Standing on the beach, with the town of Indigo Bay and the bright rows of cottages behind them, Daisy-Mae couldn’t stop smiling. She was getting married.
And she hadn’t had to make a single decision thanks to Cassandra, who had recommended Zoe Ward-Wallace here at the Indigo Bay Cottages resort, to whip together a beach wedding. And it was perfect. Serene and private. Seagulls circling above as a warm breeze came down the sand to their spot near the water.
Daisy-Mae had brought Violet with her to be her witness. And because Myles was off on his honeymoon and Dak was up to his ears in his busy life, Maverick had grabbed the first teammate he could wrangle onto their late February flight. Leo, it turned out, was pretty good at keeping secrets. And so was Violet.
It was only recently, when Daisy-Mae had brought her head out of her own problems, that she realized Violet and Leo were on their way to taking over the world. And maybe not as two single people. That duo was full of secrets, and Daisy-Mae planned to find out what they were. But not until after her two-day honeymoon in the pink cottage just down the beach.
Maverick looked amazing in his tailored suit, and the breeze kept picking up her simple layered white sundress with the eyelet lace. Her hair was held up by seashell clips, and Maverick had found her some gorgeous, classic pearl jewelry. She felt like a relaxed beach bride but also someone pampered. Someone who had been chosen.
They stood under a rose-covered archway that filled the salty sea air with a gentle floral scent.
Maverick took her hands, grinning like crazy. She was pretty sure the world could end and he still wouldn’t stop smiling.
I love you, she mouthed to him.
I love you too, he mouthed back.
The ceremony began and their vows went by in a flash.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Maverick didn’t hesitate, pulling her body against his, one hand to her lower back as he put his lips on hers. This was the beginning of the rest of her life. Of dreams coming true, of having a partner: someone who had her back and believed in her.
They would still be busy like crazy for the next several months. But she didn’t mind as much now that she had the man she’d been crushing on, the man who gave her those slow, lingering gazes when he sought her out in the crowded arenas, locking eyes with her, then giving her a wink. She felt like she was the center of the world. His world.
Their leisurely kiss ended, and she expected to hear clapping from Leo and Violet. But when she turned, she saw that their white wooden chairs had been planted beside each other in the sand, and the two of them were locked in their own embrace.
“What is this?” Maverick asked.
“I think Cupid’s found someone new.”
“I do like that little cherub with wings.” Maverick held her close, his body warm against hers. “And I’m sure glad he finally caught you.”
“Oh Mav, he got me a very long time ago.”
“I didn’t realize you’d known Louis so long.”
She laughed. “We should send him a thank you gift for pushing us together, because who knows how long it would have taken us on our own.”
“Kiss me again.”
“Yeah? Why should I do that?”
“We have a lot of lost time to make up for, Mrs. Blades.”

Thank you for reading THE CUPCAKE COTTAGE. I hope you loved Daisy-Mae and Maverick’s story. Want more Hockey Sweethearts? Violet’s story is coming! Check out PEACH BLOSSOM HOLLOW and read Violet and Leo’s story!
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