Hmm, it was a tough decision.

“Cool, I was just with James; he was showing me this space.”

“For what?” Elli asked, tucking her hands in her pockets.

“I’m opening a cupcakery,” Audrey said proudly, “And I think this is my space.”

“Shut up! That’s amazing! Congratulations, come here, give me another hug,” Elli gushed, hugging Audrey tightly. She was such a hugger, but Audrey loved it. “I am so proud of you!”

“Thank you,” Audrey said as they parted, “I’m really excited.”

“You should be! That is so great,” Elli said with a bright smile, “Well darlin’ I might need to be your first customer cause Harper is gonna need to order cupcakes for the boys’ baby shower.”

“Boys?” Audrey asked, her brows coming together.

“Yeah,” she said pointing to one side of her belly, “Evan Michael,” she said and then she pointed to the other side, “And Owen Marcus.”

She glanced up at Audrey, and grinned as Audrey sputtered, “You’re having twin boys?”

“Yes, and before you ask if I’m excited, I am very much so. I wanted a little boy and to get two is a blessing, but mainly I wanna kill Shea. I mean really?! Four kids all under the age of two? He’s trying to drive me insane! He told me the other day, he’ll want one more, and then we’re done. The man has lost it!”

Audrey started to giggle as she shook her head, “Wow, that man is nuts.”

“Right? I’m having them June 17th, so hopefully the Assassins will sweep everyone and win the cup early, I highly doubt it though,” she complained, “He’ll probably be off somewhere winning a hockey game, while I’m having his sons cut out of me.”

“Wow, I am amazed by you, are you gonna make him quit?”

Elli laughed, “I can’t. He loves it and who am I to take away something he loves? I love him too much to make him a stay at home dad, so I’ll deal. I am woman, hear me roar.”

Audrey laughed as she shook her head, “You are spectacular, Elli, really.”

“Ah, ya know, I do my best,” she said with a grin, “But I gotta go, it’s cold as hell out here, and Grace has Shelli and Posey. So I’ll see you later?”

“Sure, call me about those cupcakes!”

“I sure will, or Harper will!” she said walking away with a wave. Audrey watched her for a bit, and then turned to look at her building. She could just see Audrey Jane’s written in a pretty script and of course in pink. The windows would hold displays of all the cupcake stands Tate had given her. Cute little tables made to look like high heels. A zebra print carpet, sparkling pink counter, and pink fuzzy chandeliers. She could see it all, right there in front of her. This was her dream, and it was about to be her reality.

Burping, Audrey covered her mouth as she looked around. Taking in a deep breath, she took her phone out and dialed James’ number. He answered right away.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

“I’m thinking I want it.”

***

“Why are you so nervous?” Tate looked up to see Lucas giving him a dirty look as he continued, “this is easier than the regular season, we go out and have fun.”

“No you get to have fun, I need to be super ninja goalie against every great forward in the league,” Tate spat back, taking in a lung full of air.

Lucas thought for a moment, and then nodded, “I guess I would be nervous too.”

“Ass,” Tate muttered as Lucas walked away, laughing.

It was the All Star game night. In less than 5 minutes he would be skating out into a crowd of thousands as they announced his name. He couldn’t believe he had been invited to play and even though he was worried about Audrey, he was glad she made him come. He would have regretted missing this even if he felt bad for leaving her at home. It was an amazing experience. The whole week he hung out with veteran players and even a few new players. He got to meet some of the greats in the leagues and even got to pick the brain of the amazing Tim Thomas. It was awesome, and he had had a great week, but now he had a game to play. Taking a deep breath, Tate stood in his red All Star jersey before blowing it out. He raised his arms above his head before letting them fall, and shaking them out.

He could do this, no big deal.

As he grabbed his stick, Audrey came to mind and he couldn’t help the grin that came over his face. He was so proud of her for going forward with her dream. She was in the process of signing the papers for spot she found. She loved it, and seeing all the pictures she sent him, he knew he would love it too. Tate knew that she was going to be able to transfer the place into everything she wanted. Since even Fallon thought it was the perfect place, he knew that Audrey had made the right choice. He was excited to see the place in person, but mostly he was excited about helping her build it from the ground up. Audrey was such an amazing person and he had no doubt that Audrey Jane’s would be the best cupcake place in the Nashville area.

Making his way down a hall he didn’t know, he waited at the end of the line of hockey players. His number was 39 and that meant he was the last to be called. Rocking back and forth on his skates, Tate listened as each guy was called out from his team. Finally it was his turn, and to his surprise the crowd erupted when he came out on the ice. His adrenaline started pumping and his heart kicked up in speed. This was it.

His first All Star game.