He lowered the mic then handed it back. The applause restarted, just as loudly as before with a large majority of it coming from the back section of the auditorium. His teammates, Jacqui realized. They’d come at his request and were supporting him without question.
Her smile grew when she spotted her family, clapping just as exuberantly as the hockey players. They already thought of Henrik as one of them, a part of the family they’d support through anything, like they did her.
She met Henrik before he’d cleared the stage lights, throwing her arms around his shoulders to hug him fiercely. He caught her, arms clamping tight around her waist as he spun her in a full circle before letting her feet touch the ground.
“That was amazing,” she told him before planting a kiss on his lips. “You are amazing.”
The cheering crowd broke through her focused daze as he grinned down at her. “It’s you who’s amazing.”
“How about we agree that we’re both pretty damn amazing?” She grinned at the pure joy bursting through her, unable and unwilling to contain any of it. “I love you so much, Henrik Grenick.”
“No more than I love you.” His eyes shone bright and full of that love before he claimed her mouth in a kiss that said so much more that words ever could.
This was the man who’d shown her what it was to really, truly live and love. And she swore she’d do everything she could to do the same for him.
Epilogue
The lilting sound of the piano filled the room, the voices of Maureen and Colin merging on the chorus to sing the words Henrik had dedicated to Jacqui. He focused on the piano keys, heart overflowing with the love he’d finally allowed in.
The song wound down, ending on a soft chord and final, hanging note. He lifted his head, his smile brimming over with the wealth of good fortune that’d all started when he’d met Jacqui.
Applause broke out, his New Year’s Eve party packed with people he considered a part of his large, extended family. He rose, captured Jacqui in his arms and kissed her with all the happiness she’d brought into his life.
This was so much more than he’d ever thought he’d have.
Her eyes were shiny with unshed tears when he eased back, rich chocolate specked with gold he could stare at forever. “That’s from our first time. ‘Sad Song.’”
“Your playlist,” he confirmed, brushing away a tear before it could roll down her cheek. “It’s true. Every word.”
“Damn you, Henrik Grenick.” She hit his chest, the force weak. “I swore I was done crying.”
He enfolded her in his arms, savored her closeness and all he’d been gifted. She’d given him so much, and he’d promised to treasure every moment he had with her. Good, bad and everything in between.
He moved them to the side, gaze traveling over the room and people. “Do you think everyone’s enjoying themselves?”
She leaned into him, her back to his chest, arms clutching his where they wrapped around her chest. “Yes. It’s perfect.”
“Your mom did most of it again.”
“And she’s in her glory. They never have this much space to entertain.” She motioned to her mother and a group of Jacqui’s aunts gathered around the end of the kitchen bar. “I hope you realize you’ll be hosting all future family gatherings.”
He chuckled. “I kind of figured that after Christmas.”
Her extended family had descended en masse loaded with gifts, food, drinks and more good cheer than he’d ever experienced at one holiday. The day had introduced a whole new realm of family to him that’d included bickering, razzing, long-standing arguments and memory lane trips over games of pool and euchre and a never-ending white elephant gift exchange—a first for him.
He hadn’t even considered going to Boston for the holiday, but he’d had a good conversation with his mother before the day. One that’d cleared the air and started the healing process between them. He hadn’t asked about his real father and at this point had no desire to know more. For all their faults, he was finally at ease with his own family and upbringing and he didn’t need to complicate it.
“How did you get Colin to sing?” Jacqui asked, nodding to her brother, who was guzzling a beer next to Dan and Tory.
“I told him it was for you.” Finn had shared Colin’s hidden talent and huge dose of stage fright with Henrik. “I also owe him hockey tickets for the rest of