“He left before he even got to talk to Duke, the owner, about getting his beer on draft there. It’s all he’s talked about for weeks, but he didn’t even wait for Duke to come by our table. It was like the second he saw Ella, his entire demeanor changed.”

“How so?” I tilt my head.

“All he could focus on was getting her covered up and out of there. He threw some money on the table and then drove her home.”

“He just left?”

“Yup.”

“Wait, wasn’t he the one who drove you all there?”

“Yup.”

“So, he just stranded you?”

“Yup.”

“And that’s why you’re late getting home?”

“Yup.”

Laughing, I place my hands on Logan’s scruffy face and pull him in for a kiss. His lips press lightly to mine, and a small thrill zips through me at the chaste contact. No one has ever affected me like my husband.

We talked about a long engagement, about taking our time. But in the end, we were married within a couple of months of meeting each other. When you know, you know, as they say. And I knew Logan was my forever.

We had a long discussion about our future after we got engaged. Logan plans on playing hockey for another five or six seasons. He said his plan is to retire from professional hockey by the age of thirty, and then we plan to start a family.

I’m completely on board with that plan. The idea of five years to build my practice, five years to enjoy the newlywed lifestyle I already love—it sounds perfect to me.

I’m still so thankful our paths crossed the way they did. I took a big chance coming out here to work with him, but I guess that risk paid off. I smile as he brings his arms around me and holds me close.

“I love you, Summer.”

“I love you too.”

We sit together for a few minutes, watching the fire while I ponder this new information about the oldest Tate brother.

I didn’t think Graham was a relationship type of guy. Granted, that probably isn’t going to happen with Ella, but still, it will be interesting to see how this plays out. Although him settling down would make Jillian happy. I know she worries about him.

And as fascinated as I know Logan is about this new development, he has bigger things on his mind. The season is in full swing, and his team has gotten off to a great start. In fact, all during this time away, there has been a constant stream of texts from his teammates.

It was all in good-natured fun—lots of trash talking, teasing, and banter. One particular text had him chuckling, and when I asked to see it, he warned me it was a photo of Saint mooning the camera. I opted to pass.