Their New Beginning (Oh Captain, My Captain 5)

“Yeah, I think so.”

“Well, my beautiful wife,” I reach for her hand despite the fact that I’m reaching across myself. “I promise to love you, cherish you, and date you for as long as we both shall live.” The corners of her mouth quirk up. “Do you, Avery, promise to love me, cherish me, and date me for as long as we both shall live?”

Her smile widens; a small laugh falls out. “I do.”

Chapter Twenty

Avery

It has been the craziest week of my life. Jax was given the all clear less than a week ago. He has been on the road with the team, but we have talked a lot more. We even tried phone sex, but the rookies ruined it because they were playing pranks.

Last night, Jax came home late and went to bed right away because they were having an early practice. I’m glad because it’s giving me time to work out my plan for date number five.

That’s why I’m standing in the middle of the airport, waiting.

And waiting.

“Aunt Avery!”

I turn to see Reed racing toward me. I bend down and catch him in my arms. “Who is this tall boy? The Reed I know is little.” I pull back and he is almost as tall as I am on my knees. He laughs as his bright hazel eyes shine..

“I got to fly with Dad’s team.”

I look up to see Ashton walking up to us. “That’s so cool,” I say happily.

“Hi, Avery.”

I stand up, hugging Jax’s oldest and dearest friend. “Ashton, I don’t know how to thank you for this.”

“Anything for you and Jax. How are things?”

I’m sure that he knows everything. “It’s going really good. I mean it, thank you for letting Reed miss a day of school.”

“Well, it?

?s only one day; he’s fine.” Ashton ruffles his hair, and Reed gives him a dirty look.

“Reed,” I smile brightly at him. “Are you ready to help me surprise Uncle Jax?”

“Yes.” He pumps his fist in the air.

“Now,” Ashton looks at Reed. “You be good for Aunt Avery. Your mom is driving down tomorrow to get you, okay?”

“Okay.” Reed hugs his dad’s neck.

“Ashton, we’ll see you tonight at the game.”

“All right. Have fun.” Ashton heads back the direction he came from to get on the team bus.

“Reed, are you ready?”

“Yes.”

I take his hand and we head off to the rink. Of course, Reed talks the whole drive to the rink, telling me all about Sadie, Lexie, and his mom. I have cared for this boy since the moment I met him on date number five.

I show my family badge when we get to the rink, and I grab the bag out of the trunk and head into the player’s locker room.

“All right, Reed, sit at Uncle Jax’s locker.”