บททั้งหมดของ Breaking Up With The Hottest Man On Ice : บทที่ 171 - บทที่ 180

Jake's POVI called Margaret back. Set boundaries before she got too involved."You can suggest vendors. Send options. But Emma and I make all final decisions. This is our wedding.""Of course. I just want to help. I have connections. Experience planning events. I can make this easier for you both.""We appreciate that. But suggestions only. No bookings. No commitments. Understand?""Understood. I will respect your boundaries."Should have known better.Emma was uncomfortable from the start. "Your mother planning our wedding? What could go wrong?""She is not planning it. She is helping. There is a difference.""Is there? With Margaret?""She has been good. For months. We give her a chance."Emma reluctantly agreed. Margaret could help with flower arrangements. Catering options. Nothing major.Within two days, Margaret had sent seventeen emails.Flower options: all expensive. All elaborate. Nothing like the simple arrangements Emma wanted.Catering companies: all high-end. All formal.

Emma's POVDress shopping. Had to happen eventually. Dreaded it.Sarah was coming obviously. Maid of honor duties. But Margaret wanted to come too."I would love to help you find your dress. If you want me there."Trying to include her. Trying to make this work. "Sure. You can come."Three of us at bridal boutique. Fancy place. Sarah's choice. Said they had good selection.Sales associate greeted us. "What is your budget?""Under two thousand," I said clearly.Margaret's eyebrows raised. "That is quite modest for a wedding dress.""That is what I am comfortable spending."Associate showed us options in my price range. Simple. Elegant. Exactly what I wanted.Margaret kept wandering to different section. Pulling expensive gowns. "What about this one? Or this?""Those are beautiful. But out of my budget.""This one is fifteen thousand. Very reasonable for wedding dress.""Not for me it is not.""Emma, Jake can afford it. Do not be stubborn about this.""I am paying for my own dress."Mar

Jake's POVPhone rang Tuesday morning. Unknown number. Almost did not answer.But something made me pick up. "Hello?""Jake Sullivan? This is Tom Richardson, assistant GM with the Chicago Blackhawks."My heart stopped. The Blackhawks. My old team. Where I played before the injury."Tom. Hi. This is unexpected.""I will get straight to it. We have an assistant coach position opening. Working with our forwards. Skills development. We want someone who understands the game at elite level. Someone the players will respect. Your name came up immediately."Assistant coach. Not playing. But still hockey. Still meaningful role."I am honored you thought of me.""We are serious about this, Jake. Salary is competitive. Benefits are excellent. You would be mentoring the next generation. Living your dream in a different way."My dream. He was right. After injury ended my playing career, I thought hockey was over. But coaching? That could be everything."When would this start?""August. Training ca

Jake's POVThe article exploded. Within hours, every sports outlet was covering it."Former Blackhawks Forward Jake Sullivan Returns as Assistant Coach""Sullivan Set to Rejoin Chicago Organization""NHL Coaching Carousel: Jake Sullivan's Homecoming"Except I had not accepted. Had not made decision. Was not returning yet.But media did not care about facts. They cared about story. And this was good story.Sports analysts weighed in immediately. ESPN. NHL Network. Local Chicago sports radio."This is perfect fit for Sullivan. Knows the organization. Played there. Has respect of players.""Chicago getting major upgrade in coaching staff. Sullivan's hockey IQ is exceptional.""Great move by Blackhawks management. This is smart hire."Everyone acting like it was done deal. Settled. Official.My phone would not stop. Text messages. Calls. Voicemails.Former teammates: "Congrats, man! Can't wait to see you behind the bench!"Hockey friends: "Chicago! That's amazing! When do you start?"Ever

Jake's POV Stared at phone for an hour. Just staring. Blackhawks number programmed in. Finger hovering over call button. One week before wedding. Decision time. No more delaying. Pressed call. Tom Richardson answered immediately. "Jake. Good to hear from you. Do you have an answer for us?" Deep breath. Here we go. "I do. And I appreciate the offer more than you know. But I have to decline." Silence on the other end. Heavy. Disappointed. "Can I ask why?" "My family just found stability. My son is settled. My fiancée has career here. I cannot disrupt that right now. The timing is wrong." "I understand. Family comes first. We respect that." "Thank you for understanding." "Jake, if you change your mind, call us. If circumstances change in the future, we would love to work with you. You are exceptional coach. That does not change just because timing is not right now." "I appreciate that." "Good luck with the wedding. And with everything." Hung up. Sat there. Feeling relief a