Chapter 7
7
One month later
I couldn't stop smiling as I sat at my parents' dining room table for our weekly Sunday lunch. So much had changed in the past month, and I was bursting with excitement to share the news with my family.
Beside me, Seth reached over and squeezed my hand under the table. We had grown even closer since that fateful game when the team "hunted" me as the mascot. Now that my secret with him and being the mascot as out, it was like we could just be ourselves now that there was no guilt about what we were doing.
My smile widened as I spotted Josie helping my mom bring in the last of the food from the kitchen. She had become a regular fixture at these family meals, and I had a sneaking suspicion that my brother Mason was the reason why. The "accidental" brushes of hands between them weren't lost on me. I was happy for her and made a mental note to grill Josie for details later.
As everyone took their seats and began passing around the heaped platters, I cleared my throat. All eyes turned to me. Under the table, Seth's fingers were drawing circles in my palm, trying to calm me down before the announcement.
"We have an announcement to make," I began as dad stopped is fork midway to his mouth.
“Please don’t tell me your pregnant,” he said to me as he lowered his fork and mum patted his arm.
"No dad. Something better.” I took a deep breath. “Seth and I have decided to move in together!"
There was a thank God from dad and mum smiled, along with a "finally!" from Josie and a slightly pained but genuinely happy smile from Mason.
"That's wonderful news, honey," my dad said warmly. "Maybe don’t scare me next time.”
"There's more," I continued, squeezing Seth's hand. "I've decided to open my own bookshop and café!" Another round of congratulations followed, with Josie starting to throw questions out about my plans.
"Look, I’m combining my love of books with my love of hockey. I've always dreamed of creating a space where people can browse for books, enjoy a coffee, attend author events, and a shared love of reading," I explained. "I even have a location picked out near the arena, and will stay open after the games so people might want to come in and have a drink and a chat. I’ll have a huge range of books about hockey, and the best bit – the team have said they will sign some gear and sell there also."
"Any thoughts on a name?" my mom asked.
"I'm torn between Between the Lines , The Penalty Box, and Sudden Death by Chocolate ," I said. "I’m really struggling to find a name that would fit. I want a subtle nod to hockey without being too over-the-top."
"I vote for The Penalty Box." Mason said. "It suits you, Sprout."
"And the chocolate in that last one would definitely get me in the door," Josie added with a wink.
As the conversation flowed to names and events that could be held there, I leaned into Seth's side. In the span of a few short months, I had taken risks, followed my heart, and ended up happier than I ever could have imagined.
I watched as Mason attempted to sneak a dinner roll from Josie's plate, earning himself a playful smack on the hand. Yep. Definitely something there. At this rate, mum and dad might need to start to prepare for another moving-in announcement soon.
Seth leaned in close. "Have I told you how proud I am of you?" he murmured.
I turned my head to face him, our noses nearly touching. "Once or twice," I replied softly, "but I don't mind hearing it again."
"I'm proud of you, Hazel," he said, eyes crinkling with his warm smile. "And I can't wait to show you just how much.”
My happy place warmed up at the thought.
Lunch finally wound down and we all pitched in to clear the table. I pulled Josie aside, wanting some one-on-one girl talk with her.
"So," I began, my eyebrows raised suggestively, "you and Mason seem to be getting pretty close lately."
Josie's cheeks flushed pink, and she glanced over to where Mason was helping Seth carry dishes into the kitchen. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said, but her grin told a different story.
I nudged her with my elbow. "Come on, spill! Is it serious?”
Josie bit her lip, failing to suppress a smile. "Okay, fine. We've been texting a lot, and he may have asked me out for coffee a few times, so not serious. Yet."
I squealed, pulling her into a hug. "I knew it! Oh, this is so perfect. My best friend and my brother, falling in love.”
Josie laughed, hugging me back. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We're taking things slow, seeing where it goes.”
"He'd be a fool not to like you," I said firmly. "And if he breaks your heart, I'll sic the entire Blizzard team on him, mascot and all." We dissolved into giggles just as Seth and Mason rejoined us, curious looks on their faces.
"What's so funny?" Seth asked, slipping an arm around my waist.
"Oh, nothing," I said innocently. "Just girl talk."
Mason's eyes darted to Josie. "Why do I get the feeling that I should be worried?"
"No idea what you mean, dear brother," I singsonged. "But speaking of worry, I actually have a favor to ask you both."
They looked at me expectantly, and I took a deep breath. "So, about my bookshop/café idea. I was hoping you two might be willing to help me brainstorm some hockey-themed events and promotions to tie things together and drum up business."
Mason's face lit up. "Are you kidding? We'd love to. What about doing signings with local authors who write hockey books, both fiction and nonfiction? I know a couple who would do it."
"Ooh, or a ‘Paperbacks and Pucks' book club that reads a hockey-themed book each month and then meets to discuss it over coffee and treats!" Josie chimed in excitedly.
“I love that name. Paperbacks and Pucks fits perfectly.” I said.
"You could even do themed food and drink specials for game days," Josie added. "Like a 'Power Play Panini' or a 'Slap Shot Smoothie.' I can help in the kitchen if you need it."
I laughed. "You guys are awesome. I'm definitely writing all of these down." I pulled out my phone and started jotting down notes, my mind already spinning with the possibilities.
Seth leaned in close to me. "And maybe, on special occasions, a certain beloved mascot could make an appearance for photos and autographs.”
“I don’t think the Bear would be the drawcard.”
"Come on, Sprout," Mason said. "You can't deny that the Blizzard Bear was a big hit with the fans. They'd go wild if it showed up at your shop from time to time!"
"I'll think about it.” Knowing I would one hundred percent do it.
As we walked out to the driveway to say our goodbyes, Seth pulled me into his arms for a deep, lingering kiss.
"Whew," I said when we finally parted. "What was that for?"
"Just because I love you," he murmured, resting his forehead against mine. "And because I can't wait to start this next chapter of our lives together."
I smiled up at him, feeling like the luckiest girl in the world. "Me too, Seth. Me too."