family has never been little,” Claire said with a scoff, but she couldn’t stop smiling. This was so awesome. All these women were basically aunts to her, and to know they were all getting their Happily Ever Afters was so fulfilling. She was next, and that made her giddy with excitement. “I’m so happy for everyone.”
“Yeah,” Reese agreed. “Also, Phillip and I have decided to start trying for another baby.”
Gasping, Claire completely turned in her seat and shrieked. “What!”
Reese giggled. “Yup, I stopped taking birth control, so we will see.”
“Eek! I am so excited!”
“We are too.” Reese giggled as she pulled in the bridal shop parking lot. Getting out, Claire ran around and hugged Reese tightly which caused her to laugh. “I’m not pregnant yet.”
“I know, but it’s exciting. I love babies.”
Reese’s smiled dropped. “Doesn’t mean you need one yet.”
Claire laughed out loud, hard, and shook her head. “Believe me, not happening. We are gonna wait till my contract is done. I don’t want to raise kids in Vegas.”
“Thank sweet baby Jesus,” Reese muttered as she got Sawyer out. Claire grinned as they made their way inside. They were greeted by a gorgeous blonde and then escorted back into a room. When they entered, Claire immediately saw the big bouquet of white roses and grinned. They were her favorite flower and Jude knew that.
“The groom has these waiting for you.”
Reese awwed as Claire giggled. Going to the vase, she took in a big breath of them before grabbing the card and tearing it open.
Claire,
It was chance that I met you.
Fate that we fell in love.
And a blessing that you want to marry me.
I can’t wait to be yours for the rest of my life.
Enjoy picking the dress that will be the start of our forever.
I love you.
Yours,
Jude.
“Oh my God,” she gasped, covering her mouth. “He is so amazing.”
Reese smiled as she took the card and read it, tears gathering in her eyes. “You need to frame this.”
“I plan on it,” Claire agreed, taking the card and tucking it back in the envelope. On cloud nine, she began searching for her dress, but she wasn’t having any luck. She had tried on thirteen dresses and really didn’t like any of them. She wanted something perfect. She wanted a forever kind of love dress. Defeated, she let out a breath and met Reese’s gaze.
“The dress might not be here.”
“But yours was,” Claire said and then she paused. She loved Reese’s dress. Like, a lot. Turning slowly, she met Reese’s gaze. “Wait. You’re like my mom, right?”
Reese smiled. “Well, yeah.”
“You know how brides wear their mom’s dresses… So can I wear yours?”
Reese’s eyes clouded with tears as she slowly nodded. “I would love that.”
She wrapped her arms around Claire tightly, kissing her cheek. “I love you so much, Claire.”
“So that’s a yes?” she asked and Reese laughed.
“Yes, of course!”
Closing her eyes, Claire hugged Reese and knew this was the right choice. Phillip and Reese’s love was something out of books, and her dress was gorgeous. It was a forever kind of love dress, and Claire couldn’t think of anything else she’d rather wear than Reese’s dress.
Her mom.
Being home was great. She spent time with her family, got to see some of her friends, and it was wonderful. But, she missed Jude. It was Christmas Eve night and Claire knew she should be happy, but she wasn’t. She hated that she wasn’t with him. Closing her eyes, she waited for him to answer as a tear rolled slowly down her cheek.
When he answered, she said, “I miss you.”
His chuckle sent chills down her spine. “I miss you, baby, two more days.”
“But you won’t be here for presents or pie or anything. I’m going to be lonely without you.”
“You will not. I bet Sawyer is driving you crazy.”
“He is, but I miss you,” she whined, wishing like hell that there was no distance between them. “I’m going to wake up and you won’t be here on my favorite holiday.”
“Wow, thanks for making me feel like an ass,” he complained and she felt bad instantly.
“I’m sorry.”
He laughed. “I know this sucks. It does, but I promise I’ll make it up to you.”