Four Months Later....

"Fuck you."

"I didn't do anything!"

"You were cheating!" Trevor accused his girlfriend.

"No I was not." Tasha glared at Trevor holding a spoon.

"You totally were."

I held the spoon tightly in my hand as I watched my friends argue over who cheated. I wish I could say this was the first argument since we started playing the game Spoons but this was probably the fourth one in the last half hour.

Thankfully the argument of who cheated didn't go as long as I thought and we were back to playing. You'd think after playing games as a group the last two years we'd learn our lesson and not play at all but nope.

"So has anyone thought about our next group vacation?" Josie asked out of the blue as we passed the playing cards around the table.

"We went tropical last time maybe we should go to the mountains or something." Sydni suggested.

"We could wait a few months until it gets cold again and get a cabin. Going skiing or snowboarding could be fun." Tasha piggybacked on Sydni's idea.

"Oh I love that!"

The guys mumbled something but they were all so focused on the game to do much else. Grabbing a card from the small pile next to me I finally got four of the same kind. Peeking up at the others I reached out and silently grabbed a spoon. Everyone was so focused on their own cards to realize.

It took a good 30 seconds of sitting there waiting for someone to finally noticed. It was Wyatt and he snapped his arm out to grab a spoon. He set everyone off as they scrambled to grab the last spoons.

You would think a game using cards and spoons would be easy and safe. No. I had a few gauges in my fingers from everyone trying to grab a spoon. A few times chairs have been knocked over as someone lunged across the table.

"Damn it." Landon next to me grumbled.

"Oh, got it first?" Everyone looked at Wyatt who shook his head. Smirking I lifted my spoon.

"Took you guys awhile to figure it out."

"Sly ninja." Josie shook her head. She scooted her chair back and stood up. "You guys getting hungry?"

There was a chorus of yes's from the guys which wasn't that surprising. You'd think they haven't eaten in days when its really only been a few hours.

"Evelyn and Steven are going to be here in a bit. Wy want to go start the grill?"

Wyatt wasted no time in jumping up. All he's talked about this week is his new grill and how excited he is to show the guys. Who knew Wyatt would be so domesticated when he got married and bought a house.

While the guys filed outside to go see this famous grill, all the girls gathered in Josie's new kitchen.

"Of course Wyatt had to go and one up me and Bryton." Sydni shook her head as she gazed around the kitchen. "I can't get over how pretty it is." She wasn't wrong. Josie and Wyatt's new place was stunning.

At their wedding four months ago Wyatt surprised Josie with a house. He bought it a few months before and was waiting for the perfect time to tell her. It took them until a few weeks ago to move in. With the wedding, Playoffs, their honeymoon, it took them a bit to pack everything up and move in.

Josie had a hard time letting go of her apartment. Her father gave it to her when he passed and it the last thing she really had of him. In the end they both decided to keep it for now. Either for Mateo if he wanted or a teammate of Wyatt's was looking for a place to rent.

While Josie's apartment was great it didn't beat this house. It was perfect for the two of them. It was only a few streets over from Sydni and Bryton. The two story house was big but with how often we came over the space got used. And how knows maybe in a few years they'll start a family.

"The blue cabinets and white counters are my favorite part." Josie gushed. The kitchen was a chefs dream. Beautiful dark blue cabinets, white quartz counters, a huge stove and double ovens.

"Love it." I said running my hand across the counters. I loved my apartment but a house like this would be nice.

"Mateo's coming today right?" Tasha asked heading to one of the cabinets for wine glasses.

"Yeah, he should be here soon." Josie nodded.

"He's been a bit MIA the last month." I noted. "Think he has a girlfriend?" At my words everyone paused.

"You know maybe he does. He seems to be on his phone a lot when he's here." Josie said.

"I can't wait to give him shit if he does." Tasha smiled almost evilly.

While Josie moved around the kitchen, getting things for our barbecue, I looked out the window facing the guys. They were all standing around holding beers and talking.

"How are the guys taking the loss?" I asked after a bit bringing my wine to my lips. It was nice to be able to use my right hand again, although after having the cast on for seven weeks, ended up needed another week in it, I had gotten so use to having it on my arm.

"Trevor's a bit down but he's already looking forward to the next season." Tasha said from behind me.

"Same with Bryton. Disappointed they didn't win but they had a great season."

A few weeks ago the Toronto Knights lost in the final game of the Cup Championship. After weeks of intense Playoffs and Finals the team lost by one game. It was heartbreaking watching everything they worked so hard for all season long come to an end. But the fact they made it back to the Cup Championship again was huge.

"Wyatt was sad about it but I think the honeymoon made up for it." I didn't miss the smug undertone of Josie's voice.

"Oh I bet it did." Tasha joked making all of us laugh.

With Playoffs right after their wedding Wyatt and Josie postponed their honeymoon until it was over. Turns out the present Landon got them on their wedding were plane tickets back to Queensland. They were able to spend two weeks at the place they got engaged at. Pretty sure the two came back more in love, which is somehow impossible to imagine.

The sound of the front door opening followed by Evelyn's voice had all of us turning. In walked Evelyn and Coach Barnum hand in hand. The sight of the cute couple had me smiling. Four months after announcing they were seeing each other the two have been going steady. They were by far the cutest couple.

Steven doted on everything Evelyn did. If he wasn't busy coaching he was with her. Half the time we didn't see Evelyn without him by her side. It was adorable.

"I brought cake." Steven held up the cake tray in his free hand at Evelyn's words.

"The guys will be thrilled." Josie grinned, stepping forward to hug the two, taking the cake of Steven's hand.

"If you want the guys are out back." Tasha gestured over her shoulder. Steven gave a nod before leaning down and kissing Evelyn's cheek before heading out back. I watched as she stared after him like a lovestruck puppy.

"You two are adorable." Sydni said from her spot at the bar.

"He's such a gentleman." Evelyn all but gushed.

"The guys would have an aneurysm if they heard you say that." I said sipping my wine. I found it comical how scared the guys were of Steven. Yes, he was a hard ass coach but he was really a nice guy.

Over the last four months we've learned even more about him. He was married once while he was in the pros but it ended after he got injured. Aside from hockey he was an avid golfer, something him and Landon were bonding over. The two have been going out to play together every other week.

While Sydni and Josie talked to Landon's mom I pulled Tasha off into the living room.

"Did you get an ETA on Mateo?" I whispered, wanting to make sure no one could hear us, most of all Sydni.

"Yeah," Tasha pulled out her phone. "He said he was fifteen minutes away."

"Okay good. I'm going to go out and make sure everything is all set to go. Tell Josie and Evelyn to somehow get Sydni outside."

The two of us shared an excited grin before branching off. This was going to be the best barbecue we've ever had.

I slipped out the door, making sure it shut behind me, before heading for the guys. They were busy talking about hockey when I walked up but as soon as they saw me they quieted down.

"Mateo is twenty minutes away. Josie, Tasha and Evelyn are going to get Sydni out here in just a few minutes. Is everything set?" I directed most of it towards Bryton.

He looked nervous as hell as he gave me a nod.

"Dude don't worry she's going to say yes." Trevor clapped Bryton's back. "You two are practically married anyways."

"I know I just want it to go perfectly."

"Don't worry it will." I sent I'm an encouraging smile. "So everyone remember what they are suppose to do?" Everyone nodded, including Steven.

When Bryton started a group chat without Sydni and brought up proposing, all us girls jumped in ready to help. He already had the ring and just needed help coming up with an idea of how to propose. Within minutes we had a plan and instructions on what everyone was suppose to do.

"Good. Mateo said he'll text when he's in the driveway."

Byron nervous reached into his pocket where he had the ring stashed. Knowing he needed a few minutes to hype himself up for what he was about to do I made my way towards my boyfriend.

"Hi." I greeted when I came to Landon's side. He instantly wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his chest. I moved up onto my toes as he bent his head, our lips meeting.

Months later and I still can't get enough of him. He was an addiction I'm more than happy to have.

"Hey." He greeted against my lips. You'd think we haven't seen each other with the way he held me. Didn't matter that we sat together for forty minutes playing a game and that we came together. Every time Landon saw me he made it feel like the first.

We were practically glued together these days. When I wasn't working or him we were together. He's pretty much moved into my apartment now and if one of us comes home late after work the other was already there getting dinner started. Knowing I was coming home to him I've slowly stopped staying at the office so late. It was nice having someone to come home to.

The fear that I had of being with Landon was long gone. I no longer feared he was going to one day up and leave me. Part of that had to do with going to therapy and learning how to trust again. I spent three months pretty much knocking down my walls and learning healthy ways to cope with the past and my fear of abandonment. I hadn't even realized I had that until I went to therapy.

Ever since going I've felt better than ever. I was finally moving forward and letting go of my past. After one session two weeks ago I came home and went to my dresser and opened a drawer I've avoided for over six years. When I moved to my apartment shortly after my shit show of a wedding I shoved my engagement ring in a random drawer and never looked back at it. Until then.

Before the sight of the ring would have made me want to curl into a ball but that day when I pulled it out I felt...nothing. There was no anger, hurt, sadness. It was just a ring. I ended up taking it to a jeweler and got money for it. There was no point in keeping it and I never wanted to see it again.

"You almost look giddy." Landon remarked, pulling back to look at my face.

"One of my best friends is about to be engaged. Of course I'm giddy." His eyes narrowed a little as if he didn't believe me.

"There's something else."

"Nope." It was a small white lie. I was giddy about Bryton and Sydni but I also had something planned later for Landon and I. He was going to be in for a treat of a lifetime.

Thankfully before he could question me further Josie, Tasha, Evelyn and Sydni came out into the backyard. I could see the wheels turning in his head as I sent him a fake innocent smile and walked over to my girls.

We spent the next ten minutes talking about the gorgeous backyard. Gorgeous outdoor pool that had a built in bar next to it. There was a beautiful garden off to the side with a huge tree, hanging from it was one of those cute wicker chairs. The patio was just as pretty with tons of seating. We were all definitely going to be here or Sydni's from now on.

When my phone buzzed in my pocket I knew it was time. Mateo was here. Looking over I caught Tasha's eyes and gave her a little nod. One by one everyone but Sydni got the signal. Trying not to draw attention we all fanned out, pulling our phones out as we did.

Bryton was busy keeping Sydni distracted as we all moved to our spots, making sure we could get every angle for whats about to happen.

Right on cue the sound of the glass door opened followed by a little jingle. I quickly pressed play on my phone and held it up.

At the sound of the jingle Sydni turned around. Walking out of the glass doors was a black 16 week old puppy mix. The puppy came from an animal rescue we've spotlighted in the magazine every month. The puppy came from a small litter that someone left on the side of the road a few weeks ago. Someone thankfully found them and took them to the animal rescue to be cared for before they could find their forever homes.

For months Sydni has gone on about getting a dog and as soon as Josie brought it up Bryton knew it would be perfect. With the help of all of us we've kept it secret. All of us buying tons of doggy toys and things he'd need and keeping them at our place so Sydni wouldn't find out.

Because it would be suspicious for one of us to be gone today we made it so Mateo would be the one to go pick up the pup and bring him here.

"A puppy!" Sydni's voice went high as she saw the little guy stumbling towards her. She instantly got down on her knees and started cooing. "Come here little baby."

While she was so focused on the puppy in front of her she didn't notice Bryton slowly getting down on knee behind her. All of us stood still, phones recording as the puppy reached Sydni.

It was the cutest sight seeing the way the puppy put his paws on Sydni's legs and started kissing her face. From where I was standing I could see tears were starting to fill her eyes as she moved to pick the baby puppy up.

"Bryton look." Sydni stood up and turned around with the puppy in her arms. I bit my lip as I watched her eyes land on Bryton kneeling, freezing on the spot.

"Sydni," Bryton started, his voice a little wobbly. "When I met you three years ago I knew you were my future wife. It only took a few days for me to fall for you and every day since I've fallen even more in love."

Tears streamed down Sydni's face as she clenched the puppy in her arms, staring down at her boyfriend. Behind them I could see Mateo slipping out the door and quietly coming to stand by us to watch.

"If it weren't for you I'd be walking around aimlessly wishing I had you. You're my rock and my lifeline. I don't want to do life without you. So," reaching into his pocket he pulled out a little box. "Would you, Sydni Roberts, marry me?"

There was only a split second of silence before Sydni burst into tears, sobbing out a 'yes'. The biggest smile I've ever seen appeared on Bryton's face as he reached for Sydni's hand, sliding a gorgeous ring on her finger.

All around everyone cheered, whistles coming out of the guys mouths, as Bryton pulled Sydni into a kiss. The puppy squirmed in her arms cutting their kiss short.

"And a puppy?" She choked out.

"You always said you wanted one." Came his simple answer.

They kissed again before gushing over the puppy. One by one we all stopped recording and went over to congratulate the couple. There was no way Sydni could contain the smile on her face as she stared down at the ring on her finger and the puppy in her arm.

"You guys had this all planned out didn't you." She choked out as she stared at all three of us girls.

"Of course we did." Tasha grinned. "Although it was Josie's idea to get a puppy."

"Selfishly though because I will gladly babysit this little guy." Josie all but cooed as she scratched the puppy's face. "Welcome to the family."

"Congratulations Syd." I pulled her into side hug. The hug only lasted for a second before Mateo was shoving his way through, reaching for the puppy.

"Quit hogging him." He didn't let Sydni say anything before he was grabbing the puppy and all but running away.

"He may steal him." I said as I watched him take the pup to the grass and set him down. The little guy ran after Mateo as he ran in circles.

"Should probably check him before he leaves." Tasha joked.

Sydni didn't say anything for a moment as she stared down at her hand. Her ring flashing in the light.

"I'm engaged." She said it in a daze as if she couldn't believe it. The three of us stood there grinning at her like fools. It's about time the two got engaged.

For the next little bit we all gushed over the ring and the puppy, more the puppy than anything else. The little guy was having a field day with everyone doting on him as he ran around the backyard.

I stood off to the side watching everyone, a content smile on my face. I felt Landon slide up behind me as his arms came around my middle. He rested his chin on my shoulder and watched our friends with me.

I thought back to the barbecue at Sydni's seven months ago. I had no clue things would change after that night. Not once did I think I'd be standing here today with Landon wrapped around me.

So much has changed in those seven months. The magazine is doing better than ever, each issues doing better than the last. This time next year it will be triple the size with even more workers. Landon's hockey rink, Hockey Haven, is doing extremely well. The junior hockey league making it to their own finals.

Josie and Wyatt got married and are now starting a new chapter in their life with a new home. Sydni and Bryton were now engaged with a new addition to the family. Any day now Tasha and Trevor were going to get engaged, surprised he hasn't popped the question yet. Evelyn and Steven were happy together and going strong. Things were still up in the air about Mateo but no matter what we could always count on him to make things interesting.

And then there's me and Landon. What started off as mutual dislike has turned into something more than I ever could have imagined. I never thought I'd be here and be this happy. Never thought I'd find someone that could make me feel whole again.

Landon was everything I needed but didn't know I could have.

Same went with my friends. For years I kept my distance from everyone, not fully letting myself close. But time after time Josie, Tasha, Sydni showed up and continued on being my friend. I honestly don't know what my life would look like without them in it. I've never been more grateful for a group of people.

Everyone here may not be related by blood but we were a family. A bit dysfunctional at times, but we were a family.

Standing here, wrapped around Landon, I knew this was where I belonged.

ＴＨＥ ＥＮＤ

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ 

Screaming, crying, throwing up, punch me in the face. BRYTON AND SYDNI ARE ENGAGED! AHhhhhhhhhh! I had to have it where they got engaged at the end because out of everyone they shoulda been engaged sooner :D And Sydni got the puppy she always wanted! I loved having everyone be included and surprising her. Bryton and Sydni don't get as much love so I wanted to make sure they had their own moment. Cause honestly they are such goals.