Chapter 33
Zach
The energy in the reception hall is electric, filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses.
Wyatt and Chloe’s wedding is everything they deserve—perfect.
And yet, my focus isn’t entirely on the happy couple.
It’s on Lainey, standing beside me, radiant as ever in her dress, her hand tucked firmly into mine.
“You ready for this?” I tease, holding up my glass as the emcee announces it’s time for the best man and maid of honor speeches.
She rolls her eyes, her lips curving into a smile. “Born ready.”
We head to the front of the room together, and I take the microphone first.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to start by saying that Wyatt was insistent that I don’t embarrass him tonight,” I begin, pausing as the crowd laughs. “But let’s be honest, that’s a tall order when it comes to Wyatt.”
Wyatt groans, and the room bursts into laughter. Chloe nudges him, her face lighting up in that way only she can manage. The sight is bittersweet—seeing my best friend so happy while I wrestle with doubts about my own life. But I push those thoughts aside and continue.
“It’s an honor to stand here tonight as the best man.
Wyatt’s been my teammate, my best friend, and basically my brother for years,” I continue, my voice softening.
“We’ve seen each other through a lot—on and off the ice.
But watching him with Chloe? It’s like he’s finally found his center.
His calm in the chaos. Chloe, thank you for loving this guy the way he deserves.
And Wyatt, congratulations on marrying way out of your league. ”
More laughter and cheers erupt, and I lift my glass. “To Wyatt and Chloe—may your love be as powerful as Wyatt’s slapshot and as perfect as his penalty record.”
I step back as the crowd claps, handing the mic to Lainey.
Lainey’s speech captivated the room with its heartfelt moments and perfect humor. She’s incredible, and as she glances at me while talking about the importance of true partnerships, something in my chest tightens.
When our speeches are done, we return to our seats just in time to watch Wyatt and Chloe cut the cake. Lainey leans into me, resting her chin on my shoulder, her hand still laced with mine.
“They’re so sweet,” she whispers.
“Not as sweet as you,” I murmur, turning my head just enough to brush my lips against hers. The kiss is soft, quick, but it sends warmth flooding through me.
The night wears on, the music growing louder as people flood the dance floor. Lainey and I are no exception, our bodies moving together in perfect rhythm. For a moment, it feels like nothing else matters—just the music, her laugh, and the way she fits so perfectly in my arms.
Then Jasper appears, his tiny hand tugging at my sleeve. “Uncle Zach, can I cut in?”
I grin, crouching to his level. “Oh, this must be payback for stealing your dance last time, huh?”
“Something like that,” he replies with a mischievous grin.
Lainey laughs, already crouching to Jasper’s height. “How can I say no to such a polite gentleman?”
I pretend to think it over. “Alright, ring bearer. I’ll let you dance with her, but only if you promise to return her to me before the night’s over.”
“You got it, Uncle Zach,” Jasper replies, his tone serious but his grin wide.
I press a quick kiss to Lainey’s lips before stepping aside, watching as Jasper leads her in an awkward but enthusiastic dance. She’s laughing so hard, her cheeks glowing, and it’s impossible not to smile.
I don’t go far, chatting with some of the guys from the team near the snack table. I join their conversation, but my attention keeps straying to Lainey. She’s glowing, her cheeks pink as she twirls with Jasper, her laughter filling the room.
When their dance ends, Jasper runs off, and Lainey heads to the other end of the snack table. She picks up something to nibble on; her gaze distant, as if she’s lost in thought. I’m about to walk toward her when I notice someone else approach her—a man.
My jaw tightens as I watch him approach her, and when he speaks, his voice carries just enough for me to catch the words.
“You’re still as beautiful as ever,” he says.
She turns, her face lighting up in recognition. “Drew? Oh my God! Is that you?”
Drew. So that’s him. He doesn’t look bad; I’ll give him that. Definitely someone Lainey could’ve dated or even married. My stomach twists as I watch them hug, his hands lingering on her waist a fraction too long.
“How have you been?” she asks, her voice bright.
“I’m good. But not as good as you, I see. You’re glowing,” he says smoothly.
I scoff under my breath. This guy is laying it on thick, and Lainey doesn’t seem to mind. She’s smiling from ear to ear, completely at ease with him. My chest tightens.
They fall into easy conversation, talking about work and catching up like old friends. Then Drew asks the question.
“So, are you married, dating, single?”
“I’m dating someone,” she answers easily, and I can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. That’s right—she’s mine. Back off, Drew.
But then she asks him, “What about you? Are you married now? Kids?”
I bristle at the question. She knows he isn’t married, so why is she asking? Is she fishing for something?
“Nah,” Drew says with a casual shrug. “I’m single. Haven’t found the one, I guess.”
“Haven’t found her or let her get away?” she teases, her tone playful.
Drew’s smile falters for just a moment before he answers, “Yeah… she got away.”
The room feels like it tilts, my thoughts spinning. Is he talking about Lainey? And worse—does she know? Was she the one who got away from him? My grip tightens on the drink in my hand as jealousy coils hot and ugly in my chest.
I grab a drink from a passing server and down it in one go. Before he can walk away, I snatch another and chug it, too.
Wyatt appears at my side, his brow furrowed. “Whoa, slow down, Darling. Everything okay?”
“Everything’s great,” I say tightly, adjusting my bow tie like it’s strangling me. My gaze drifts back to Lainey and Drew, her smile wide as she laughs at something he says.
Wyatt follows my line of sight and lets out a low chuckle. “Oh, Lainey’s finally talking to Drew. How do you think she’s feeling?”
“She must be enjoying herself,” I say, my voice tight. “She’s smiling from ear to ear.”
Wyatt studies me for a beat before smirking. “Chloe told me something earlier. Apparently, Drew never actually had a plus one. It was a mix-up—he marked it wrong or something. He came solo.”
I pause, my drink halfway to my lips. “Wait, seriously?”
My grip loosens slightly on the glass, but my mind races. Did Lainey know this too? And if she did… why didn’t she tell me?
Wyatt looks at me sharply. “Dude, you’re not jealous, are you?”
I scoff, forcing a laugh. “Jealous? No. Why would I be? Lainey and I aren’t that serious, anyway.”
His expression shifts, confusion and disbelief warring on his face. “What are you talking about? She moved in with you. You’re dating now, right?”
I shrug, the weight of my doubts pressing down on me. “Yeah, I don’t think it’s going to last with us.”
“What?” Wyatt’s voice rises, and I glance away. “What the hell are you talking about?”
I look back at Lainey and Drew, my jaw clenching. “I think she found her Mr. Perfect,” I mutter before walking toward the exit.
The hallway is quieter, the noise of the reception muffled by the closed doors. I pull at my bow tie again, loosening it as I try to breathe past the tightness in my chest. My pulse hammers in my ears, and the weight of everything crashes down on me like a wave.
The Darling curse—I was right all along.
Happiness doesn’t last for us. I’ve seen it too many times.
My dad, my sisters, even Noah—every relationship starts strong, full of promise, but it never lasts.
Love turns to resentment, to loss, to pain.
And I was fooling myself to think I could be different. That I could break the pattern.
With Lainey, it felt real—safe, even. For a while, I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, we could defy the odds. But how stupid was that? The curse isn’t something you can outrun. It’s part of me, part of my family, woven into who we are.
I press the heels of my hands against my eyes, as if I can block out the images: Lainey smiling at Drew, laughing at his jokes, slipping through my fingers. She doesn’t deserve the mess I’d bring into her life. I don’t deserve her.
“Zach?”
Her voice slices through the haze, soft but full of concern. “Baby, are you alright?”
I turn to see her standing a few feet away, concern etched into her features. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I say, my tone clipped.
“You don’t look fine. Are you sure?” she presses, stepping closer.
“How was catching up with your long-time crush?” The words leave my mouth sharper than I intended, and her eyes widen slightly in surprise.
“Oh, you saw that.”
“Of course I saw that,” I snap. “Your face lit up as soon as you saw him.”
Her expression softens, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. “Zach, he’s just an old friend. Whatever I thought I felt for Drew is long gone.”
I want to believe her. I really do. But the jealousy twisting in my chest won’t let go, the doubts echoing louder than her reassurance.
“You two seemed to be getting pretty cozy,” I mutter, crossing my arms.
She frowns, a mix of confusion and frustration flashing in her eyes. “What are you talking about?”
“You know what I’m talking about,” I say. “How does it feel seeing Drew again? Catch any feelings?”
Her face hardens, and her voice rises slightly. “Of course not, Zach! I haven’t liked Drew in forever.”
“Really? Because it didn’t look like nothing,” I counter, unable to hold back the bitterness.
Her eyes narrow, frustration flickering across her face. “Are you seriously jealous right now?”
I cross my arms, my voice quieter but no less pointed. “It just seemed like you two were getting close. Reminiscing about old times, maybe?”