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“Know what?” My stomach churned. I’d been on the verge of confessing my relationship with Carson to my brother, only to find out that wasn’t what Cam was referring to at all.

“Cece and Gabe got married in Vegas.”

“They what?” I shrieked. “When?”

“Right after the Hawks won the Stanley Cup,” Cam said. “None of you knew?”

I shook my head, still stunned by the news. I sent off a quick text to Cece, but I didn’t expect to hear back immediately. She was always busy or traveling, so it sometimes took a day or two to get a response.

“Tells you how preoccupied I’ve been.” Frasier rubbed the back of his neck. “I didn’t even know they were dating.”

I don’t think anyone did.

I wasn’t sure they had been dating at all. But I didn’t want to give anything away until I’d gotten a chance to talk to Cece.

“You’re not the only one,” Cam said. “Her family certainly seemed surprised when asked for a comment.”

Levi rubbed a hand over his face. “Can you imagine? Finding out your loved one eloped when you didn’t even know they were in a relationship?”

The others continued talking, but I didn’t hear a word of the conversation until Frasier nudged me.

“Huh?” I glanced up at him.

“Cam says we should get going.”

“Oh. Right.” I shook my head as if to clear it.

Cam confirmed that we were ready to kick off the episode, but I was still reeling from the news of Cece’s elopement.

Married.

I tried to keep my mind on the podcast, not Cece’s relationship or my concerns about my own future.

“Welcome back, puckers.” Levi grinned at me through the screen of my computer, and I wondered if he’d still smile at me like that after I told him about Carson.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“Pick up. Pick up!” I hissed, hoping that somehow Georgia would hear my plea and answer my call. It was the second time I’d tried calling in as many minutes.

I glared at the dashboard, wishing she would just… “Pick up!”

I’d scarcely left Frasier and Bryn’s house before I’d called Georgia. Frasier had been a great guest—warm and insightful, funny even. When it had come time to name our “Hottie of the Week,” I hadn’t been at all surprised when he’d practically growled, “My wife.”

He’d commended Bryn for her strength and courage, marveled at her body’s ability to grow a human and give birth, and so many of our listeners were going to gush over that moment. He was such a teddy bear, but he so rarely let anyone outside of immediate family and friends see that side of him.

Now, I was headed back to Carson’s, anxious to speak to Georgia. Cece hadn’t answered my texts or calls, not that I’d expected her to. But I wanted to know what was going on. I wanted to know why one of my closest friends was suddenly married to a man I hadn’t even realized she was dating. A man who seemed like her opposite in so many ways.

I couldn’t help but wonder if it was a publicity stunt, but a wedding? Marriage was a big deal. And it all just seemed so out of character for Gabe, the golden boy of hockey. The man known for his squeaky-clean reputation was suddenly married to Cece Golden, a starlet known for her lavish parties.

And what was a wedding if not an excuse to throw the most lavish party? Yet Cece had eloped, opting to get married in Vegas. None of it made sense.

“Hey!” Georgia said, finally picking up after the third ring, though it was difficult to hear her over all the background noise. “How’s it going in LA?” I furrowed my brow. She sounded light and happy. And, if I wasn’t mistaken, a little tipsy. “You getting cozy with Kovi?”

“Georgia,” I hissed. “You promised to keep it a secret.”

“Oh, relax.” She dragged out the word. “No one knows who I’m talking to. Half these people don’t even know who I am.” She laughed a little at that, and I couldn’t get a read on her. Was she happy about that? Upset? Something else?

“Where are you?” I asked.