Callum, p.14
Callum, page 14
“And who knows?” I say thoughtfully as I watch Coen clasp a teammate’s hand and pull him in for a quick hug. “Maybe he’ll be back.”
“Maybe,” Callum murmurs.
♦
The cloudless evening provides an inky sky over Pittsburgh upon which to lay the vibrant hues of exploding Zambelli Fireworks. Each burst is a riot of color, and the booms echo off the surrounding city buildings. The fiery sparkles shimmer on the dark river waters and it is utterly magical. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. The air is cool, a gentle breeze carrying exclamations and gasps of awe from viewers on the dozens of boats anchored around us.
I’d be a lying fool if I denied that most of the magic surrounding us is from Callum behind me, standing close enough I feel his body heat. He touches me nowhere other than one hand on my hip and the other on the railing. He has me caged in, but it’s in no way suffocating. I feel… protected. Somehow, the man who broke my heart and trust is now a comforting solidity against the backdrop of fleeting light and sound.
The fireworks explode in dazzling arrays of reds, greens and blues, each one a stunning flower blooming in the night. My favorites, however, are the monochromatic white and silver ones that arc outward with trails of tiny sparkles behind them like shooting stars.
It reminds me of wishes that I could potentially make one day.
And then Callum moves closer, shocking me to my core by wrapping his arms around my stomach. I melt backward into him and as if I have no will of my own, my hands grip his forearms, holding him tight to me. The world seems to pause, caught in this spectacle of light and sound. In Callum’s embrace, with the magic exploding all around, it feels so quiet.
“Have you let it go?” he whispers into my ear. I have to suppress a shiver. “The past? That I hurt you? That I left you behind to fend for yourself?”
I turn my head slightly so he can hear me without having to raise my voice. “I accepted your apology.”
“But that doesn’t mean you’ve let the bad stuff go,” he presses, squeezing me. “Many people forgive without forgetting.”
“It’s hard to forget pain,” I say, needing to be honest. “But I also know you never intended to hurt me. Not the way Joshua did.” Callum stiffens at the reminder that the difference between the two men in my life who have loved me all resides within the realm of intent. Callum’s pain was caused by indifference to my desires while every time Joshua struck out, he did so with the intent to hurt me physically and mentally. “It’s why I can forgive what you did.”
Callum is silent, presumably digesting my words. I expect easy acceptance from him because he’s never been the type to pressure more than one could give.
And yet, he wouldn’t be Callum—the person I know better than anyone in this world—without doubling down to get what he wants. Never have I known anyone with more dogged persistence than this dynamic man. His lips touch the shell of my ear. “I want another shot with you.”
I jerk my head away from him, not because his touch or words are unpleasant, but because I’m jolted down to the bottom of my soul over the need within his tone. I twist to get a good look at his face because Callum is always honest, and his eyes have always been clear windows to his emotions.
He stares back at me with determination… a plain declaration in his eyes. He wants what we once had.
“How?” I stammer. “I mean… why?”
Callum tilts his head, lips quirked. “Why? Because you were the greatest love of my life, Juni.”
“No, I wasn’t,” I whisper harshly, a slight surge of sourness over the way he left me behind.
“You were,” he maintains stubbornly, dipping his face nearer to mine. The boom of fireworks seems dim, but the sparkles are reflected in his darkened eyes. “You were the one and only. When I broke it off, I knew I’d never find that again. I knew the cost of what I was losing.”
“And you did it anyway.” Christ, the taste of those words is so fucking bitter.
“I already told you, it was the worst mistake of my life,” he says plain and simple. “I’m asking you to let me correct it.”
I can’t give him an answer. I turn away, glancing at Kiera and Bain standing next to us a few feet away. He’s got his arms wrapped around her, similar to how Callum is holding me. Both of their faces are upturned to the fireworks and they’re paying us no mind.
My attention swings back to Callum and I note the message in his gaze that says his determination increases with every second I withhold my answer.
“I don’t know,” I finally say because the jumble of emotions running through me is so confusing.
Say yes.
Say no.
Run.
Stay.
“At least tell me the answer isn’t no,” he demands, his jawline taut with tension but it’s the regret I see deep in his eyes that motivates me.
I press my palm to his cheek. “The answer isn’t no.”
That seems to be enough because I get a panty-melting smile before he takes my hand away from his face, wraps his arms back around me in another cocoon, and turns me back toward the fireworks show.
CHAPTER 19
Callum
The last four days since I made my intentions known to Juniper have been hell. I want her back and the minute the words were out of my mouth, I knew they were fucking right.
Since then, I haven’t quite figured out what to do with her. She didn’t shut me out, which is good.
No, great.
Because if Juniper were to tell me that she can’t be open to the possibility, I’d have to let her move on.
Liar.
Yeah, I’m a liar. I’d do whatever it takes to change her mind.
The door is open though, and I have no clue what to do. I’m like a seventeen-year-old kid again, meeting her for the first time. Except now I don’t have any of that brash confidence I had back then when it was easy to impress a fifteen-year-old girl. Now, I’ve got a real woman on my hands who has been through hell and back. Juniper is starting her life over again and while I know her so well, she’s not the same person I broke up with fifteen years ago.
I just have to figure out how to win over the new Juniper Ryan.
Tonight will be a prime opportunity. She’s my date for Sophie and Baden’s evening wedding and while I’ve played it cool with her the last four days as we settled back into sharing a house and a life on a very non-romantic basis, I couldn’t control my reaction when she came down the stairs tonight dressed for the nuptials.
Since it’s an evening wedding, it’s a black-tie affair and I had four tuxedos to choose from. I selected the most contemporary one, which features a black, paisley-patterned, single-breasted jacket with thin satin lapels. It lends more of an opulent look, and given the wedding is at the Phipps Conservatory and everyone will be dressed to the nines, it was the only choice. I paired the tux with a crisp white dress shirt and because I’ve never been a fan of the bow tie, I chose a light silver-gray tie for some subtle contrast. A white pocket square for a touch of tradition, and I’m good to go.
It was Juniper though, descending those stairs in a gown borrowed from Ava that had me convinced I was just a tad too frumpy in comparison.
She’s a fucking goddess.
As she held on to the banister, navigating the steps in sexy, strappy sandals that peeked out from the hem of the swishy fabric, I held my breath. The dress is a stunning creation of gold satin with a fitted bodice curving into a gentle sweetheart neckline held up by thin halter straps. At her hips, it flares into a dramatic flowing train and the sheen is muted by some sort of frothy overlay that has embroidered flowers of paler gold on the lower portion. The color of the dress enhances her sun-kissed skin and the way she’s worn her hair loose and wavy is the epitome of the free-spirited girl I used to know.
When she smiled at me, those green eyes sparkling, I about swallowed my tongue. I did manage to get out, “You’re beautiful” as she came toe to toe with me.
She was demure, almost shy. “You clean up well yourself.”
Now my eyes laser onto her like a hawk as she stands with Ava and Danica, engaging in chitchat before the wedding starts. Every once in a while, her gaze cuts to me, but she quickly averts as I’m sure she’s feeling the intensity of it. Christ, all I can think about is getting her home and peeling her out of that concoction to let our bodies break this weird tension between us.
“I’m surprised that woman hasn’t gone up in smoke the way you’re looking at her.” I turn to find Brienne at my left. She’s dressed in a red strapless gown, the only jewelry visible her massive engagement ring winking under the twinkling lights strung above us.
The Phipps Conservatory certainly transforms into an enchanting wedding venue. Sophie and Baden are exchanging their vows under the grandeur of the glass-domed Tropical Forest Conservatory. Rows of chairs draped in black and white silk line the pathway, leading to a magnificent arch draped in a cascade of white and lavender flowers, creating a vision of ethereal beauty against the lush backdrop of exotic tropical plants.
I don’t respond to her observation because I can’t deny it. “You look lovely tonight,” I observe. “Where’s your other half?”
Brienne waves a hand. “Socializing. He’s become such a people person lately, don’t you think?”
“I think love does funny things to people,” I remark.
“And you’re just dying to fall back in love with her again, aren’t you?”
I turn to look at her, expecting to see a slight smirk on her lips. Brienne has become a good friend since I joined the Titans. Instead, there’s not a trace of whimsy on her face. She knows the potential for what I could have with Juniper is very serious.
“I’m not sure I ever left,” I admit softly, my gaze going back to Juniper. “I fucked up long ago and now I want it back.”
Brienne’s hand comes to my shoulder. “I’d bet on you to win, Callum.”
I start to reply that I hope she’s right, but ushers circulate to urge people into their chairs. I’m sitting on the groom’s side along with all the Titans, but we file in three rows back behind Baden’s family, all in from Montreal. Juniper joins me on my left and we’re flanked by Cannon and Ava on one side and Brienne and Drake on the other. Ownership, management, coaching.
Sophie is a vision in an elegantly classic bridal gown replete with layers of lace and ornate embroidery, a flowing skirt and long train. Her blond locks hang loose and wild and rather than a veil or tiara, she wears lavender sprigs pinned into her curls. Baden is wearing a classic black tux with a pale purple rose, but it’s the look of pure awe on his face as he recites his vows that will stick in my memory of tonight.
“Sophie, from the moment fate thrust us together, I knew you were someone extraordinary. You were facing the unthinkable, yet your spirit refused to be extinguished. When I stepped in that night, I didn’t just find someone to protect, I found the missing piece of my soul. My life changed forever, not just in the taking of my career, but in the giving of your love. You’ve taught me that while I may no longer play the game, I have found something far greater—us. Today, I vow to be your partner in all things, not just as a protector, but as your confidant, your supporter, your unwavering ally. I promise to cherish the bond that adversity has woven between us, to always see the strength in our scars, and to love you more fiercely with each passing day. Sophie, you are my triumph over tragedy, my joy, and from this day forward, my wife.”
A small sound catches my attention and I turn to see Juniper dabbing at the corner of her eye with a tissue. Another sniffle and past her, Ava does the same.
I turn to the right, glance at Brienne. Her eyes are misty too.
Smiling, I face front again to find Sophie dry-eyed but wearing an expression of the fiercest love as she holds Baden’s hands.
When it’s her turn, she does the unthinkable and leans in to give Baden a light kiss—pre-empting the proclamation by the minister that it’s now time to kiss the bride.
Everyone laughs and Sophie’s smile stays on her lips. “Baden, standing here with you is a testament not just to love, but to the resilience of the human spirit. When I was lost in the darkest night, feeling the world slipping from my grasp, you emerged as a beacon of hope. You risked everything for me, a stranger, and in your eyes, I found an unexpected sanctuary. Your courage left you battered, your dreams altered, but never once did you falter in your determination. It’s that spirit that makes me proud to stand here with you tonight. As your wife, I promise to honor the sacrifice you made. I will walk beside you, as you have walked back to me, every step of the way. I vow to build with you, to dream with you, to overcome any adversity, and to find joy in the quietest moments. Our bond, forged in trials, will be our armor against the world. I choose you, Baden, in this life and any that may follow. Wherever our journey leads, it leads with us together.”
Jesus… my throat closes up and my nose stings. I’m luckily distracted by Juniper giving a tiny sob and my arm goes around her shoulders to pull her into me. I glance over her to see Cannon offering Ava comfort and I’d bet money Drake’s doing the same. But I don’t look that way. Instead, I turn my attention back to the bride and groom as they exchange their rings.
♦
The reception is held in the special events hall of the conservatory. Long tables have been transformed with crisp white tablecloths and black napkins artfully folded atop silver chargers. Lavender accents are thoughtfully placed throughout the venue, from delicate violet uplighting to the centerpieces featuring a medley of white roses, lavender sprigs, and fluttering butterflies made of iridescent material that catch the light. The dance floor, a glossy expanse of black-and-white-checkered marble, is flanked by a stage where a live band is set up, their notes filling the air with popular songs.
Above, a constellation of crystal chandeliers dims to a romantic shimmer, while the glass walls reveal the conservatory’s gardens, lit with thousands of twinkling fairy lights.
We enjoy a meal created by a Michelin Star chef to include appetizers of beluga caviar on blini and terrines of foie gras with a fig compote. I skip the soup, but Juniper declares the white truffle-infused cauliflower velouté one of the best things she’s ever tasted. I can only suppress a shudder—I hate cauliflower with an undying passion.
I’m back on track with a simple baby green salad with edible purple flowers to stick with the color theme and a lavender vinaigrette.
Because this wedding feast is the fanciest, there’s a lemon sorbet intermezzo before our main course of Chateaubriand with black truffle sauce, butter-poached lobster tails and purple asparagus with gold-leaf risotto. I’ve eaten in some of the finest restaurants in the world and as I take my last bite of lobster, I know I’ve eaten one of the best meals of my life.
The long tables hold twenty people on each side, but Juniper and I are seated with Brienne and Drake as well as the entire coaching staff and their significant others. We strive to not discuss hockey, especially with some free agency buzz still floating around, while we sip artisan lavender-infused cocktails.
The evening spreads before us in a symphony of time-honored traditions. There are speeches galore, including one very moving speech by Dominik Carlson, the owner of the Arizona Vengeance, which is where Baden played when he was injured. Many of the Vengeance are here with their wives and girlfriends, but Dominik had an integral part in helping Baden literally get back on his feet as well as giving him the shot he wanted to get back on the ice. Fortuitously for us, Baden chose to come coach for the Titans instead.
Sophie and Baden cut their cake and Juniper whispers, “I almost want to cry for them destroying it.”
She’s not wrong. The multi-tiered cake is the most wondrous piece of confection I’ve ever seen. The base tier is enveloped in smooth, black fondant adorned with intricate white piping that mimics the delicate wrought iron work one might find in the Victorian-era gardens of the conservatory.
Ascending upward, the next layers alternate between pristine white fondant and soft lavender shades, each tier more refined and delicate than the one before. The white tiers are embellished with edible lace designs, painstakingly detailed to emulate the bridal gown’s fabric. The lavender tiers are accented with a lighter lavender hue, dusted with an iridescent powder that catches the fairy lights woven around each base.
Between the tiers, cascading sugar flowers in white and shades of lavender spill down like a botanical waterfall, each petal and leaf handcrafted to perfection.
At the very top, there is no traditional bride and groom but instead a bespoke sculptured heart crafted from fine spun sugar threads so thin, you can see through them.
Sophie and Baden playfully feed each other thin slices, sharing chocolate- and lavender-infused kisses in between.
It’s utter perfection.
Perhaps the type of wedding Juniper and I would have had one day had I chosen her over my career.
After the bride and groom have their dance, the marble floor fills with guests. Most of the music is upbeat and everyone takes their turn grooving to pop and rock songs we all know and can sing by heart. I’m no stranger to dancing and have a great time cutting it up with Juniper and most of the other Titans. Even Drake, who looks more like he’d only condescend to head-bang out to some Megadeth, joins Brienne in the old-school “Macarena.”
I finally decide to make a move on Juniper when the music slows and “Wonderful Tonight” comes on. We’re on the dance floor already, so I take her hand and pull her close, not a request but a demand she share a moment with me.
“Having fun?” I ask her as we sway to the mellow, smoky voice singing Clapton.
“Most fun I’ve had in a long while,” she says, her face flushed with pleasure. “The people here… everyone’s just so nice.”
