Epilogue I
. . .
“The wait is over! Prospects from all over the world have traveled to be here tonight. The fans have shown up. There is no better place to be than here, welcoming the next generation of athletes joining the PWHL.”
My heart flutters in my chest. For the past year everything I’ve worked for has led to this moment.
Jameson is next to me, his hand squeezing mine, always in tune with my moods and emotions.
Next to him, Dylan stands in her seat, her pink dress sparkling in the lights.
Our family and friends surround us as everyone waits, holding their breath.
“Once you're drafted, you owe me a quick trip down the aisle, Sammy,” Jameson leans in whispering into my ear.
Since he proposed, we tackled officially moving in together and talking to our parents.
My mom wasn’t happy, but once she learned we were also engaged, she broke down crying.
Between her and my aunt, we’ve been able to have some tough conversations about her projecting her relationships and motherhood on my life.
We didn’t talk at all for a few months. I wasn’t going to pretend like things were fine this time.
It wasn’t until she was finally able to accept the good man that Jameson is, and get some help for herself that we started talking again.
She started going to therapy and she apologized to both of us.
Now Jameson and my mom are cordial with each other.
I can tell it meant a lot to him, but he still has scars from our past that are healing.
Having her help me plan the wedding has warmed him up to her, since he did not want much involvement.
In Jameson’s eyes, the sooner he gets me down the aisle the better, even if it means we’re wearing joggers and hoodies.
All of this came around right as my last year of college came to an end.
Riley and I both decided to enter the draft, which caused my wedding date to continue to be pushed back.
I want to wait and see where we’ll be moving to before we tie the knot.
I also remind Jameson that we’ll need time to get another branch of CB Auto established and that we can take our time.
Luckily for us, Johnny was interested in staying located in Michigan and will run that branch when we eventually leave.
Each time our date for the wedding has moved back or I’ve talked about postponing it, I usually end up naked at Jameson’s mercy, promising him we’re getting married.
After our last tryst on the kitchen table last night, while he bent me over a stack of bridal magazines, I promised it would be done before our move, should I actually be chosen in the draft.
My cheeks flush and I glance at him, smirking. “What if I don’t get drafted and I have to wait another year to make something of myself in the PWHL as a free agent?”
His eyes narrow and his tongue runs along his bottom lip. “Baby, your ass is already red, but I have no problem demonstrating other reasons why marrying me as soon as possible is a good thing.”
My body shivers under his gaze and I’m so distracted by all the possibilities and ways Jameson can have his hands on my body that I almost miss the first part of the announcement, hearing only Boston Clovers selects and then…
“Sam Campbell!"
My head whips up, my eyes widening. Dylan is on the floor cheering and clapping her little hands. Jameson helps me to my feet, his lips brushing against my cheek. “Looks like it's time to make it official, Pretty Girl,” he whispers and guides me to the aisle.
I can feel eyes on me, cameras trained on my face.
From the jumbotron I can at least say I don’t look scared or freaked out like I am on the inside.
I’m glowing, my cheeks are flushed, and my smile is so huge my face hurts.
I’m helped onto the stage and I collect a Boston jersey and hat, plus the team’s ministick.
The crowd is cheering, my family is on their feet, and my eyes instantly pick them out.
Dylan and Jameson. The two halves of my heart.
A tear falls down my cheek and I quickly dash it away.
This moment feels surreal, something I always dreamed about but was never sure it would happen.
If it wasn’t for my dad, I don’t know if I would have realized my passion for the sport.
Without Jameson, Luca, and Braysen, I wouldn’t have grown as a player, finding my edge.
Without Riley and Emma, I wouldn’t have learned to stand on my own two feet.
If I hadn’t made that list of goals my senior year of high school, I wouldn’t have almost everything I’ve always wanted.
“It's always been my dream to play in the PWHL. I am beyond excited to join the team and meet the fans in Boston. I’m grateful for this opportunity. I want to thank my team in Michigan, my coaches, my family and friends. I want to thank my number one fan, my daughter, Dylan. Most importantly, thank you, Jameson, for making all my dreams come true. I love you.”
The crowd cheers as I raise my ministick one more time before walking off stage. I’m led back down to the floor behind the stage, and my legs can’t move fast enough to get back to my people. Rounding the corner, I’m swept off my feet, instantly recognizing the strong arms I’m held in.
“I’m so proud of you, Sammy.” Jameson squeezes me, his voice deep and gravelly in my ear.
“I did it.” I tear up, something between a giggle and sob breaks free from my throat. “Is this real?”
Jameson sets me down and his hands come up to frame my face. “It’s real, Sam. Another thing off your list.”
Playfully, I punch his stomach, rolling my eyes. “You and my list.”
He smiles, his white teeth gleaming. “And we’re only just getting to the best parts.”
“I think everything with you and me has been pretty amazing,” I counter, leaning up on my tiptoes and pressing my lips to his. “Guess we better start looking for a house.”
Jameson chuckles, the sound dark and devilish. “Oh, baby. I already found us the perfect place.”
I lean back, shock on my face. “How? We didn’t even know until tonight which team I would be drafted to.”
He shrugs like that idea is just an afterthought. “I knew all the teams that would draft first and be looking at you. It was easy to scout locations based on those teams. Keeping in mind neighborhoods, security, and the schools, it was easy to find exactly what we would like.”
I shake my head in awe. “This actually doesn’t even surprise me. You always take care of us,” I tell him, glancing up under my eyelashes. His eyes darken and he leans down until our lips are a breath apart.
“Later, future Mrs. Kane. When we get back to our hotel, Grandma is taking Dylan for the night so we can celebrate properly.”
My thighs clench together, my belly swoops and heats while my heartbeat turns frantic in my chest. “Let's go see the family.”
Our crowd has since moved out of the theater and is gathering at the main entrance.
“Boston Clovers newest defensewoman, Sam Campbell!” Luca cups his hands yelling.
Everyone turns in our direction, cheering and clapping.
Mr. Kane places two fingers in his mouth and whistles loudly.
Giggling, I bend at my waist bowing before rushing over to my sister who throws her arms around my waist. I’m passed from person to person, hugs are exchanged and everyone gives their congratulations.
“Now, now!” My mom steps into the middle and calls for everyone’s attention. Her eyes meet mine and I can see the warmth, the regrets, and pride in her gaze. They fill with tears but she’s smiling.
“It took some finagling, and Jameson’s special brand of caveman tendencies,” she teases, and his friends rib him. Jameson’s eyes find my mom, and he smiles in return.
“Only the best for our girl.”
“Only the best,” my mom repeats. “We have a private seating room reserved down the block at Golden Rule.”
Everyone cheers again and my mouth opens in shock.
Golden Rule has been featured in celebrity magazines.
It was founded by the ex-wife of a former NHL player.
Its name came from a part of his very public apology, when he almost gave up his career in order to get her back.
The Golden Rule was that she was more important than the sport.
Dylan rides with Jameson and me to the restaurant, chatting happily the whole way there.
She isn’t sad to be leaving Michigan. We tell her there’s an adventure we’re all going on together and that’s all that matters to her.
Jameson grins at me across the console, taking my hand in his and kissing my wrist.
The back room reserved for our party is packed with everyone important in our lives.
My mom, Aunt Paisley and Mr. Kane sit on one side of the table with Allie.
Johnny, Luca and Braysen are around one end, and nestled between them is Emma, Hawke, Carter, Leif and Isla.
I run over to my friends, hugging them tightly.
“Riley and Reign would have been here, but with Riley being drafted as well her man carried her out to have a private celebration,” Emma tells me, rolling her eyes teasingly.
“Understandable. I just can’t believe you’re here!
” I tell her, giving her an extra squeeze.
Hawke was drafted to an NFL team in Tennessee last year.
Emma didn’t make it long before she left Michigan, transferring to be closer to him.
Not that I blame her. I wouldn’t be able to leave Jameson, and I’m very thankful that he follows me everywhere.
“I hear congratulations are in order.” Kalai’s voice sounds behind me. I whirl around seeing both her and Romeo walking in, looking flashy and slightly dangerous in their matching, all black ensembles.
“What are you two doing here?” I’m smiling like a loon before hugging both of them.
Romeo’s eyes flick from me to Jameson and back. I’m sure part of their stay is probably related to business as well. “We had to help celebrate our friend. Congrats, Sammy.”
“Guess those box seats will come in handy, huh?” Jameson asks, his lips twitching.
Romeo grins before wrapping his arm around his wife’s waist. “Thankfully, Kalai is more dangerous than I am. We already got tickets for the Boston Clovers.”
My jaw drops and I would probably freak out if Jameson didn’t slide next to me, giving me a little shake. “You’re supposed to be inconspicuous when you learn how powerful your friends can be,” he whispers.
That snaps me right out of my stupor, and I look around, hoping no one notices.
Jameson takes it front here, the rest of us sitting to eat, and he makes introductions.
My meal tonight is probably the best food I’ve ever had, or it's just because more of my dreams came true and I’m on cloud nine.
After dinner, my mom and Allie take Dylan with them to their hotel.
Jameson and I say goodbye to everyone and make sure they all have rides to their respective places.
On our way out the door, he grabs the last bottle of champagne on our table as we head across the road to our hotel.
In the elevator, he gathers me close, my arms wrapping around his waist.
“Thank you for tonight. For working with my mom to get all our friends and family here. It was magical."
“I’m proud of you, Sam,” he answers, kissing my forehead. “Anything to make you happy, Pretty Girl. Now, we have one more thing to discuss.”
Our elevator stops at our floor, and Jameson produces a key card, letting us in.
My jaw drops when we step inside. The first thing I notice is just how huge the room is.
But it's the dramatic display on the bed that catches my attention.
Red rose petals, candles on every surface and yet another bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket with flute glasses.
“Did you do this?” I turn to ask and find his eyes roaming over me from the heels on my feet up my body to my face. He nods his head like this isn’t a big deal.
“We didn’t know for sure I would be drafted. I could have walked out of this weekend as a free agent, trying my hardest to get signed anywhere.” I scoff, but it comes out more as a disbelieving laugh.
Jameson stalks over to me, placing the bottle on top of the dresser.
His hands grip my hips tight. “Sammy, there is no way you walked out of today not as a first pick. You’re amazing on the ice.
You skate like a fucking wet dream and you play with a vicious edge that every team was hoping to cash in on. ”
“You say the most romantic things.” My hands wind around his neck, and I smile at him, a playful giggle on my lips.
Jameson rolls his eyes softly and leans down kissing me hard. Right as my lips open to him, he pulls back so fast, my eyes pop open in bewilderment. “What?”
He shakes his head and moves out of my hold. “Trust me, Pretty Girl, I want to get you on that bed and under me as much as you want it, but we need to talk about something first.”
“Let me guess, you want us to set a wedding date?”
His dark eyes flash and turn pitch black. “I want to know how soon I can make you Mrs. Kane, yes, but also because which name are you wearing on your first Boston Clovers jersey?”
Now it was my turn to look surprised. This was something I hadn’t even thought of. “Would you be mad if I wanted to wait a year before changing my name?”
Jameson growls and grabs my hips, tossing me onto the bed. He crawls over me, his hands hiking up the end of my dress as he goes. “I’m not waiting an entire season to marry you, Sam. You have three months to plan the wedding you want.”
“Three months!” I try to wiggle out from under him, and he grinds his hard length against me, making me moan instead.
“Sammy, you have unlimited funds, an aunt and mother who will help with anything. I’m sure your girlfriends will help as well.
They all know the position you’re in. And we have influential people also willing to help if we need it.
Three months is more than doable,” he argues, kissing a path up my thighs and raising my hemline as he goes.
My head drops back and my hands dive into his hair. “Fine. I’ll try to make it work.”
“You will, baby.” He kisses right below my bellybutton. “Now, I’m fine if while you build your brand, you use Campbell for your rookie season or the one after. As long as Kane is everywhere else.”
My chest tightens, feelings of love overflowing within me. Tears threaten to gather in my eyes and I swallow down the thick ball of emotion in my throat. “You really mean that?”
“Sam, I want you to have your dream. I want you to have everything you ever wanted. You’ll still be mine, no matter what the name on the back of your jersey is,” he says, his voice soft and full of tender understanding.
I run my hands through his hair and down over his jaw, squeezing gently with my fingers. “You’re a good man, Jameson. I’m lucky to call you mine. I love you so much.” I spend the rest of the night showing him how much I mean it.