Yeah, our agent was definitely more than a little interested in the owner's daughter, but he knew better than to compromise his work ethics, especially if she was really going to be running the IceCaps one day. Monderra had the right idea, because if he couldn’t get the members and fans on board with us all being in a relationship with one woman, then Baby Monderra was going to struggle when she took over, being a female team owner in a world of good old boys.

It was coming up to the Christmas break, and I was excited for Huey’s first Christmas. Our first Christmas. “I think we should ask Nova to marry us.”

Rigby turned to me, his mouth hanging open. “You don’t think it’s a little soon?”

I shrugged. “We don’t ever have to have a ceremony, but I think a physical sign that we’re in this relationship for good, all three of us, would cement our bond.”

Rigby frowned, chewing his lip as he thought it over. Finally, he nodded. “I think I’d like that. I want her to know that we’re serious.” He looked at me as I pulled up into the driveway, ignoring the paparazzi still camping at the gate. “If it’s okay with you and Devan, I think I’d like to give her my grandmother’s engagement ring. I know you guys could afford a Mt. Rushmore-sized rock, but it would mean a lot to me.”

He looked so unsure in that moment, like I’d throw a tantrum about that shit. I pulled him into a man hug across the center console. “I think that would be perfect. I think she’d like that too.” I swallowed hard. “I never said this, man, but thank you. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for pushing me and Devan out of our comfort zone and giving us the opportunity to find someone we could love this much.” He opened his mouth to protest, but I shook my head. “Nah, man. We both know we wouldn’t be where we are today without you. I love you.”

Rigby grinned at me, thumping me hard on the back. “I love you too, man. Obviously.” He grabbed his door handle. “Let’s go inside before the paps get a picture of us hugging and then run a story we were tongue-kissing and having a torrid affair.”

I snorted. “You’d be so fucking lucky, man.”

We hurried into the house. If someone had told me six months ago it was because I was eager to see a woman and not a cold beer, I’d have laughed. The house was quiet, though.