Epilogue
The next two weeks flew by in a haze of activity.
The day after they returned from Detroit, Reid and Nadia went looking for wedding venues. They visited several places before arriving at a secluded château located an hour outside of Denver. It was perched high on a cliff overlooking the mountains and a scenic river gorge with cascading waterfalls. The moment they pulled up to the property and saw the stunning views, they knew they’d found the perfect spot. The woman waiting to give them a tour was more than delighted when they promptly booked the venue for their June wedding.
The next day, they met with a renowned caterer that had contacted them after hearing about their televised engagement. She’d catered weddings for several famous athletes and celebrities, and was excited about working with Reid and Nadia. She helped them select a lavish reception menu, smiling warmly as they laughed and nuzzled while feeding each other different samples of cuisine. She impressed them with her expertise, professionalism and kickass food. But what sealed the deal was her offer to add Sanders hot fudge cream puffs to the dessert menu.
Their mothers enthusiastically threw themselves into wedding planning, sometimes calling each other several times a day to swap ideas. The two women had really connected at the party, pleased to discover that they had a lot in common. They—along with Avery—were already planning Nadia’s bridal shower.
When Reid had to go out of town for an away game, he left a credit card with Nadia and commanded—yes, commanded—her to use it for anything she needed or wanted. He made it clear to her that money was no object. Even though he personally didn’t care about the minutiae of color schemes and flowers and seating arrangements, he wanted Nadia to have the wedding of her dreams. So no expense would be spared.
While he was gone, Nadia went with her mother, Aunt Sherise, Scarlett, Jess, Bianca and Ana to meet with florists and look for bridesmaid dresses. Reid’s mother and sisters accompanied them via Skype.
One day when Reid overheard the women gushing breathlessly over Asha Dubois’s “jaw-droppingly spectacular” bridal gowns, he called in a favor to his friend Mason Wolf, whose uncle happened to be married to the legendary fashion mogul.
That evening over dinner, Reid surprised Nadia with the news that Asha had graciously agreed to design her wedding gown, as well as her bridesmaids’ dresses. All they had to do was fly out to Atlanta to meet with Asha, and the sooner the better.
Nadia was so stunned and excited that she jumped out of her chair, rushed around the table and kissed Reid all over his face, whispering his name in a voice full of love and wonder. After thanking him profusely, she called her mother and bridesmaids to share the good news. All their girlish squealing and celebrating made him feel pretty heroic.
He couldn’t take all the credit, of course. So while Nadia was on the phone, he texted his thanks to Mason and promised to buy him drinks when the Falcons came to town to play the Broncos.
Mason texted back: Hook me up with one of wifey’s fine ass cousins and we’ll call it even.
Reid laughed and responded: I got you.
Nadia was still floating on cloud nine when they went to bed that evening. She showed her gratitude long into the night, loving Reid so thoroughly that he could barely get up for practice the next morning.
His sweet fiancée surprised him with breakfast in bed, wearing a French maid’s uniform complete with a black-and-white garter belt, sheer black stockings and outrageously high heels. The sight of her in the sexy getup almost sent Reid into cardiac arrest.
After demurely settling the breakfast tray over his lap, she turned around and bent over to pick up something she’d conveniently dropped on the floor. The ruffled hem of the short dress lifted to reveal a black thong nestled between the mouthwatering globes of her ass cheeks. Reid’s dick sprang to attention so fast that the rush made him dizzy.
Nadia fed him the delicious meal, her wicked laughter soon dissolving into breathy moans when he proceeded to devour her, taking her on the bed before carrying her to the shower.
That morning was the first time in ages that he was late to practice, and Coach gave him an earful for the infraction. But it was so damn worth it.
As luck would have it, Reid had a long stretch of home games and Nadia’s college was closed for the holidays, so she had three weeks off from work. They spent every moment they could together. They cooked together, dined by candlelight, curled up on the sofa and watched indie films, took long walks through the woods and went ice skating. Nadia was adorably wobbly on her feet, so Reid was teaching her how to become a better skater. He never let her fall, but every time she came close, she let out a bewitching peal of laughter that took his breath away and made him fall deeper and harder in love.
They spent many pleasurable hours making love by the fire, in the heated Jacuzzi, on the rooftop terrace under the stars. They talked about their life and future together, discussing the many places they would visit, how many kids they planned to have and when they would get started.
They made plans to go camping and hiking and canoeing when the weather was warmer. Nadia’s enthusiasm filled Reid with gratitude and appreciation. He couldn’t believe he’d been lucky enough to meet a woman who not only loved the Foo Fighters as much as he did, but was open to partaking in outdoor adventures. When he jokingly asked her if she was really black, she’d sputtered indignantly and pummeled him with her pillow until they were both howling with laughter.
During those two weeks leading up to Christmas, they went running every other day and worked out together in Reid’s home gym. Nadia was in great shape, but she wanted defined abs to show off on the beach when they went to the Maldives for their honeymoon. So she’d been doing a lot of sit ups and crunches and using the stairclimber and stationary bike.
As Reid quickly discovered, working out with his beautiful fiancée was distracting as hell. He couldn’t take his eyes off her curvy body in a spandex tank top and short-shorts, her pert breasts bouncing enticingly as she jogged on the treadmill, brown skin glistening with sweat. Jesus H. Christ. The sight of her exercising drove him crazy with lust. They could never get through a workout session without him ripping off her shorts and bending her over the weight bench or the treadmill, her hands gripping the rails as he took her from behind. It was like the ultimate porno—only better because their orgasms were punctuated with fervent I love yous.
Since Nadia was practically living at his house, he cleared some drawers for her and asked her to officially move in with him. She refused at first. She didn’t want to leave Nelson high and dry with the rent. And she was old-fashioned enough to believe that they should be man and wife before they lived together. But Reid couldn’t wait that long. He loved coming home to her after practice and when he returned from the road. Just knowing she’d be there waiting for him put the biggest smile on his face and made him want to rush home to her.
After some pleading and cajoling—and seducing—he managed to persuade her to move in with him after New Year’s. And Bianca agreed to move into the loft with Nelson to cover Nadia’s half of the rent. So everything worked out perfectly.
For the first time since he’d bought his house, Reid decided to put up a Christmas tree. He and Nadia went to a local tree farm and roamed around before finding the perfect tree, an eighteen-foot Douglas fir. Armed with a chainsaw, Reid cut down the huge tree the way he and Ryder had been taught when they were boys. He didn’t think much of it. But when he was done, Nadia clapped and cheered exuberantly, her eyes shining with admiration and awe as she stared at him. It made him feel fifty feet tall and mightier than Paul Bunyan.
They took the tree home and set it up in the high-ceilinged living room. With a cozy fire crackling in the grate and Christmas ballads playing in the background, they decorated their tree with beautiful ornaments and lights, laughing and stealing kisses while they worked. When they were finished, they stood with their arms wrapped around each other’s waist and admired the glowing tree, blissfully reflecting on all the holiday memories and traditions they would create with their children in the years to come.
The Rebels’ stretch of home games came to an end the week of Christmas. They were flying to Canada on Monday to play the Edmonton Oilers on December 23. After the game, they would have four days off to spend the holidays with their families before they had to travel to Toronto to play the Maple Leafs. It made no sense to fly back and forth to Canada in such a short timeframe. So Reid had already decided to rent a lakefront cabin near Toronto, where he and Nadia would celebrate their first Christmas together.
It was supposed to be a romantic getaway with just the two of them. They even planned to visit Niagara Falls and take in some other sights. But once they shared their plans with their mothers, their romantic getaway quickly turned into one big family vacation. Calls were made, flights were booked, two more cabins were reserved.
And just like that, the Holden-Warner Holiday Retreat™ was official. Their giddy mothers even sent out personalized postcards announcing the “Christmas in Canada” festivities, complete with a three-day itinerary. Even their grandparents—both sets—were making the trip. It was sure to be a boisterous, chaotic and memorable Christmas.
The day before the Rebels were due to leave for Edmonton, Reid and Nadia slept in late. Coach had given the team the day off from practice to reward them for working hard and playing well. The caveat, of course, was that they couldn’t lose to Edmonton. If they got beat by the Oilers, Coach warned sternly, they’d never see another day off again.
They were taking him at his word.
That Sunday morning, Reid was the first to awaken and open his eyes. Sunshine poured through the windows, taking some of the chill out of the air. Nadia lay on her side facing him, curled up under the heavy covers. Her satin scarf had fallen off during the night, causing her carefully wrapped hair to come unraveled around her face.
Reid smiled as he watched her sleep, feeling the same sense of wonder he felt every morning he woke up beside her. He couldn’t wait to make her his wife. Couldn’t wait to spend the rest of his life with her.
Leaning forward, he brushed her hair off her face and kissed her forehead, then rolled out of bed and made his way to the bathroom. After taking a leak, he brushed his teeth and pulled on a pair of dark lounge pants.
When he came out of the bathroom, Nadia was still asleep. But she’d moved into the spot he’d vacated, as if she were instinctively seeking his body heat.
Reid stood there watching her for several moments. Then a slow, mischievous grin crawled across his face.
Sauntering over to the nightstand, he picked up his phone and pulled up one of his playlists. Seconds later, the opening guitar riffs of AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long” blasted into the room.
Nadia startled awake, her eyes snapping open and darting wildly around.
Reid burst out laughing.
She stared up at him like he’d lost his mind. “What the hell?”
“Rise and shine, beautiful!”
She let out a loud groan. “Dude. Seriously?”
As he began belting out the lyrics to the song, she threw the covers over her head and flopped onto her other side, turning her back on him.
Laughing, he climbed on top of her, his hands planted on either side of her head as he sang loudly, “She’s one of a kind, she’s just mine all mine—”
“Oh, God.” A muffled laugh came from under the covers. “Ryder warned me you liked to pull stunts like this. But I thought you’d at least wait until we were married!”
“Bwahahaha! I got you now!”
“No, you don’t!” she sputtered laughingly. “It’s not too late for me to call this off!”
“Oh, hell no. Now you’re talking crazy, woman.” Reid yanked the covers off her body and bent to nuzzle her warm neck, his morning beard making her squeal and giggle hysterically as she managed to choke out, “You’re the crazy one!”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah!”
Grinning, he started doing one-armed pushups above her.
“Oh my.” She watched him, her eyes gleaming with feminine appreciation. “Showoff.”
He winked. “Don’t be jealous, baby. I’ll have you doing these in no time.”
She grinned, poking at his abs. “In that case, I’ll stick around.”
He laughed and rolled over, pulling her on top of him in one swift motion.
Laughing, she sat up and blew her tousled hair out of her eyes, then smoothed the strands back with her hands. She’d slept in one of his old college T-shirts. The hem rode up her thighs as she straddled him, giving him a peek of bright red panties.
He folded his arms behind his head and gazed up at her. “You are so fucking beautiful.”
“Uh-uh,” she scolded, wagging her finger at him. “Don’t try to suck up to me now. I’m still mad about that rude wakeup call.”
He grinned unabashedly. “I thought the song was rather apropos. And you like AC/DC.”
“Doesn’t mean I wanna hear them blasting in my ear first thing in the morning.” She grinned. “You and I are gonna have to establish a few ground rules, Reid Tyler.”
He chuckled, his hands settling on her thighs. “At least you can’t say I leave the toilet seat up.”
“True,” she agreed. “Your mama and sisters trained you well.”
“That they did.”
Nadia smiled, lazily stroking his chest. “Speaking of your mom, isn’t it wonderful about her and your father?”
Reid smiled softly. “It is.”
Three years after their divorce, Roark and Arlene had announced yesterday that they were getting back together. Roark had broken up with Hanh and moved back into the house with Arlene. They planned to renew their vows in an intimate family ceremony on Valentine’s Day.
Nadia sighed contentedly. “I just love second chance romances. They’re so inspiring and romantic.”
“I agree,” Reid murmured, stroking the soft skin of her thighs.
Her eyes glimmered. “And speaking of romantic, I know Viggo and Scarlett can’t wait to see each other again. They haven’t been able to spend any time together since we left Detroit.”
“I know,” Reid said ruefully. “Viggo’s pretty bummed about that.”
“So is Scarlett.”
Off The Grid’s manager had come through at the last minute, booking the band several holiday gigs through New Year’s. Upon returning from Detroit, Scarlett had taken off for New York to perform with her bandmates. She was supposed to join the family in Canada for Christmas. Since Viggo couldn’t travel home to Sweden to spend the holidays with his family, Reid and Nadia had invited him to the Holden-Warner Holiday Retreat™. Their cabin had four bedrooms and a loft, so it was spacious enough to accommodate Viggo and Scarlett, along with Nelson and Bianca and Luke and Ana.
Nadia traced the ridges of Reid’s abdomen, smiling at the goose bumps that broke out over his skin. “I know it’s not the romantic getaway we were planning, but I’m really looking forward to our trip. I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”
“So do I,” Reid admitted. “And I can’t wait to meet your grandparents.”
“I look forward to meeting yours too.” Her dark lashes lowered over her eyes as she skated her fingertips down his chest. “I just hope…”
He stared up at her. “Hope what?”
She bit her lip. “I hope meeting your grandparents will go better than my introduction to your mother.”
“It will,” Reid assured her. “They’re gonna love you, baby. I promise.”
She gave him a winsome smile.
A wry grin quirked the corner of his mouth. “I’m probably the one who should be worried. If your grandfathers’ handshakes are anything like your old man’s, I’m gonna need a damn cast.”
Nadia laughed.
Grinning, he sat up and scrubbed his hands over his face, his bristly beard growth sounding like sandpaper against his callused palms.
Nadia smiled, combing her fingers through his hair. “What do you want for breakfast?”
He wiggled his brows suggestively. “Do you even have to ask?”
She laughed. “Food, man. I’m offering food.”
He grinned and playfully nipped her lower lip. “I was gonna run out and get some coffee and breakfast burritos from that place down the street. Why don’t you take a ride with me?”
She scrunched up her nose in that adorable way of hers. “I don’t feel like getting dressed. Can I stay in the car?”
“Of course.”
“Okay. Give me a sec to brush my teeth and wash up.” She dropped a kiss on his nose, then climbed off his lap and headed to the bathroom.
While she was getting ready, Reid made his way to the closet to put on a sweatshirt and lace up a pair of Timbs. A few moments later Nadia padded through the doorway, her hair neatly combed back from her face and tucked behind her ears. The shirt she wore, like all his others, hung past her knees.
She walked to the large center island and opened one of the drawers he’d given her. He watched, unable to tear his gaze away as she selected a pair of pink bikini panties and pulled them on. His cock jerked as he watched the scrap of fabric slide up her smooth legs to disappear under the long shirt. Not bothering with a bra, she headed to the wall of shoe shelves and grabbed her Uggs.
Oblivious to his rapt gaze, she came over and sat beside him on the long bench.
She wasn’t kidding about not wanting to get dressed, he mused. No bra, no pants, no socks.
As she tucked her pedicured feet into the furry boots, he continued watching her with a quiet smile.
She met his gaze. “What?”
“I could get very used to this.”
A shy smile curved her mouth and made her eyes sparkle. “I already have,” she confessed.
His heart filled with a contented, joyous warmth. Smiling from ear to ear, he stood and crossed to the island to grab his car keys off the top.
“Are we taking the Aero?” Nadia asked hopefully.
“We can. You want to?”
“Only if you let me drive.”
He grinned. “Tell you what. If you beat me to the garage, you can drive.”
“Really?”
“Really. And I’m feeling charitable, so I’ll even give you a head start.”
She rose from the bench and began backing toward the doorway. “How much of a head—”
“That’s good enough.”
She squealed with laughter as he took off after her, chasing her out of the bedroom, down the hallway and out the garage door.
She stopped so abruptly he would have plowed into her if he hadn’t deliberately hung back a few paces.
She stood frozen in place, her eyes wide with shock at the sight of a sleek luxury coupe with a huge pink bow wrapped around it.
“Oh my God,” she breathed. “You didn’t…”
Reid grinned, loving her reaction. “Didn’t what?”
“You…” She lifted a trembling hand to her mouth. “You bought me a new car.”
He smiled. “It’s your Christmas present. Since we’re not going to be here, I wanted to give it to you before we leave.”
“Oh my God.” She stared at the low-slung car, admiring the gleaming pewter exterior, sculpted lines and sleekly powerful curves. “It’s amazing. What is it?”
“A Zenith GT,” Reid answered. “It’s made by Ford. Custom built, fully loaded, V12 engine with 750-horsepower. It’s a limited edition, one of only two hundred slated for production.”
“Wow,” Nadia breathed in awe. “It must have cost a fortune.”
It had. And she was worth every fucking cent and more.
But he was starting to get worried. Because she hadn’t taken one step toward her new car.
“Baby?”
She turned to stare at him. There were tears in her eyes.
Concerned, he touched her cheek. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. It’s just…all these expensive gifts. The Chanel bags, the platinum card, the penthouse suite, the designer clothes and shoes, the Harry Winston engagement ring. And now this…this limited edition car.” She shook her head slowly. “I’m not a multimillionaire, Reid. I’ll never be able to reciprocate your generosity. I’ll never be able to lavish you with expensive presents.”
“Ah, baby,” Reid groaned, her words causing his throat to tighten painfully. “Baby, baby, baby. You’re killing me right now.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I don’t mean to sound ungrateful—”
“You don’t. Not at all.” He cupped her face in his hands and rested his forehead against hers. “Listen, sweetheart. Listen carefully. I don’t need or want expensive gifts from you. Every day we spend together, every moment in your presence, is a priceless gift. The way you look at me, the way you touch me, the way you smile. You show your love and concern for me in so many different ways. Remember that little joke you made at the restaurant, the one about you being my ride-or-die chick? Jesus, Nadia. You damn near brought me to my knees. And that commemorative plaque you gave me at the party meant more to me than you can ever imagine. You had me in tears in front of all those people.” He stared into her shining eyes, his voice deepening with emotion. “You don’t ever have to worry about buying me presents. You gave me your heart, Nadia. And that’s worth more than anything money can buy.”
As tears slipped out of her eyes, she gave him the most beautiful, glowing smile and whispered earnestly, “Thank you.”
His chest squeezed tight. Fuck, he loved this woman.
He rubbed his chin against her forehead, then thumbed her tears away and tenderly brushed his lips over hers.
“I love you,” she said softly.
“I know, baby. And I’m a better man for it.” Smiling, Reid walked over to the Zenith and opened the driver’s side door for her. “Now get your pretty ass in the car.”
She let out a teary laugh and came forward. “Yes, sir.”
He grinned, watching as she sank into the sumptuous front seat. She closed her eyes in dreamy appreciation, luxuriating in the softness of the leather and the new-car smell.
He closed her door, then rounded the front fender and slid into the passenger seat. The custom interior featured handmade silver trim, embroidered headrests and premium leather upholstery.
“So luxurious,” Nadia purred, running her hands over the plush console and dashboard. “I feel like I’m sitting in a cloud of silk.”
Reid smiled, pleased. “One of the car’s main selling points is that it has the elegance of a Mercedes and the horsepower of a Lamborghini.”
Nadia smiled at him. “And the best part is, it’s American.”
“That’s right, baby. I’m a true believer.” Grinning, he explained the advanced navigation and entertainment systems, and pointed out several other custom add-ons. “Plus it’s loaded with a ton of safety features.” He winked at her. “I want you and our children to be safe when you’re zipping around town in this baby.”
Nadia grinned. “Good looking out.”
“Always.” He grinned. “Why don’t you turn her on, see how she sounds.”
Nadia pressed the keyless start button, beaming with delight as the powerful engine purred to life.
“Oh, man, I can’t wait to take this baby for a spin.” She touched a button to open the sunroof, then swept another look around the interior and sighed happily. “I love my new car, Reid. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, stroking his knuckles down her cheek.
She glanced around the garage. “So what’d you do with my Fiesta?”
“It’s parked in the driveway.” He smiled. “I know you’ve had it for a while, so I wanted to give you a chance to say goodbye before we get rid of it. I mean, we can keep it if you want,” he hastened to add. “But I was thinking we could donate it to the Salvation Army since they’re always in need of reliable vehicles. What do you think?”
Nadia smiled warmly. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”
“Yeah? You sure?”
“Positive.” She reached over and touched his cheek. “Thank you for giving me a chance to say goodbye to her first. That means a lot to me.”
He turned his face into her hand and kissed her palm. When she shivered, he gave her a slow, wicked grin. “I think we need to christen your new car.”
She laughed. “Oh, so that’s why you bought it.”
“But of course.” He winked. “We’ve made love in every other car in this garage. Consider it a tradition.”
“A tradition, huh?”
“Yes, ma’am. The first of many.”
She stared up at him as he climbed over the console to lay on top of her, pressing her deeper into the plush upholstery. Reaching down, he pressed a button to recline her seat and slide it all the way back.
Her eyes shone with pleasure and she purred low in her throat.
He turned off the ignition and then nestled between her legs, making himself more comfortable. Smiling, she looped her arms around his neck and shifted beneath him, aligning her hips with his.
He grinned down at her. “See? Look at all this legroom. This car was made for front seat lovin’.”
She grinned. “You think so?”
“I have it on good authority.”
She giggled. “You do not.”
He cocked one eyebrow in mock reproach. “Have you forgotten that I’m a spokesman for Ford? Why wouldn’t I have the inside track?”
“Hmm.” Her eyes sparkled with laughter. “Good point.”
He grinned, brushing her hair back from her face. Her lush mouth beckoned invitingly, her lips already parting for him. He bent his head, stroking his mouth over hers in a whisper-soft kiss that quickened her breath.
Her eyes on his, she slid her tongue between his lips. A jolt of pure lust shot through him, clenching his balls and hardening his cock in a rush. She tasted minty and warm, her lips sweetly flavored with cherry balm.
Keeping his eyes locked with hers, he slowly curled his tongue around hers, teasing her, tasting her, savoring the hell out of her. She gave a breathy moan and speared her fingers into his hair.
Without breaking their kiss, he reached down and cupped her through her panties, groaning at the damp heat that warmed his palm. She was wet for him. Primed and ready.
Pulse thudding in his ears, he lifted off her so he could remove her panties. The sweet scent of her arousal wafted up, making his erection throb.
Lowering his body over hers, he returned his mouth to hers, sliding his hand between her legs. His tongue stroked hers as his finger swirled around her clit and then dipped into her slick heat.
She gasped softly, her hips undulating against him as he caressed her with long sweeps of his finger.
“Reid,” she whispered.
“What, baby?” he whispered back.
She sucked his tongue. “I need you.”
“I’m yours, Nadia. All yours.”
She grasped his pants and dragged them down his hips and over his ass. When she wrapped her legs around his back, he groaned and reached down to grip his hard cock.
She stared up at him, her body trembling in anticipation.
He lowered his forehead to hers, held her gaze and entered her slowly.
Her lips parted on a throaty moan.
He shivered with pleasure, luxuriating in the hot clasp of her body. He could never get enough of her. Ever.
He grabbed the back of the headrest for leverage while his other hand slid underneath her bottom, cupping and lifting her for maximum penetration. She gasped and ground herself against him, making him shudder.
Watching her face, he began rocking his hips, pumping deep inside her. “We need to get started on our family.”
“We do?” Her eyes glowed with heat. “I thought we agreed to wait at least two years.”
“Changed my mind,” he drawled half seriously. “I want my heir. I need to start training him and teaching him how to play hockey like my father taught me. And I want him to be around to watch his old man win at least three Stanley Cups.”
“Three?” Nadia grinned. “Confident, aren’t we?”
“Of course.” He winked. “And that’s not even counting the one we’re gonna win in June.”
“Oh my,” she breathed, sliding her hands down to his buttocks and pulling him tighter against her. “June is going to be a very special month for us, isn’t it?”
“Not just June,” Reid promised, lowering his mouth onto hers. “Every day for the rest of our lives…”
*****