Four months later…

While leaning against the short wall separating the ice from the game room, Kentucky zipped his jacket. Kieran leaned against the opposite side of the wall while they watched their men skate. Even though it was almost sixty-five degrees outside, the local ice rink always kept their building freezing freaking cold. He could handle it, but he felt bad for Mia and Lexi. They both were sporting red noses. Kentucky knew he should skate over and steal Rory away. He’d yet to give the man his birthday present, but he enjoyed watching him too much. Plus, he didn’t get to see Kieran often. He liked spending time with him.

“Are you sure I can’t interest you in returning to hockey?” Kieran asked, cutting into Kentucky’s ever-growing plan to steal Rory from the party.

He focused on Kieran. “Yep. I kind of like being home every night.”

Kieran nodded. “I just thought I’d ask. Your old team contacted me, saying they’d love to have you back if you’re interested in returning. It’s local. You wouldn’t even have to move. Not to mention, they already know you and wouldn’t care about Rory.”

Kentucky nodded. Even though he’d been grinding, trying to make it to the majors the entire time he’d played for Houston, he had liked playing for the Ice Devils. The coaches were great, and the owner was hands-off. Still, he loved seeing Rory’s face every night. “I’ll think about it.” Kieran’s offer brought up another point that had been eating at Kentucky. “How did the owner of the Jackson team know I was dating Rory?”

Kieran looked amused. “Don’t you ever search your name online?”

Kentucky felt his face screw up in confusion. “Why would I search myself? That seems vain.”

Kieran pulled out his phone and shook his head. He typed while he talked. “I know you’re not actively looking for a team, but you should always stay on top of what’s being said about you online. You can bet your ass teams are keeping an eye on your private life. Here.” He passed his phone to Kentucky.

Kentucky stared at the device in awe. There was a picture of him kissing Rory before skating onto the ice before tryouts. “Porn sensation Rory Vega AKA Young Houston seen kissing hockey star Kentucky Armhill. Ha. Damn. They got a good picture too. Impressive.”

A chuckle escaped Kieran as he put his phone away. “Yeah. These people are sneaky.” Kieran looked around. “This was a cute idea, by the way, throwing Rory a birthday party at an ice rink. He looks like he’s having a blast.”

Kentucky followed Kieran’s gaze to where Rory and Henley were helping Lexi and Mia skate. Kieran’s daughter wore the tiniest pair of ice skates Kentucky had ever seen. In truth, she wasn’t truly skating on her own at all. Rory was doing all the work. “Rory didn’t get anything like this growing up. This might be ridiculous for anyone else his age, but it’s perfect for him.”

“You two make a great couple. How’s living together going? You look happy.”

Kentucky couldn’t stop smiling. “We’ve pretty much lived together from day one. Finding a place for Rory’s furniture was really just a formality, but it’s been great.”

“I’m glad things worked out. However, I do feel as if I should shake you for stealing Rory from the rest of us. Henley and I love his movies.”

Kentucky had expected remarks like that to bother him. They didn’t. “Don’t blame me. I didn’t have anything to do with the decision. I told him I’d love him no matter what. How’s it going with Mia?” Kentucky asked, changing the subject. “It looks like she’s come out of her shell a bit.”

A small smile hovered on Kieran’s lips. It was odd to see him so relaxed. “I never saw myself as a parent, but I could see Henley as one. The minute he started talking about adopting, I had to make it happen, but I never expected to enjoy it beyond seeing Henley happy. Then Mia showed up. She’s ours. I can’t imagine life without her and I never thought I’d love someone so much.”

Henley and Rory skated over. Mia sat perched on Henley’s forearm, but she threw herself forward as soon as she spotted Kieran. Kieran plucked her from Henley’s hold and accepted her kiss.

“That’s so sweet,” Rory cooed before stealing a kiss from Kentucky. “Your mom took Lexi to play video games. Lucas promised to take her out on the ice later. She’s over the moon.”

Kentucky nodded and shamelessly stole another kiss from Rory. “You’d make a great dad. Always worrying about everyone else,” he said between kisses, completely understanding what Kieran meant. He’d do anything to keep Rory happy.

Rory snorted and playfully pushed him away. “I’m too selfish. I like having you to myself too much.”

Henley laughed. “I used to say all the same things. You should definitely get married first, though. Equal parental rights, having both names on the papers, and all that.”

Even though Kentucky could tell Henley was joking by the laughter in his eyes, there was nothing Kentucky wanted more than to know Rory was tied to him for life. Kentucky checked Rory’s reaction. Rory turned away but not before Kentucky caught the longing etching his features. The one thing Rory didn’t have that Kentucky could give him was a family.

“We should.”

Rory glanced over and met his gaze. “What?”

Kentucky smiled. “We should get married.” He could tell by Rory’s smile the man was gearing up to blow off his suggestion. Kentucky held out the ring he’d been holding, waiting for the moment he could steal Rory away. Now the moment felt right—witnesses and all. “I’m being serious. You should marry me.” Kentucky could feel several sets of eyes upon him. If he got shot down, it would be a very public display, but Kentucky wouldn’t stop trying until Rory said yes.

Rory’s gaze moved from the ring to Kentucky’s face. His eyes were wide. “You’re really serious—like you have a ring and everything.”

Kentucky nodded. “I’ve just been waiting to get you alone.”

“We’re not alone,” Rory said, pointing out the obvious.

Kentucky shrugged. “I don’t care.”

“Say yes,” Kentucky’s mom yelled from twenty feet away, making him realize exactly how many people were watching.

Rory leapt, nearly knocking Kentucky off his feet as Rory climbed him, kissing Kentucky’s face every place he could reach. “Yes.”

Several people were laughing at Rory’s antics, but the lump in Kentucky’s throat wouldn’t let him make a sound. Rory’s feet slipped back to the ground as their lips met. “I love you,” Kentucky choked out against the man’s lips.

Rory pulled away just far enough to slip the ring on before he was back to kissing Kentucky. Kentucky stroked Rory’s back and pulled away. “I love that you’re this excited and you haven’t even gotten your present from me yet.”

A line appeared between Rory’s eyes. “This wasn’t my present?”

“I wouldn’t cop out on you like that,” Kentucky said, slightly offended. “If I’d done that and you had said no, you wouldn’t have had a gift.”

Rory rolled his eyes. “You know full well I wouldn’t have said no.”

Actually, Kentucky hadn’t known that at all, but it was good to hear. “I’m taking you to New Orleans for a week to celebrate your birthday.” Without glancing behind him to check if they were still there, Kentucky motioned Kieran and Henley’s way. “These guys are going to show us all the best hotspots.”

Rory dropped his voice to a whisper. “Can we get married while we’re there? I don’t want a big wedding.”

Kentucky shrugged. “If you’d like, but you’ll break my mom’s heart.”

“Fuck.” Rory looked crestfallen. “You’re right. Jay would die too. He loves a good wedding.” For a moment, Rory held his stare in silence. Sometimes, it was like they didn’t need words to let the other know they loved each other. “I’ll make a great husband.”

Kentucky nodded. “I know.” He did too. If Kentucky knew nothing else, he knew spending his life with Rory would be the best thing ever. Like his dad had once pointed out, even when Kentucky was upset with Rory, he was still happier with Rory than he’d ever been in his life. They’d found that forever love. Kentucky would treasure Rory until his dying breath.

Keep an eye out for more “Hard Hit” books.

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