Muffin Top

And she could picture that, too. It wouldn’t be perfect, but what in life ever was? Anyway, it would be perfect for them, and there was nothing better than that.

“I’m sorry,” she said, meaning it more than she ever thought she could. “For everything. You were right. I was trying to make you carry my emotional baggage when I should have just let that shit go a long time ago. Can we start over again?”

“Hell no,” he said, brushing his lips across hers. “Then we would have missed out on everything leading up to this moment, and I wouldn’t skip over any of it for anything—although I might fast-forward through this past week.”

“I love you, Frankie Hartigan.”

“And you’re everything I ever wanted and didn’t realize I needed, and I want everyone in the whole world—including your dad on FaceTime—to know it.”

And then he finally kissed her, a real one, the kind that promises so much and—even better—the kind that delivers a happily ever after.

Epilogue

Two Years Later…

The Ice Knights Arena was rocking, every fan in the place pumped up and ready to watch their team kick off another winning season. Lucy had practically yelled herself hoarse, and it was still warm-ups.

“Do you mind if I stand here and watch for a minute?” asked a man in head-to-toe Ice Knights apparel (seriously, right down to the team-sponsored tennis shoes).

Since Frankie was out on the concourse, leaving his seat open, she didn’t see why not. “Go for it.”

“Thanks.” The guy moved in next to her in the front row right next to the glass. “So, you have season tickets for these seats?”

“Yeah, we’re big fans.” Well, that and she kept getting them as Christmas presents from her favorite client, who hardly ever needed her services anymore.

The guy next to her inched a little closer and took a deep breath. “Usually you’re here with another woman, long hair, tied back in a braid.”

She turned and gave the guy her full attention because that statement was just creepy.

He must have realized, because his face turned so red she could see the flush even under his Ice Knights face paint. “Sorry, I’m up about six rows and never miss a game. You start to notice the regulars.” He held out his hand. “Alex.”

“Lucy.” She shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“I was wondering,” he said, the words coming out quick, as if he was nervous. “Would you be interested in grabbing a drink or something after the game?”

“Oh my God, that sounds perfect,” said an all-too-familiar male voice from behind her. “Don’t suppose you know a good sitter?”

Alex’s gaze moved from her face to something—really someone—behind her, and he visibly gulped. “Yeah, sorry, I don’t.”

Struggling to keep from grinning, she turned and looked at her two favorite male members of the human race. Frankie stood decked out in an Ice Knights jersey and a baby carrier containing a one-year-old with an abundance of bright red hair. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Alex stepping over the front-row seats and into the row behind her.

“Too bad.” Frankie shrugged and pulled the toddler out of the carrier, setting him down on his feet between them. “It’s been forever since we’ve been out together. This is our first date since this little guy came along.”

Alex looked from her to Frankie to the mini-me who was pressed against the glass looking out onto the ice. “Well, the game’s about to start. I better get going.”

Lucy glanced over at the jumbotron clock showing ten minutes left in warm-ups. “Nice to meet you,” she hollered out, but Alex was already three rows up. Turning to Frankie, she rolled her eyes. “A sitter? Really? You didn’t have to scare him off like that.”

“What are you talking about?” he asked, his blue eyes wide as if he had no idea what she was talking about. “I’m just a friendly guy. Ask anyone at the firehouse, they love having me as their lieutenant. Also, you really need to talk to your connections with the team. Changing a baby in the men’s restroom was a nightmare. They need to get more family friendly bathrooms.”

“I’ll ask Zach to put it in as a request on his next contract negotiation.” With the way he was playing, the team would probably say yes.

Frankie dipped his head down so their faces practically touched. “Your sarcasm is duly noted.”

“I hope this is, too.” She leaned over and gave him a kiss that made her toes curl.

A banging on the glass pulled her back to the where and when of reality. Zach Blackburn was on the other side of the glass, a goofy grin on his face as he waved at Trey—AKA Francis Hartigan the third. Trey gave up a cute toddler giggle and smacked his palm against the glass in greeting. Then Zach winked at her and gave a manly chin lift to Frankie before skating toward the tunnel to prep for the start of the game.