DAKOTA

This morning, I woke up in the same place that I've been for the last two days—my bed and Parker's strong arms.

He wasn't joking when he said that he wouldn't be leaving my side until he absolutely has to. I'm placed on the counter while he cooks, he showers when I shower, he always has the sudden urge to wash his hands when I have to use the bathroom, and when our friends pop over, there's 'only room for everyone on the couch if I sit in his lap.'

I think he's also happy to have an excuse to watch a bunch of Marvel movies.

Now, I don't want it to sound like I'm complaining, but I also haven't had much time to think, which is why I'm grateful that I've woken up before him this morning. Today, I'm twenty-two, and timing happens to be both great and absolute shit, all things considered.

My dad is staying in a hotel not far away after landing late last night, and we're all going to hang out at the guys' house in a little bit. Ellie doesn't know, but we'll also be celebrating her vet school acceptance since I'm the world's most selfish person and had to end up in the hospital during her original celebration.

I can tell all of the guys feel guilty about what happened, especially the green-eyed boy snoozing on my chest right now. I wish I could take it all away, but he has to forgive himself, my words of reassurance won't do much of anything until he does.

No matter how many times I tell him, he refuses to believe that he's the reason I'm safe. If he hadn't texted Austin when he did, who knows what could have happened.

Speaking of Austin, I'm glad he was with us the other night. It was fun to catch up with him again, being that we used to be super close, so I texted him last night and invited him to come over today and hang out.

I'm lost in thought when I feel wet kisses being pressed against my shirt.

"Happy birthday, my girl," Parker smiles lazily up at me, waking up the butterflies in my stomach.

I run my fingers through his thick, messy hair, loving how it feels. "Thank you, baby."

His eyes flutter closed, and he squeezes me tighter. "I love you."

That's another thing. He's been telling me that a million times a day, like it would physically pain him to hold it in.

"I love you too, Park."

"Are you excited for today?" His voice is scratchy.

Using my thumb, I pry open his eyelid, making myself laugh when he tries to close it again. "Yeah, I'm obviously excited for my dad to be here, we haven't spent a birthday together since I was in high school. I'm also looking forward to seeing Birk, I taught him how to play dead last week."

"You would," he smiles brightly, propping his body up so that he's hovering over me. "Let's take a shower," he leans down to kiss me, "you fuckin stink."

I can't stop laughing when he picks me up, throwing me over his shoulder as he walks us to the bathroom.

~

As we walk up to the front door of the boys' house, Ellie's arm is tightly linked with mine, and Parker has a hand resting lightly on my lower back.

Nate is still in town, he's been sleeping in Parker's room for the past few days since he's obviously not making much use of it at the moment.

She's been staying at the apartment, and often ends up in my bed at the end of the night, watching movies with Parker and me before she heads to her own bed.

He'd never complain though, we both know it makes her feel a little safer once it gets dark.

The boys hug me and wish me a happy birthday, then Ellie is clinging to me once more, eyes on my boyfriend who is looking sulky in the corner.

"I'm taking her for a minute."

His eyes flicker to mine, uncertain. "For what?"

"I'm obviously going to try and drug her again," she rolls her eyes.

"Too soon," Brooks grimaces at her.

"Oh my god," she starts moving us away. "I'll only keep her for five minutes, Cadell!"

Birk happily follows us down the hall, into the basement. We're normally forbidden from coming down to this specific area, as it's mainly used for the team to watch game film, but I can do whatever I want today.

Settling on the movie-style chairs, Birk cuddles his big body up in my lap and immediately begins snoring.

"Kota, I'm so sorry," she looks pained.

My eyebrows furrow, "why, El?"

"I could've stopped him."

"Ellie, look at me," I grab her hand tight. "The only possibility of stopping Josh would have been to get back together with him, and even then, it wouldn't have guaranteed anything."

She goes to speak but I shake my head, stopping her.

"You're my best friend. I would rather deal with Josh and his bullshit over and over again than watch you be unhappy with him for another second."

"Why didn't you tell me about it sooner?"

I sigh, "because I know you would've done anything to protect me, no matter how unfair it would be to you."

"When I saw him follow you outside, one of Austin's friends held me back while the rest of them ran out."

I don't speak, squeezing her hand once more.

"I tried to text Connor but my entire body was shaking, I mean, I knew how much Josh hated you. I just couldn't fathom him actually acting on it," she whispers.

"El, it's okay now. We're both safe. All four of those boys up there would go to jail for murder before anything could happen to us," I giggle.

She finally perks up, laughing. "They really would, wouldn't they?"

"They're whipped."

As we're still laughing, Parker peeks his head around the corner, eyes on mine. "I was just looking for Birk."

Ellie drops my hand, turning to face him. "Has anyone ever told you that you're a shit liar?"

Ignoring her, he moves swiftly across the room and kisses the top of my head. "It's been seven minutes."

Throwing her head back, Ellie groans loudly. "You're insufferable, Cadell."

"Keep it up and I'll stop giving you my concession card," AKA, the card all of the players receive, getting them free food at games.

"I take it back!" She jumps up, making Birk follow, and runs upstairs.

He pulls me up, kissing me lightly. "Austin just walked in and your dad will be here in five."

I smile happily and drag him up the stairs, but I don't think it takes much effort on my end. He's kind of obsessed with me.

~

"I've always known you'd be my trouble child," my dad smirks.

For privacy, he and I came straight out back to the small bench at the edge of the yard. This is my favorite spot of the whole house, and it's also the spot Parker and I talked at the first night we met.

I'm sitting in the same spot as that exact night, with my back to the house and looking out to the woods behind the short fence.

I laugh, "Dad, I'm your only child."

"Doesn't matter," he smiles. "You used to stay out late with Connor and all his hockey buddies, it made me nervous."

"At this point, I don't think that aspect of my life will ever change."

He drops his head slightly, shaking it. "No, I don't think it will either."

"Thank you for being here," I say softly.

Resting a hand on my shoulder, he gives me a reassuring squeeze. "Dakota, I will always come if you need me. Although, I don't think you'll be needing me as much anymore."

"Why's that?"

I watch in confusion as my dad begins laughing, all while pointing towards the house. "That boy of yours has walked past the back door no less than ten times in the past fifteen minutes, checking on you. Don't look, but he's doing it again now."

"He's really good to me," I can't stop a smile from overtaking my face.

"So I've heard," he smirks. "I called Connor last night, and he said that Parker hasn't left your side since the hospital."

When I blush, he only continues.

"You gonna marry him or what?"

"Dad!" I shove my face in my hands just as a warm body settles behind me, making me jump.

Parker squeezes the back of my neck, "no answer?"

"Oh my god," I groan.

"Do you have one, son?" My dad directs the question at him.

Peeking out of one eye, I watch closely as he nods. "I fully intend on marrying your daughter one day, Mr. Lowen. Just give me some time to secure a contract first."

"Sounds good to me," my dad reaches out, shaking his hand.

Standing up quickly, I break their hands apart and start to walk back inside. "You know what? I'm suddenly starving."

They both break out in laughter but follow me all the while.

~

Brooks made me a cake.

It looks terrible, but I don't care. I love it.

Every small thing that happens is a painful reminder that we won't be here next year, together just like this. Our group hangouts will be few and far between, but I can only hope that they're not too far between.

My dad stands across from me, taking pictures for my mom, and everyone else surrounds me closely while they sing. Brooks leads, of course, and Parker is struggling to keep his composure.

When it finally comes time to blow out the candles, everyone hugs me quickly, and Parker places a gentle kiss on my finger, right where my ring sits.

After a very long talk with Parker and Connor, my dad decided to head home in the morning. The boys have practice tomorrow, but Nate is going to stick around for the rest of the week, a request from his sister.

"How does it taste, babycakes?" Brooks' smiling face is right in front of mine.

I giggle, swallowing my bite fast. "It's actually really great, I'm very proud of you."

"Yes!" His foot shoots into the air, "maybe I should change career paths."

"You'll make a lot more money in hockey," I pat his chest.

"Until you own your own business," my dad cuts in.

Shrugging, I look between the many pairs of eyes on me. "My boss is older, so that could come sooner rather than later, but that doesn't mean it'll stay successful."

"Yes it will," Connor pulls my hair. "I'll tell you what, have your grand opening over summer and I'll bring my entire team to try it out."

All of the guys murmur in agreement, and the attention suddenly begins to make me uncomfortable. "I'll believe it when I see it."

Sensing my discomfort, Parker stands closer behind me, wrapping both arms around my collarbone.

Turning my head, I smile brightly while bringing a hand up to squeeze his cheeks. "I love you three-thousand."

"Did you just-" he goes speechless.

"Sure did, Park."

His head drops into my neck. "You're my fucking soulmate, baby."

When his phone beeps, I pull it out of his pocket and get giddy when I see the message waiting. His aunt sent a video of Gabby wishing me a happy birthday, and telling me how much she misses me.

He remains attached to me while I type out a response, and I don't miss the way he smiles into my neck.

I do miss the way my dad is looking at us, knowing that Parker will eventually be a permanent part of the family.