Epilogue
Eli
“Damn that calendar looks good,” Nolan whistles. “And by calendar, I mean me.”
“That’s because my woman took those shots. She can make anyone look good.”
“Apparently even you, Mr Snaps Himself,” Nolan retorts.
Yup. I walked into that one.
“You just better hope that no doe-eyed girl sees you and decides to make toppling you her mission in life.”
“Ha!” Nolan belts out a laugh. “There’s no woman who could ever have that power over me.”
Finn and I exchange a glance.
“Don’t you know that pride goes before the fall?” Finn challenges him before I can.
“What pride? I’m just stating facts, bro.”
The banter is interrupted by loud cheers and a few more whistles when Summer waltzes in.
Everyone in the firehall is waving around their calendar. Some of the women are even fanning themselves.
“I’m so glad you like them,” Summer beams. She’s radiant. Her name is perfect for her. She’s bright and hot, in every way.
I reach for her and can’t stop myself from kissing her deeply. Her soft moan tempts me to continue, but I refrain. For now.
“Good to see you, too,” she whispers with a blush.
“Now that we got these calendars to build us some hype, are we all ready for the auction that’s coming up?”
A few of the men groan, but Nolan is eating it up. He’s rubbing his hands together. “Let’s give those Calgary Courage a run for their money. Firefighters versus hockey players. Let’s see who’s going to raise the most money.”
“My bet’s on the players,” Graham says.
“Perfect. That means I’ll win.” Nolan grins.
“You’ll win something. Not sure who’s gonna pay for your sorry ass.” Graham and Nolan take their conversation to the staff to poll them for their opinion.
From my perspective, I can see some of the women blushing. Some are putting money in Nolan’s hands. I have no idea what that’s for. And all the while, Graham is stoic, observing, and taking it all in.
Regardless of who pulls in the most money, the auction is going to be a good time. And it’s all for the best cause. Judging by the amount of support he already has, Rhett’s hockey academy is going to be amazing. The entire town of Lit Creek is behind him, plus he’s got a billionaire brother, and if that’s not enough, the Calgary Courage fully supports this endeavor. It’s going to be very entertaining to see how it all unfolds.
And the whole time we’re watching, it’ll be me and Summer together. She’s already mentioned how she wants to stay in touch long term, and she’s hoping to throw her photography skills into the mix for the hockey academy.
Three weeks ago, I never would have thought a woman could blow into a bar and change my entire world. Become my best friend instantly and then let me show her how a true friend acts. Our hearts are full, and a sun-shiny bright future lies ahead. All because of her.
“See?” I nuzzle my lips into Summer’s neck. “Everything worked out perfectly.”
“I’m still stunned that it did, and I’m so glad you proved me wrong. You are definitely the exception, Eli.”