DAKOTA

FIVE AND A HALF YEARS LATER

When I hear the ringing of a bell, I can not stop the smile that overtakes my entire face. It is well past dinner time and all of my employees have gone home for the day, meaning it can only be one person.

"Get your cute ass out here, love!"

Nights like these are my all-time favorite.

Whenever Parker is home and does not have a game, or if the team flies back late, he always comes to pick me up at the bakery. My hours are much shorter now, but I still like to be here when the team is prepping for the next day. The bakery is still on broadway street, but we bought the neighboring business last year, allowing us to expand our physical size.

After Parker and I got married three years ago, I reluctantly allowed him to help me financially support Sweet Exchange. His help allowed me to hire a full staff at this location, and eventually we opened three more in Tampa, Denver, and Raleigh.

Not only is business now booming, but we always have an excuse to visit our favorite people.

Ellie moved to Nashville after school, and shares a small townhome with her fiance, Matt. I selfishly love having her so close because we go to every one of Parker's home games together, just like we did in college.

Both Brooks and Connor are married, Brooks met a girl his first year in Tampa, and Connor shocked us all when he eloped in Vegas last year. He and his wife, Sarah, had been dating for a few years and did not want to wait any longer. They're now expecting a little girl, due towards the end of summer break.

"Kota," Parker calls for me again, reminding me that he is here.

I quickly clean up the rest of my mess and rip off my apron, hanging it by the door leading to the front. The second I come into view, the German Shepard puppy at his feet begins barking and pulling at the leash to reach me.

Bending down, I greet him immediately, much to my husband's dismay.

"So this is it? I buy you a dog and you forget about me?"

Rolling my eyes, I stand and press my lips to his waiting ones. "You should've known what you were getting yourself into."

He wraps his free arm around my waist, hauling my closer as he presses a kiss to my forehead. "As long as he does his job, I can deal with it."

Cooper was a gift from Parker after we moved into our new home. Compared to when we were in our apartment, I am now truly alone when he is on the road, which did not sit well with either of us for different reasons.

It was hard for me when he was on long trips, coming home to an empty house night after night. Parker loathed the idea of me not having anyone around at night, since the houses in our neighborhood are placed pretty far apart from one another.

His training so far has been basic, but he will be gone all summer for his in-depth training while Parker is home for break.

"Let's get out of here," I smile at Parker.

He grabs my left hand, rubbing my wedding band and engagement ring momentarially as he moves us all towards the door.

~

Our home is a farm-style four bed/four bath with a pool and guesthouse, giving us plenty of room for visitors while also not having to sacrifice our privacy.

Honestly, the two of us are not the greatest at interior design, so we hired someone to make sure our house would be as perfect as possible.

Cooper heads straight to his bed in the living room, the car ride always exhausts him, and Parker and I head to the kitchen. When he is home, Parker loves to cook for me like he would when we dated in college.

"How was the road trip?"

He smiles over at me as his hands continue to prep the chicken. "The wins felt great, as usual, but I'm excited to be back for the homestead."

"I'm excited to have you back for the homestead." I reach out and poke his side.

Dropping the spoon in his hand, Parker lifts me up so that I'm sitting on the counter within touching distance. "I've gotta tell you something, but you have to promise that you won't get mad at me."

My eyes widen. "You just signed that extension, they can't be wanting to trade you already."

His head falls to my collarbone, body shaking with laughter.

"Why are you laughing?" I gently slap his arm. "We just bought this house and I love it here."

"Baby," he pushes a strand of hair behind my ear. "I know that, I wouldn't let them trade me. Not yet, at least."

"Then hurry up with it."

"You know how I played Tampa at the beginning of the season?"

I nod.

"Brooks told Cirelli about your crush on him." He covers my mouth with his gigantic hand, stopping me from responding out of panic. "He was flattered and gave me a gift for you, but I've been hiding it in the bottom of my closet."

I lick his hand until he removes it. "Parker! Give it!"

"Kota, you already have that puck from him way back when, do you really need it?" He responds with a smug smile like a jerk, moving over to plate our dinner.

Narrowing my eyes, I try to make myself look as intimidating as possible. "Tell me what it is or I'll divorce you right now."

He freezes. "Not funny."

"Fine. Then I'll tell all your teammates about the time you hit me in the face with a puck," I counter.

He mumbles under his breath, placing our food at the island and sitting down, not waiting for me.

"What was that?"

Parker drags his eyes up to me. "It's a signed jersey and two tickets right behind the bench for when they come back to Nashville."

"That game is this week!" Jumping off the counter, I laugh at him as I walk over and sit next to him.

He reaches under my chair, dragging it closer so that our legs are touching. "I know, I just like when you sit behind me."

"You big baby," I run a hand through his hair. "I won't use the tickets, because I also like sitting right behind you, but you better give me that fucking jersey."

He smiles, leaning over and pressing a light kiss to my lips. "I love you so much, Dakota."

"I love you too, Park. Thanks for coming to Michigan all those years ago."

"Best decision I've ever made."

______

Wow wow wow

If you've made it this far, THANK YOU

I truly say that with my whole heart and can't express it enough. This world has been so fun to immerse myself in over these past five months, and I can't believe it's over!

Last week I mentioned having an idea for another book (another standalone), and I am hoping to begin planning it this week before I head back to college next week! Once I get it started, I'll upload a summary onto this story, but for now, I will be marking it as completed ;(

See you all soon!