Just for Kicks by Tracy Solheim

Epilogue

* * *

“HAPPY CHRISTMAS, LASS.”

Andi sighed with contentment as she burrowed deeper beneath the covers, her sated limbs seeking the heat of Dex’s warm, naked body. The draperies were open, giving them an unobstructed view of the early morning snow trying, and failing, to blanket the rough surf of Lake Michigan. She snuggled closer, pressing her back against his chest.

“Mmm, I think happy may be too tame a word for what I’m feeling right now.”

It was true. Even in her wildest longings, she never imagined the bone deep joy she would feel having all her dreams come true. Of course, a lot of that joy had to do with the man whose body was cocooning hers at the moment. He was so much more than she ever dared hope for.

He brushed his lips along her shoulder. “Aye, lass. I can’t remember enjoying a Christmas as much as I have this one.” His fingers traced lazy circles on her thigh.

“That’s because no one ever gave you a Millennium Falcon ornament for your tree,” she teased.

His booming laughter had quickly become one of her favorite sounds. Ever since their trip to Scotland, he’d become lighter and less resolute. She’d fallen in love with the old Dex—the white knight who’d let guilt dictate his life. But she adored this version of him so much more. So did her body judging by the way her insides were turning to jelly at his touch.

“All those years as a young lad, I was so eager to jump out of bed Christmas morn and open presents from some old fat guy with a beard.” He nibbled on her neck. “What a fool I was. Now, all I want to do is stay beneath these sheets and bury myself in the best present of all. One who is certainly much sexier.”

With a laugh, Andi wriggled around so they were facing one another. “You just did that not more than twenty minutes ago.” She touched her nose to his. “As much as the idea appeals to me, we have plans for the day. Starting with brunch with your parents. We’re hosting, remember?”

His chest rumbled with an annoyed growl while his talented fingers found their way to her breasts. “Sometimes I ken ya love my family more than you do me, lass.”

“That’s not true.” The last word came out as a lusty sigh when his fingers wandered lower on her body.

Stormy gray eyes, dark with passion dared her. “Prove it.”

And because she was halfway there already, she did. Twice. It was Christmas after all.

* * *

“MERRY CHRISTMAS!”Harper cried as she wrapped her arms around Andi’s knees.

The Growlers were hosting a lavish dinner for the team and their families. The final game of the season was in two days. They needed a win to make the playoffs. Despite the pressure, the mood at the party was festive and relaxed.

Just like at the picnic, management had gone all out. When Andi and Dex arrived with his parents, and Annis, it was like stepping into one of those sappy Hallmark Christmas movies with the explosion of decorations, the festive lighting, and children running amok feeding, holy hell, live reindeer. There was even a hired troupe of carolers.

“Merry Christmas to you, too.” Andi lifted the little girl into her arms. “Did Santa bring you lots of fun toys?”

Harper nodded. She had begun to speak more in public, but she was still a child of few words. Not that Andi minded, because Harper gave great hugs.

“You’re a natural with children.” Dex’s mother grinned eagerly.

Her son groaned.

Annis let out an exasperated sigh. “Ma, you promised.”

“Time for us to hit the bar, Rose,” Dex’s father interceded, linking his arm through his wife’s. “I’m pretty sure I see a bowl of hot buttered rum with your name on it.”

“Great idea, Da. Because a wee dram is going to quiet her.” Dex aimed his sarcastic comment in the direction of his father’s retreating back.

“Ooo, there’s Luke Kessler.” Annis smoothed her hands over the hips of her velvet dress. “I ken I’ll just wander over and wish him a happy Christmas.”

She was off before Dex could react. But that didn’t mean her brother wasn’t going to go Highlander at any moment.

“What the bloody—”

Andi wrapped her fingers around his biceps, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Language, Declan.” She gestured with her chin to Harper. “Little ears.”

With a wide-eyed stare, Harper bit her lip. Dex’s body was still tense beneath her hand, but he remained where he was. Thank heavens for small favors.

“There’s no need to make a scene. They flirted a little in Scotland. It was harmless.” Probably the wrong choice of words on her part because Dex’s nostrils were now beginning to flare. Andi couldn’t help it. She laughed. Harper joined in.

“She’s not old enough to be flirting,” he bit out.

“This is the twenty-first century, Highlander,” Andi countered. “Twenty-three is now considered old enough to flirt.”

His pained expression had the mirth bubbling up inside her again. Rather than laugh at him, she leaned in and brushed a kiss over his lips.

“Relax,” she murmured.

Harper mimicked her actions, leaning in and planting a hand on his cheek. “Relax,” she repeated.

Dex’s eyes narrowed and he curled his lip at the child. A moment later he’d snatched her from Andi’s arms and was tossing her high in the air. Harper’s peals of delight filled the room. They were followed by Dex’s own belly laugh. Andi’s throat grew tight at the scene playing out in front of her.

Their relationship had come about in such an unorthodox way, they’d never discussed kids. Motherhood had never been something she’d let herself dream of. Not the way her life had been going. The goal was always to graduate and get her business off the ground.

But that was before fate intervened.

She was married to a man who loved her. And two weeks ago, she’d proudly donned a cap and gown to celebrate the awarding of her business degree. As wonderful as the achievement was, the ceremony was made all the more sweeter knowing Dex, his family, and so many of her friends—old and new—were in the auditorium cheering her on. She’d gone from a party of one to a party of many.

And why shouldn’t that party include children?Given the adoring way Dex was gazing down at Harper, she was pretty sure he’d agree.

“You’re a little minx.” Dex tickled Harper beneath her chin, resulting in a new round of giggles. He planted a sloppy kiss on the little girl’s forehead just as Merrit and Coach Gibson arrived.

“Are you trying to tickle my daughter to death, Fletcher?” Wearing an adoring smile, the coach rescued his daughter from Dex’s arms.

“Aye.” Dex tweaked the girl’s cheek. “She started it.”

Coach Gibson snorted. “Coach Kelly and I have something we want to run by you. Can I steal him away, Andi?”

Merrit arched an eyebrow. “You promised to leave the game planning back in your office.”

The coach donned the same impish smile as his daughter’s. “It’s a recruiting question. And it will only take a minute.” He dropped kiss on his wife’s lips. “We’ll be right back.”

“Something tells me Santa isn’t responsible for the fabulous bath soaps and lotions in the WAG’s gift bags,” Merrit commented as they watched their husbands walk away.

Andi couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “Mrs. Ciaciura commissioned them. She even helped pick out the scents. And, she put me in touch with a venture capitalist group that supports female owned companies. I have a meeting with them after the first of the year.”

“That’s fantastic.” Merrit hugged her. “And good for you for following your dream.”

“It is fantastic.” Daniel was already negotiating a lease for a small store front around the corner from Shear Envy. Shaina was graduating early and would come on board as the marketing director. “Everything is falling into place.”

“Uh, oh. That sounds a little ominous.” Trey Van Horn strolled up beside Andi. “What are you two lovely ladies plotting?”

Merrit laughed. “If we told you, where would the surprise be?” Her eyes grew wide before she make a mad dash across the room. “Max! No!”

Trey and Andi watched as the coach’s young son tossed a football into one of the ice sculptures, nearly sending it toppling to the floor.

“Kid has potential,” he said with a trace of awe punctuating his words.

Andi studied the quarterback, recalling the conversation they’d had weeks before. It was a shame he was so determined not to marry.

“You know, just because your parents set such a bad example doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful relationship,” she couldn’t help saying. “No one wants to be alone.”

Something looking a lot like regret settled into his eyes before he quickly chased it away. His lips turned up into the artificial grin he reserved for press conferences and photo shoots. “Who says I’m alone, Andi?”

She scoffed. “If you keep picking man-eaters like Jade, you’re destined for unhappiness.”

He laughed. “I can’t help it if the good ones are already taken.” He placed a soft kiss on her cheek. “And as for Jade, she landed on her feet. Apparently, her wish has come true. She’s going to be a contestant on The Bachelor.”

Andi was stunned into silence.

“How many times do I have to tell you to keep your bloody paws off my wife?” Dex speared his friend with a scathing look while wrapping his arm around her waist.

Trey held up his hands. “Technically, it was only my lips. And she protested the entire time.” He had the nerve to wink at her.

“Argh. See that it doesn’t happen again,” Dex commanded.

“I make no promises,” Trey teased. “But before you take me apart bodily, I have shoes for you. My sponsors went a little overboard with the gifts this year. I’ve got twenty new pairs of sneakers you can have.”

“Excellent,” Dex replied. “Kessler and Jacobs donated several pairs each.”

Andi huffed. “I don’t understand why you keep encouraging Kenny.”

For some reason, Dex had tracked down the weasel, then made it his pet project to ensure his success in life. Starting with giving him the athletic shoes Dex and his teammates were gifted from companies hoping to sign them to a sponsorship deal. Kenny’s eBay business had never been more robust.

“I’m not encouraging him, lass. He’s working for me. Kenny sells the shoes, keeps a small percentage for himself, and donates the rest of the profits to the Vey Center.” He turned her in his arms and leaned his forehead down, gently resting it against hers. “Think of it as community service. He stole seventy thousand dollars from you. Now he’s paying it back.”

She fiddled with the lapels of his suit jacket. “I just don’t get why he’s so important to you.”

“Don’t you, lass?” he asked softly. He lifted her chin with his finger, guiding her gaze up to his. “Without Kenny, I wouldnae have the love of my life.”

Her heart stuttered in her chest.

“And while he dinnae know it, lass, twas the best gift ever.”

The back of her eyes burned at his words. Stretching up on her toes, she brought her lips to his. Their kiss was modest and sweet, but it held the promise of more. So much more.

* * *

I HOPEYOU enjoyed Andi and Dex’s story. Look for more Milwaukee Growler books soon. In the meantime, check out my Out of Bounds series featuring the Baltimore Blaze football team where you can read Heath and Merrit’s story, A NUMBER’S GAME for free.