Jules #2
Drew and I look at each other, surprise shining in both our eyes. Did everyone think we were going to end up together?
“Well, they got there in the end,” Mr. C says, putting his arm around my shoulders. “Jules, does this mean you will finally call us Aiden and Melanie?”
“I said the same thing,” Melanie says, wiping her tears. “I’m just so happy.”
“How come you didn’t cry when Roman and I got together?” Lavinia asks, leaning against her husband.
“You got married in Vegas after a drunken night. You didn’t give me the opportunity to cry,” Melanie replies.
“I’d prefer if you didn’t cry now,” Drew says, reaching for my hand. “Jules and I are in love, it’s nothing to cry about.”
“Happy tears,” Lavinia says, as Roman wipes away her tears with a kleenex.
“I hope you realize you’ve raised the bar and now every woman will expect the guy she’s dating to drop everything just to kiss her,” Roman says.
Aiden looks at Drew over my head. “Are you suspended?”
“No, just fined and benched.”
I squeeze his hand, nodding in encouragement. We discussed it last night and he doesn’t want to tell them about his graphic novel yet, which I’m completely fine with. I never wanted him to tell everyone. I only want him to see he has options and his worth isn’t tied to hockey.
“Which is probably for the best because my shoulder is one game away from being totally fucked up,” Drew adds.
“Andrew,” Melanie breathes.
Drew looks at his dad. “I’m going to tell coach tomorrow at practice.”
“Why didn’t you say anything before?” Lavinia asks.
I rub my thumb over the back of his hand.
“I felt like I needed to keep playing. The team was relying on me and…” Drew pauses, looking at me. “And hockey became a crutch, ever since everyone started to believe it was the only thing that was going to keep me from being a total fuck up.”
Releasing me, Aiden walks over to Drew and pulls him into a hug. I smile, wiping away my tears.
“I’m incredibly proud of you, Drew. I always have been, and I would have been even if you didn’t play hockey.
” Aiden looks between Lavinia and Drew. “All I wanted for both of you was success in whatever you chose. It didn’t have to be hockey.
I didn’t want you to feel like I failed you as a parent. ”
“You didn’t fail, dad,” Drew says.
“Is that why you didn’t tell us you were struggling?” Aiden asks. “You got injured during the game and you still kept playing.”
Aiden looks like it physically hurts him that Drew kept something so important from him. I might have terrible parents, but I’m going to get the best in-laws, who love their children more than anything.
“It’s not your fault, Dad,” Drew insists. “It was my own hangups and I’ve finally realized that hockey isn’t everything that matters.”
“You and thousands of people realized that at the same time,” Lavinia says, grinning.
Aiden puts his hand on the back of Drew’s head and brings him in for a hug again. Melanie wipes her tears and steps in for a hug when Aiden pulls back.
“No more tears,” Grams says. “This is a happy occasion.”
“Let me get the champagne.” Lavinia stands up, rushing to the kitchen.
Drew pulls me into his side, kissing the top of my head. The pop of the champagne bottle is loud followed by laughter and cheer. I stand tucked into Drew’s side, his warmth and scent filling my heart as we’re surrounded by everyone we love.
Absentedly, I finger the broach pinned to my coat. Somehow, Gemma knew this is where I always belonged surrounded by a family who accepted me with open arms and nothing but love.
Drew kisses my temple and I look up at his smiling face.
“Will you promise to always be an iridescent beast?” Drew asks.
“If you promise to love me always.”
“You’ve got a deal.” Grinning, Drew leans down and presses his lips against mine.
If there’s one thing I hate, it’s Christmas shopping. I’m a terrible gift giver and honestly, I wish there was a card you could give out every birthday or holiday season and just have people tick mark what they would like as a gift.
A gift registry without getting married or pregnant. With the added benefit of being ridiculously extravagant on your demands since it’s the holidays or your birthday. It can also come with a price cap no one feels they have to spend an insane amount of money on gifts.
Basically, I just want people to tell me what they want and take the guessing out of it. Does that make a terrible person? Maybe.
But this year, I think I’ve done quite well for myself.
I got Melanie and Aiden a spa retreat package.
A cruise for the grandmothers and Aunt Constance.
Signed memorabilia from NHL’s first female assistant coach for Lavinia, even though I suspect she already has it.
A book on etymology for Roman since he’s a polyglot and loves languages.
Lots and lots of toys for the kitties and Bailey.
That only leaves Drew.
I rush downstairs from our room and into the den, finding him bent over the drafting table, sketching away.
Since he’s been benched and going through rehabilitation for his shoulder injury, he’s been spending more time sketching.
He still watches game tapes, still goes to practice and suits up for the game.
He just doesn’t play. Ford has stepped up on his duties as assistant captain, for the first time I’m sure.
I sidle up next to him and lean against the table. Drew glances up, smiling softly.
“I can’t decide what to get you for Christmas so I’m giving you the gift of myself,” I say.
“Best gift a man can ask for, really,” Drew replies, slipping his arm around my waist.
“But if there’s something you want, please tell me. You should be the easiest person to shop for since you’re the love of my life, but I also can’t think of a single thing that feels right.”
Sliding his chair out, he tugs me down to sit on his lap. His hand slips inside my sweatshirt, which is another one of his and I’ve stolen it because it smells like him.
“There is something you can give me,” Drew says. “You can promise to love me for the rest of our lives. Promise that I’ll always wake up to your smile and your laughter. Promise that when life feels too much, you’ll turn to me, knowing I’ll always be there.”