by Gina Azzi
I play like I did as a kid, savoring the sweep of exhilaration that floods my stomach when I catch sight of their cheering faces.
In another season or two, it will be time to hang up my skates, but knowing that I get to go home and build a life with my three biggest fans makes it a hell of a lot sweeter.
We win the game and the applause is deafening. I let myself get lost in the swarm of my teammates, in the locker room joking and after-game interviews. I enjoy every part of the process because at the end of it, when I push through the locker room doors, my family is waiting for me with open arms and sweet kisses.
“Good game, Daddy!” Milly clasps her hands, jumping up and down.
“Thanks, Jellybean.” I tug on the end of her ponytail, leaning over her head to kiss Bella.
She returns the kiss and for a second, we forget ourselves. Mason’s gagging interrupts the moment but when I glance at him, he’s laughing and Milly is beaming.
While the past month has been its own type of transition, with Bella moving into my bedroom, losing the nanny title, and becoming part of our family, it’s trending in the direction we all hoped it would. With each passing day, and weekly therapy sessions, the bumps we endured smooth out a little more. Milly and Mason lean on Bella for support when they need it and she gives her love easily, helping them in any way she can.
“Pizza?” I ask the twins.
“Definitely,” Mase agrees, linking his fingers with Bella’s.
I lift Milly and place her on my shoulders as we stride toward the parking lot.
“Can we get ice cream too?” Milly asks.
“Now you’re pushing it, Mils.” I tap her knee.
“But we’re celebrating,” Mason explains.
I chuckle, thinking they’re going to reference the Hawks win.
Instead, Milly surprises me by saying, “Yeah, Bella starts school on Monday.”
Bella laughs but I catch the way her expression softens. During our marathon-long conversations in California, she mentioned wanting to finish her degree. While I was supportive from the start, Milly and Mason really drove the issue, encouraging her until she signed up for two courses this semester. She’s joining in a little late as it’s already February, but her professor made an exception after she assured him she would catch up.
“Well, that’s true,” I agree. “I guess if it’s for Bella going back to school…”
“And your game,” Mase adds. “Nice win, Dad.”
“Nice save, Mase,” I joke.
Bella’s laughter grows.
“So pizza and ice cream?” I amend as we near the SUV.
“Yes!” the twins shout.
I place Milly back on her feet and the twins scramble into the back seat.
“You believe that?” I ask Bella, touching her hip. “Your return to the classroom just upstaged my win.”
She grins, wrinkling her nose. “I taught those kids well.”
I shake my head, smiling back. “They’re lucky to have you.”
“They’re lucky to have us,” she amends, leaning forward.
I kiss her hard as snowflakes begin to fall. I feel the curve of her mouth against my lips as she smiles.
“What’s so funny?” I whisper.
She pulls back, her eyes flashing with merriment. “Today is one of my favorite Saturdays.”
I grin at the happiness in her expression. Bella truly understands that magic happens in ordinary moments, that the best days are usually unplanned, that love is life’s greatest gift. “Mine too.” I kiss her one more time before opening the passenger side door. “Come on, we’re going for pizza.”
“And ice cream,” Milly reminds me.
And ice cream. Sometimes, the simplest celebrations hold the most meaning.
Sometimes, the mundane moments change everything.
I slide behind the steering wheel and point the SUV in the direction of our favorite pizzeria. The twins talk and laugh in the back seat, playing some game with rules I don’t fully understand.
Beside me, Bella glances out the window, a serene smile on her lips.
I reach over and take her hand, lacing our fingers together.
She squeezes her hand, the pressure gentle, the flash of her eyes knowing.
We’ve traversed a long road. We’ve climbed a lot of hills. It was rarely easy.
But as my family’s happiness surrounds me, I can say it sure as hell has been worth it.
Epilogue
Three Years Later
Bella
“That’s it. You got it!” James claps his hands, his eyes zeroing in on the puck as it slides down the ice.
Mason skates quickly, weaving and zooming, until his stick connects with the puck. He brings it up the lane and flips it to his teammate for a goal.
“Nice! Yes!” James hollers out.
Next to me, Milly rolls her eyes and I laugh. Annie gurgles in my lap, clapping her hands, her hat riding low on her forehead.
“How many times do you think he’ll say ‘nice’?” Milly whispers next to me.
I chuckle and shake my head. “Ms. Milly, your dad is an encouraging coach. He doesn’t want the boys to get burned out.”
“He’s too easy on them,” she says, the judgment in her tone amusing me.
James hung up his skates after last season and we all sort of held our breath, wondering what he was going to do next. For a few months, he puttered around the the house, taking on several DIY projects that resulted in Milly and Mason begging me to intervene.
Luckily, as Mason’s hockey team began to take off, the league was in need of more experienced coaches. James volunteered and landed the job, trading in his hockey stick for a whistle. He’s great at it, encouraging the boys while improving their skills, keeping up team morale while pushing everyone to work harder.
“Nice work, guys!” James’s voice rings out.
This time, Milly and I glance at each other and burst out laughing.
“Okay, fair. We need to tell him to pick a new word,” I agree.
“Right?” Milly’s eyes light up.
In my lap, Annie sneezes and Milly reaches out to tickle her sister.
About two years ago, James and I tied the knot. Six months later, we became pregnant with Annie. It was a decision we talked about at length, as a family, but when it actually happened, we were all delightfully surprised. None more than Milly and Mason, who were over the moon to have a new baby of their own.
Our little brood is growing, changing, and challenging James and me daily. But I’ve never felt more settled or happier in my life. I love being a mother to all of my children. I revel in the early mornings, taking an easy jog with Annie in the stroller to shed some of the baby weight but also to maintain mental clarity.
I’ve taken a year of maternity leave but finally became a psychologist. I work with teens and adolescents who have experienced trauma and easily lose myself in my work. In many ways, I’ve become a motherly figure to many children and it’s a role I relish but take with a great deal of responsibility.
A lot of changes occurred for the Ryan family in the past few years, but all of them have moved us closer to our new norm. Our growing family. Our prosperous careers. Our relentless gratitude.
“Nice game, boys!” James claps and Milly groans.
After the team finishes their post-game chat, James and Mason meet us near the arena exit.
“Nice job, Mase,” Milly says.
Mason snorts and James narrows his eyes.
“You really overdid it today, Dad,” Milly explains.
James looks to me. I nod, ceding Milly’s point.
Mason chuckles. “But I had a nice time.”
James groans. “You two are too young to give me grief like this,” he grumbles, reaching for Annie. “That’s why you’re my favorite,” he tells Annie, lifting her above his head. She kicks her little feet and a moment later, spits up, the white fluid gliding down James’s cheek.
Milly and Mason howl
with laughter. Who am I kidding? I join in, cracking up along with them.
“Come here, sweet girl.” I reach for Annie as James grabs a wipe from the stroller and cleans his face.
“I’m outnumbered,” he mumbles.
The kids and I smirk.
“Pizza?” I ask.
“Yes!” The twins high-five each other.
“And ice cream,” Milly tacks on.
James narrows his eyes. “What are we celebrating?”
Milly’s mouth drops open and she stares between us. “Our anniversary.”
“Anniversary?” I question, my brow furrowing. What am I missing? Did I forget a date?
“Yeah,” Mase says, shouldering his hockey bag that he had dumped at his feet. “Three years ago, today, Bella moved in with us for real.”
Recognition dawns on James’s face and emotion swims in his eyes as he meets mine. “That’s right.”
“It was the day we became a family,” Milly adds. “The day that changed everything.”
I smile at my family, momentarily overwhelmed with emotion. “I can’t believe that was only three years ago.”
“We should definitely get ice cream,” Mason says. “To celebrate.”
“Right,” James snorts.
“Pizza and ice cream,” I declare, buckling Annie into her stroller.
Behind me, I hear the twins high-five again.
James steps up behind me, his frame shadowing mine. “Three years, baby.”
I look up and smile. “Best three years of my life.”
“I love you, Bella Ryan.”
“I love you more, James. Now let’s get this celebration going before Annie’s nap.”
He chuckles. “I love it when you sweet talk me.”
I swat the back of my hand against his stomach.
We walk as a family toward our ride, a minivan now. In many ways, our lives have stayed pretty consistent. A constant state of parenting, hockey arenas, and too much laundry to ever fold. But in many others, the entire world opened up the morning I became James’s.
My whole future suddenly appeared before me, unblemished and promising.
I stepped into it with scars on my heart but hope in my soul. And grew a family I’m prouder of than anything else in the world.
Thank you so much for reading Bella and James’s story! I hope you fell in love with them and their journey. For more Boston Hawks reads, don’t miss The Heart Chaser. Luca Pandatelli’s story releases September 23 and is packed with heat and second chance vibes!
The Heart Chaser
September 23
The Heart Chaser
Notorious ladies' man and hockey hotshot Luca Pandatelli broke his own rules when he tangled up with me.
Not only did we spend an entire weekend in bed together, but he confided in me, sharing painful truths about his past. With a kiss good-bye and a promise to call, something sparked between us. Something that broke through my walls.
Except he didn't call. And I re-enforced my walls with steel and barbed wire.
Now, I've accepted a job with the Boston Hawks franchise, making it inevitable that I see the last man I want to cross paths with. I'm prepared to dismiss him and pretend like our weekend together never happened.
But the regret in Luca's eyes and the apology in his voice catches me off-guard. The harder I push him away, the harder he pulls me in.
Until the one thing I can't accept, can't forgive, comes to light.
And I'm left wondering, is Luca only interested in the chase? Or is really playing for keeps?
Preorder Now!
Hey Reader!
Hi Lovely Reader!
I hope you adored Bella and James’s story. Their relationship holds a special place in my heart and while I often cried while writing their journey, I hope their HEA resonates loudly.
It would mean so much to me if you would please leave a review and share your thoughts. If you’re loving Boston Hawks Hockey, make sure you pre-order The Heart Chaser, Luca Pandatelli’s story, a cocktail of sweet, heat, and second chance vibes! It releases September 23.
If you’re interested in learning more about my books, please sign up for my monthly newsletter. It’s filled with humor, love, and your favorite hockey heartthrobs!
Or, come hang out in my Facebook Reader Group, Gina’s Group for Book Gossip.
Thank you so much for all of your support!
XO,
Gina
Also by Gina Azzi
Boston Hawks Hockey:
The Sweet Talker
The Risk Taker
The Faker
The Rule Maker
The Defender
The Heart Chaser (Sept 23)
The Trailblazer (Nov 11)
The Hustler (Jan 6)
The Score Keeper (Mar 3)
Second Chance Chicago Series:
Broken Lies
Twisted Truths
Saving My Soul
Healing My Heart
The Kane Brothers Series:
Rescuing Broken (Jax’s Story)
Recovering Beauty (Carter’s Story)
Reclaiming Brave (Denver’s Story)
My Christmas Wish
(A Kane Family Christmas
+ One Last Chance FREE prequel)
Finding Love in Scotland Series:
My Christmas Wish
(A Kane Family Christmas
+ One Last Chance FREE prequel)
One Last Chance (Daisy and Finn)
This Time Around (Aaron and Everly)
One Great Love
The College Pact Series:
The Last First Game (Lila’s Story)
Kiss Me Goodnight in Rome (Mia’s Story)
All the While (Maura’s Story)
Me + You (Emma’s Story)
Standalone
Corner of Ocean and Bay
Acknowledgments
All of my sincere thanks and gratitude to the amazing women I’ve met through this writing journey!
This series wouldn’t have come to fruition without the support, love, and encouragement from Amy Parsons, Melissa Panio-Peterson, Erica Russikoff, Dani Sanchez, Becca Mysoor, Virginia Carey and the phenomenal ladies of Give Me Books Promotions! I adore working with you all and am so thankful to know you!
Many thanks to Kate Farlow, Y’all. That Graphic. for designing an amazing series of covers!
All my heartfelt gratitude to the bloggers, reviewers, and readers for supporting my books. I am eternally grateful. I hope you love Bella and James!
And to my family. I love you all the world.
About the Author
Gina Azzi writes Contemporary Romance with relatable, genuine characters experiencing real life love, friendships, and challenges. She is the author of Boston Hawks Hockey series, Second Chance Chicago series, Finding Love in Scotland series, The Kane Brothers series, The College Pact series, and Corner of Ocean and Bay.
A Jersey girl at heart, Gina spent her twenties traveling the world, living and working abroad, before settling down in Ontario, Canada with her husband and three children. She's a voracious reader, daydreamer, and coffee enthusiast who loves meeting new people. Say hey to her on social media or through www.ginaazzi.com.
For more information, connect with Gina at:
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @gina_azzi
Instagram: @gina_azzi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginaazziauthor
Website: www.ginaazzi.com
Or subscribe to her newsletter to receive book updates, bonus content, and more!
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