Ice Contact (Milwaukee Steel Riders #1)

44. Hayes

44

hayes

“ W e are gathered here today, before family, friends, coaches, teammates, and pinball machines to celebrate the joining of Hayes Larson and Olivia Brooks,” Zack says, standing in front of the guests gathered here at Button Bashers. He apparently became an online-ordained minister during the pandemic since a lot of his friends’ weddings were being cancelled. He also got his realty license, which also may come in handy.

“Being a captain is a lot like being the captain of a ship. You guide the team in a good direction, give them advice. You also have the authority to marry anyone aboard the ship according to maritime law. I know to some of you, this wedding may seem fast. But I would have married Kara the first night we met, and I see that same spark in Hayes and Olivia. Kara and I made it a few months before tying the knot, you two just had to do it in less time and show us up,” he says, getting a laugh from everyone.

“Being married for ten years, I can tell you there isn’t a day that goes by where I regret marrying Kara. And my instincts tell me you two will feel the same way in ten years.”

I squeeze her hands in mine, rubbing my thumb along her knuckles. I still can’t believe this is real.

“I’ve always known who Olivia was, but only as a singer. The Weapon. As our unofficial second mascot; when Olivia wasn’t at our home games anymore, we struggled as a team. I’m not as superstitious as some of the Riders, but something felt off. The ice felt empty. Others tried to fill the void, but it was never quite right. Just like there was an empty place in your hearts until you found one another. Only then did they truly begin to beat.”

My eyes are fuzzy, tears threatening to fall down my cheeks. Fuck Zack for making me cry. But dammit he’s spot on. Fuck it. I let my tears fall, choking back sobs. My heart never truly beat until I saw the redheaded siren standing before me. I tilt my head to wipe the tears off on my shoulder, not dropping Olivia’s hand for even a second. Her tear-filled gaze beaming right back into mine.

“And now, if I could please have the rings,” he says as Maggie steps forward. I see Olivia start to panic, and I squeeze her hand reassuringly a small smile on my face. But Maggie extends her hand revealing two black plastic spider rings.

Olivia lights up grinning from ear to ear.

“We can pick out rings soon, but I wanted to have something for the actual ceremony,” I whisper, my own cheeks lifting as I remember our first date.

“This is actually the most perfect ring. I am keeping this one forever,” she says, still sporting the biggest smile.

We repeat the vows Zack reads out loud, promising to be there for each other no matter what. He, of course, threw in some mentions of caring for each other for a variety of ailments including common hockey injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome from playing piano. He also made a joke about Kara swearing Olivia in as an official WAG.

“Now, as we stand before this holy skeeball machine, surrounded by those who are here to witness this declaration of love, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Larsy, you may kiss The Weapon.”

I give Olivia a church appropriate kiss, but it’s not a peck by any means. I draw it out a little for the crowd…and myself, knowing I would much rather be kissing her like the first time we were here in the back hallway.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Hayes and Olivia Larson!”

We walk down the makeshift aisle set up in the bar to a chorus of “Way to go, Larsy!” being shouted by several of my teammates, none louder than Bougie. Vladi catches my eye with his nod of approval.

My heart swells as I spin my wife around, pulling her into my arms. “Well, Mrs. Larson, what would you like to do for our first act as husband and wife?”

“I assume I should kick your ass at skeeball again. Show everyone how your wife is the superior athlete,” she says with that smartass tone of hers I love so much.

Pulling her closer, I trace my nose along her jaw, nipping at her ear. “Do you remember what happened after the last time you beat me at skeeball?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Larson, but I don’t seem to recall the details of that particular event.” Her eyes spark in the low light of the bar.

Narrowing my brows at her, I place my hand on her cheek, my thumb rubbing along her bottom lip. I’ll never tell her, but I fucking love it when she acts like a brat. “Did you just say you’re sorry, siren? I cannot have my wife apologizing for things she should not be apologizing for. I’ll have to remind you later of that later tonight.”

“Promise?” she teases, leaning in to press her lips into mine.

She’s officially my wife.

“Now let’s go show up all our friends and family with a high score on skeeball.”