Eight months later...

Tanner

It's been several long months since I was released from the hospital. I've missed nearly an entire season of hockey at this point, but today I got the best news! Dr. Mullaly and his team have finally given me the go-ahead to return to the game!

Of course, my return comes with strict guidelines and several stipulations, but I get to return to the game that I love. My check-ups and scans have all been clear since my discharge from the hospital so many months ago. And I've had no adverse side effects or complications that would indicate any underlying issues related to the injury I sustained in the accident.

After the six-month mark, Dr. Mullaly cleared me to start practicing with the team again. His big rule for my return was that I sit out and immediately get checked if I was on the receiving end of a hard hit. He wants to proceed with caution even though my scans look normal.

I can't say I blame the guy. It still baffles me that I walked away from the whole incident unscathed. They say miracles happen when you least expect them. Well, I'd say this was mine, and I couldn't be more grateful.

Everything that's happened in the last eight months has been an insane adventure. Max pled guilty in front of the judge and was sentenced to fifteen years in prison. The prosecutor wanted more time on Max's sentence, but the sentence was reduced since he cooperated and agreed to go through psychiatric rehab.

No one was happy about the light sentence, but at least he's paying for what he did. And for the next fifteen years, we know he's locked away where he can do no harm.

What's the saying? Make lemonade out of lemons? Well, this is our lemonade, it's sour, but it'll have to do.

On the lighter side, things with Jenna and me have only gotten better. There's no doubt in my mind that she's it for me. I couldn't imagine a more perfect woman if I tried.

She stuck by my side through the accident, my bout of unconsciousness, and my long 'recovery' period afterward. Most women would have bailed at the first hint of uncertainty, but not my girl.

She's the strongest person I know. And I'm proud to call her my own. Each and every day, I fall for her a little more. It's easy to love her, and she makes it look easy to love me- something I once thought impossible.

Jenna has taught me so much in the time that I've known her. She's shown me that I am valued, worthy of love, and deserving of great things. Because of her, I'm a changed man- a better man.

Long gone are the days of Tanner 'playboy' Levine. These days, I'm a one-woman kind of guy. And man, what a woman she is!

I can't imagine my life without her. Now, I'm not running down the street to pick out rings or anything yet. But I'm open to the possibilities that life has for us. Right now, I'm just happy to have such an amazing woman by my side. She tells me every day how happy I make her. So, I must be doing something right, yeah?

Speaking of rings, Chase and Lindsey have been hard at work planning their wedding. Jenna and Mel have stepped in to help with the finer details, making sure the lovebirds' day is perfect.

A few months ago, they moved out of the apartment into a new place close by. They wanted to start married life in a place of their own. So, with their room vacant, Mel moved in, and so began the room shuffle.

Since I was practically living with Jenna anyway, I moved in too. Their place was bigger and nicer than mine, so it just made sense. When Chase and Lins moved out, Jenna and I moved into their old room, leaving Jenna's old room for Mel.

We offered the bigger room to Mel, but she refused, saying the two of us needed it more than she did, and she felt nostalgic moving into the room that Justin once occupied. That's when Liam swooped in, adding that she also gets to share her bathroom with the best roommate ever- him. Any tension lingering at that point soon dissipated.

I've grown so much closer to all of them in the last several months. I guess living with someone after a shared trauma will do that to you. Chase even asked me to be a groomsman in the wedding.

They have the date set after the hockey season ends, which is coming up quickly. As the days tick closer, everyone seems to get more excited. Not only is the wedding closing in, but so is the championship game.

The team made it to the playoffs and is currently fighting its way to the championship. They've done fantastic even with the line change-ups that had to happen in my absence. I'm thankful to Coach and the owners for keeping my spot for me.

Most teams wouldn't have done that- not with the possibility that I would never be able to play again. They had faith in me, though, and I count myself lucky for landing on such a great team.

~

Today is the big day. My return to the sport! I've been practicing my ass off, hoping to make this game one for the books. It paid off! Tonight, I'll be starting the game with my old line. I couldn't have asked for a better comeback.

The girls are all here, each sporting one of our jerseys to show their support for us. Lins is, of course, in Chase's jersey, Jenna is in mine, and Mel is wearing Liam's. I wonder if they have something going on, but I try to stay out of it. If there is, it's none of my business.

When it's time to head to the ice, I look out into the crowd and see the arena is packed. There are so many people here tonight, several of which are holding signs, welcoming me back. Seeing their support makes my heart swell. Our fans really are the best.

Once they announce the starting lineups for each team, the stadium erupts at the sound of my name as I wave out to the crowd. Hearing them chant my name and give me a standing ovation made me choke up a little. A wave of pride washed over me as I made my way around the rink, basking in the charged energy.

The cameras follow me as I circle the ice. When I come up to the section where my girl is standing, I stop. She looks beautiful as she beams at me through the glass. I look her right in the eyes as I say, "I'll love you forever."

I still feel all eyes on us as Jenna responds, "I love you, too, Tanner. Forever."

I'm pretty sure they just broadcasted us to the big screen because as soon as Jenna finished, the crowd erupted with cheers. Some even wiped away tears as I made my way back to the team.

~

The game was incredible. I didn't get as much ice time as I usually would, but that was at the mandate of my doctors. I'm just happy to be back. I didn't get pulled for any hard hits, and we won the game!

There's no better way to come back than that!

After the game, reporters bombarded me, all wanting an interview with the guy who was making his big return to the sport tonight. They asked how I felt coming back, what my return game meant to me, and how great it felt to win on my first night back.

Once I answered all of those questions, someone snuck up and asked about my pre-game show. They asked who I was talking to through the glass.

I smile at the memory of Jenna just before the game started. A fresh smile decorates my face as I tell them, "That's my girl. That's my Jenna."

I swear I saw the reporter swoon. Then she asked what we were saying to one another. I tell them, making everyone near us smile and well up.

Just then, I see my girl making her way toward me. I quickly excuse myself and head in her direction. When we finally meet, I waste no time picking her up and kissing her passionately. It's the only thing I've wanted to do since we scored that winning goal.

The stadium blares with coos and cheering from the fans. There's no better way to celebrate this colossal night- this huge win- than this. She's the only prize I need after a big night like this.

~

The boys wanted to celebrate like old times after the game. So, we went out with them for a while. As soon as I stepped inside, everyone cheered and welcomed me back- fans and strangers alike.

Once we made it through the welcoming committee, I strolled up to our usual table; arm wrapped securely around my girl. We stayed for a few rounds with the guys, catching up and reveling in the night's events.

~

When we finally made it home, Jenna and I fell into bed, wrapping ourselves around one another. I looked down and saw my love staring back at me. I brushed her long locks out of her face and tucked them safely behind her ear, letting my fingers linger against her skin.

Her hand caressed my jaw as she brought her face to mine, joining our lips in a tender but loving embrace. We lazily moved our lips together for a few minutes before deepening the kiss, making our tongues dance passionately.

This is the perfect way to end this perfect night.

The kiss turned into more, as it usually does, and before I knew it, I was rolling myself against Jenna's silky walls. We made love, slow and sultry, until the early morning hours.

When the sun came up, we were still awake, cuddling into one another like time had no meaning. It seemed like hours before either of us spoke.

When the silence was broken, it was Jenna's voice I heard. "Did you ever think this is where you'd be when we first met?"

I can't help but chuckle as I answer her question. "Not at first, but I wouldn't change a thing. This is more than I ever could have imagined."

I shift so I can look my girl in the eyes. "I'm the luckiest man alive, Jenna. I'm so incredibly happy. And that's all because of you."

*

*

*

Jenna

I feel myself falling harder as Tanner continues to speak, knowing with every word that this is right where I'm meant to be. This is where I belong- with Tanner- in the arms of the man I'll always love.

"Jenna, with you, I have everything I'll ever need. I found love because of you. I found happiness for the first time in so long."

He pauses, looking at me with eyes so full of love and adoration. Then, he leans in and presses his lips to mine, showing me the depth of his devotion.

I get so lost in the kiss that I only break free from the reverie when he starts to speak again, his lips barely a breath away from mine. "I'll love you forever, Jenna."

The warmest, most glorious feeling spreads through me every time he says that. And I can't help the grin that paints my lips as I whisper, "Forever, Tanner."

That's what this is. We have a love that will last forever.  

A/N:

Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my book. I hope you have enjoyed it! I appreciate all of your support and words of encouragement. Thank you to everyone who found me in the midst of all of the other amazing books out there and gave this one a chance. If you enjoyed this book, I have two additional books in this series available now. And if you have an Amazon account I would be eternally grateful if you would consider leaving me a rating and review on Amazon- (even if you don't purchase a copy) reviews really help boost the book in Amazon's algorithm and help other readers find it more easily. If you're interested in helping me out, see the comments below for my Amazon link :)

(Note: The Right Side of Tanner & Left with Liam will be available for purchase online in Jan. 2025. Light reformatting currently underway.)

If you're on social media, you can follow me for updates, announcements, and more fun content. You can find me on Instagram and Tik Tok: @authorlauraarmstrong

Thank you to the stars and back!

Much love,

Laura