Chapter 32
I'm Home
Kiki
Seems Ash knows the pulse of Sparkwood better than I do.
By the time I leave my friend’s house, my phone is already lighting up with missed calls.
Within twelve hours, I have a dozen bouquets littering the front porch of my cabin and my voicemail box is full of calls ranging from your basic, run-of-the-mill apology to requests for me to act as the listing agent on their house.
While I’m grateful, and more than a bit cynical about their sudden one-eighty, none of these are the people I want to see.
The only person I need right now won’t be back in town until this afternoon.
When I dropped by the job site, Mike informed me that Eddie was still out, handling meetings and suppliers before heading to Theo’s practice at the hockey rink.
Normally, I’d avoid the place like the plague. Memories of the baseball field taunts hurled at me by Sparkwood’s upstanding locals continues to haunt me, even months later.
But I can’t wait any longer.
Give me some credit. It’s a miracle I’ve waited this long to track him down, and the only reason I haven’t blown his phone up like some relentless groupie is because it’s Theo’s birthday weekend. No way am I crashing that kid’s party.
Besides, this is not a phone call conversation. This baby needs to happen live and in person.
I walk into the hockey rink, realizing I haven’t set foot inside this place since high school.
Damn, it smells exactly the same and I’m not entirely certain that’s a good thing. The rink emanates this odd blend of stale sweat, rubber, and peanut oil that’s been used one too many times for frying.
Not that it seems to faze the kids as they squeal with excitement, haphazardly chasing pucks around the ice.
“Kiki, you’re here.” Eddie’s ex, Deirdre, stands to my right, a soda in her hand and a funny expression on her face.
I see the gatekeepers are working overtime today.
“Hi, Deirdre.”
“I wanted to speak with you.” She approaches carefully, as though the slightest movement might spook me.
And yesterday, that would have been the exact right way to handle me.
But I left that timid, tired version of myself by the roadside along with my discarded memories of Drake.
“Go ahead.” I’m half-listening, but my focus is far greater than whatever she has to say, as I scan the rink, searching for Eddie.
“I’m so sorry I misjudged you.”
Bam, found him. My gorgeous, wonderful man. And he is absolutely about to get an earful from me.
Wait, what did Deirdre say?
She shrugs, daring to inch closer. “I didn’t know the whole story, and I should have listened. I’m so sorry for all you’ve endured these last several months. Just let me know if there’s anyone’s ass you need me to kick… including mine.”
I try to bite back the grin, wanting to present a stern face, but it’s a losing battle. “One hell of an offer.”
“Feel free to take me up on it. Just ask Eddie, I have a wild temper.”
“Of that, I’m certain,” I chuckle.
“So… are we okay?”
Look, I can spend the rest of my days hating the people in my hometown and surrounding area for what they did to me, but that only hurts me.
And trust me, I’ve hurt enough for ten lifetimes. Besides, if I get my wish, I’ll be seeing a lot more of Deirdre, and I refuse to hate the woman.
Instead, I shock the hell out of her by pulling her into a nonchalant hug. Hey, I’m a hugger. Sue me. “I appreciate your apology, truly I do, but there’s no need. You were just being a good mom. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to speak with Eddie. Immediately.”
“Absolutely. He’s by the far end of the ice—”
But I’m already gone, marching toward the man I love with a no holds barred attitude.
Hope you’re ready for me, sir. Because I’m done hiding.
Eddie glances up as I swoop over, the look of surprise falling from his face as I jab my finger into his chest.
“You’re an idiot,” I crow. “What were you thinking going to see Drake like that?”
Eddie catches my wrist in a gentle hold as his warm dark gaze searches my face. “Don’t tell me you’re mad at me.”
What a stupid statement. Seriously?
“Yes, I’m mad at you.” My voice shakes with emotion. “I did everything to keep you out of this mess, but what do you do? Ignore all my warnings and waltz right into the danger zone.”
“See? I knew you weren’t mad at me.” Eddie flashes an irresistibly dazzling smile, which is absolutely helping his cause. “Besides, that’s what you do for the people you love.”
Well how can I stay mad at the man now?
Exactly, I can’t.
I collapse into him, wrapping my arms around his waist, and hugging him tight. “You are… ridiculously amazing, and I love you to pieces, but I’m still mad at you.”
Of course I’m not, but he doesn’t need to know that. God forbid he gets any more ideas about playing the hero.
“Liar. This is a happy hug. Not an angry one.” Eddie rests his chin on my head, his arms banded around me. “I saw the interview.”
I pull back with a smirk and a roll of my eyes. “Just like that, I’m no longer public enemy number one. In fact, I’ve received a barrage of phone calls and flowers in the last few days.”
He furrows his brow. “Flowers? Who’s sending you flowers?”
Do I love the tiny inkling of jealousy poking through his calm facade? Better believe it, but getting a rise out of the man is not my point.
I wave away his question. “No clue. Didn’t read them.”
He nods, catching his lower lip between his teeth. “Look at you. You’ve got your old life back.”
“Yeah…” I mutter, stepping back and tugging a hand through my hair as I catch sight of Theo on the ice, trying like mad to control the puck as he skates. Most adorable kid ever. I wave in his direction, but I’m not sure if he sees me.
Turning back to Eddie, I shrug. “Here’s the thing. I don’t think I want my old life back. It—” I’m cut off by my phone’s ring. Fishing it from my pocket, I sigh and flash the screen at Eddie. “It’s Nolan. Better not ignore him, right?”
Eddie averts his gaze, focusing on the rink. “Probably not a good idea.”
“Hi, Nolan. What’s up?”
“I should ask you the same thing,” Nolan replies. “Romy sent me a link to the interview with your ex. How are things out there?”
“Congratulate me, I’m no longer a married woman. The SOB signed the papers. Things are turning around. Crazy, huh? “ I stare at Eddie through my lashes, aware he’s paying way too much attention to this phone call.
“They are, although my offer still stands. I know Sparkwood will open its doors to you again, but if you desire a fresh start, LA is waiting for you.”
“Actually, a new start is exactly what I want. You’re absolutely right.”
I capture Eddie’s gaze, watching the smile drift from his face as he shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. Time for me to wrap up this call and move on to more important matters.
“You’re staying in Sparkwood, aren’t you?” Nolan asks, a humorous lilt to his tone.
“Yep.”
Nolan chuckles. “No surprise there. If you change your mind, let me know.”
“Thank you, Nolan.” I pocket the phone as a swarm of butterflies takes flight in my belly. Time to hear Eddie’s stance on my plan. “Where was I?”
Eddie squints at the overhead light. “Planning your new life as a single woman.”
“Right.” I snap my fingers, tamping down the nerves. “Like I was saying, my old life wasn’t that great. But I know the kind of life I want now, and I plan on pursuing it with reckless abandon.”
A pall falls across Eddie’s face as he straightens and crosses his arms, cutting his gaze toward the far wall. “You’ve earned a new life, Kiki. You deserve to be happy, whatever that looks like. Wherever it takes you.”
Sir, I am so glad you said that.
I jut my hip out, shooting him a cocky grin. “You mean that?”
“I do.”
“Remember when I told you about my dreams?”
He nods. “Which one? European dream or baby dream?”
“Neither, actually.”
Eddie turns his full attention to me, a frown marring his handsome features. “Okay, help me out here.”
Here goes everything. “You, silly man. Cuddling and playtime, non-negotiable, remember? But here’s the thing.
I don’t want some casual bullshit style relationship.
I want it all, and damn it, I deserve it.
The last several months have taught me about fear and making myself small, but I’m done with that.
From here on out, I plan on going after what I want, and I want you. ”
A shocked huff flies from Eddie’s mouth, although I’m not sure which part threw him.
Time to pad my landing, just in case.
“Look,” I move closer until we’re toe to toe. “If there’s too much damage, I get it, but I needed you to know my truth.” I grip his fingers and give them a squeeze.
“What about your fancy life in Los Angeles?”
“I don’t want that life. I want a life with you. Will you give me a second chance?”
He shakes his head. “No.”
Okay, that is not how this played out in my head.
I thought Eddie wanted me here. I thought he only wanted to send me away to protect me.
Seems I was wrong about all of it.
“No?” I echo, happiness seeping out of me like water through a sieve.
He presses my fingers to his lips, a smile softening his face. “I’ll give you a million chances, Kiki. That’s what you do when you’re in love. You don’t give up. You believe in them.” His gaze locks on mine. “I’ve never stopped believing in you.”
Heart, you can resume beating again. He’s not going anywhere.
“So, that’s a yes to us being together, right? Just double checking.”
Eddie laughs, pulling me into a bear hug and sweeping me off the ground. “That’s a yes.”
I swear, it’s magic in his arms, and I could stay here forever… or until Deirdre decides to infringe on our moment.
“Sorry to interrupt,” she says, earning a side-eye from Eddie. “Hey, I’m not trying to kill your vibe but practice is almost over and we’re all going for pizza. Come with us, Kiki.”
I clasp my hands to my chest, warmed by her offer, even if I can’t accept. “That’s really sweet of you, but it’s family time. You three have fun.”
“No way,” Eddie cuts in, grabbing me by the shoulders. “It’s not going to work like that. You want all in, Kiki? Then this is all in.” He jerks his thumb toward Deirdre. “You’re going to have to deal with my ex, who is a real pain in the ass on occasion but overall a really nice person.”
Deirdre flicks her gaze toward the ceiling for a second. “I can’t really deny that fact.”
I giggle. “Honestly, I’m the same way.”
“She is,” Eddie concurs, before returning his attention to me. “And you’re going to have to deal with Theo, who is cute ninety percent of the time and an ungodly terror the other ten. Then there’s me. Most of the time I’m happy but sometimes I’m a real grump.”
“Are these your selling points?” I tease.
“This is me. Because if you’re all in with me, that’s what it means. But I’m all in if you are.”
Am I okay with his ex and his son as major components of my life? Absolutely.
But there’s more to it than that.
He has no idea how much thinking I’ve done on this subject. Weighed every option—life with him, life in LA without him, life as a nomad in the Sahara. Hey, options are options.
A lot has changed in a year, and I’m not the woman I was then. Now I understand what makes me truly happy. It’s him.
And I know a life with Eddie means relinquishing the dream of having a child of my own. He has his family and he’s good with that setup.
But I’d have Eddie and Theo and Gus. Three terrific guys who adore me.
My life looks totally different than I planned. Different than even a year ago. But why can’t the sequel be better?
Universe, I’m testing that theory.
If he’s willing to take me and my mangled past, then I’ll gladly take on all of his life too, no questions asked.
We’ll figure out the rest together.
Eddie’s brows arch. “Okay, you’ve been quiet for a little longer than expected. Did I freak you out? Are you ready to tear out of here screaming?”
I shake my head, planting my hands on my hips. “Trust me, I don’t scare that easy. I’m in.”
He tries to bite back the grin, but it wins, as he slides his hands along my face and kisses me for all the world to see. “Then I’m yours.”
This is what happiness feels like, folks. Trust me on that.
A whistle sounds across the rink. Looks like practice is over.
“Come on,” Eddie says, grabbing my hand. “Little man is going to want to see you.”
The three of us walk toward Theo, who’s seated on a bench, trying without success to remove his skates.
“Let me help.” Eddie kneels down, gently removing the skates.
“Thanks, Dad.” Then Theo looks up and sees me. “Miss Kiki!”
His smile melts my heart every damn time.
“Hi, Theo.”
Eddie pulls his helmet off and motions toward me. “Go on. Give her a hug.”
Don’t have to tell him twice. He barrels over in sock feet, throwing his arms around my waist.
God, I missed him so damn much.
He gazes up at me. “You’re not too busy to be my friend anymore?”
Yep, my heart falls out of my chest and splatters on the pavement with that remark.
I crouch down and shake my head, swallowing back the emotion threatening to overpower the moment. “I am never too busy for you.” I hold up my pinky, hooking it with his. “Pinky promise. I will always be here for you.”
He grins. “I love the dinosaur. It was the best gift ever.”
Wait, what?
Deirdre smiles as she helps Theo into his coat. “We let him know his very special friend Kiki got it for his birthday. You’ve officially won the coolest adult award.”
I stand, a bit wobbly as I bury my head against Eddie’s chest, his arm slung about my shoulder. “I thought you weren’t going to tell him.”
“I was wrong. Realized what was important. Are we still good? You still all in?”
Glancing at Eddie and Theo, I realize I’m more than all in.
I’m home.