Make sure to read the bonus chapter before this one! 

"Hunter I told you to pick up your socks!"

"I did!"

"No you didn't! I am staring right at them." I stared down at the three pairs sitting in the middle of the living room. Hunter had a bad habit of taking his socks off wherever he was and leaving them there until I pick them up.

"I put them away!" Hunter yelled from the kitchen.

"Hunter." I placed my hands on my hips. We've had this argument at least once a week since we've moved in together four months ago.

"I swear it wasn't me." Hunter came out of the kitchen. I pointed to the socks sitting in the living room and gave him a look.

"Everyone is going to be here in 5 minutes and we don't need these front and center." I scolded.

"I put them away like you asked ten minutes ago."

"Clearly not."

"Why would I put them away and then take them back out." Hunter raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms.

"They don't magically crawl out of the closet."

"Mia-" The sound of paws hitting the tile caught our attention. Turning I watched as our 6 month old puppy, Walter, came into the living room and in his mouth was none other than Hunter's socks. Like the clumsy pup he was his feet kept sliding out from under him as he proudly paraded into the living room.

Hunter and I stood there watching as he innocently placed the new pair next to the others. His cute little face looked up at us with the most innocent expression. I looked down at him for a good minute before I started laughing. Coming down to my knees Walter happily ran over to me, licking my face as I laughed.

"He's the one stealing and you don't get mad at him." Hunter humphed. Picking up Walter I held into to my chest.

"Cause look at this face." I said in my baby voice I only spoke to Walter with. I squeezed him and planted kisses all over his face. Getting mad at a puppy was like yelling at your grandma. You don't do it.

"You are so spoiled." Hunter grumbled as he came towards us and rubbed his hand over Walter's fur. I rolled my eyes at him. Hunter spoiled him just as much as I did. I always caught him giving Walter more treats or he'd bring home a new toy on his way home from training. One night I woke up in the middle of the night to find Walter snuggled in Hunter's arms. It was the cutest thing I've ever seen.

"Sorry for blaming you for the socks." I finally said. Hunter didn't say a word but he placed a kissed to my forehead.

The doorbell rang interrupting our little family moment. I placed Walter on the ground and let him run after Hunter to open the door. I picked up all the socks in one sweep and quickly took them to our room.

From our room I could hear the loud voice of Ben as he yelled "Honey I'm home!". I grinned at my best friend and shook my head. Typical Ben. I didn't need to hear to know that Daniel was here as well; where one was the other was soon to follow. Daniel was the quieter of the two. He didn't always have to be talking to have a good time but when he did he was a sweetheart.

Coming out of our bedroom my grin widened at the sight of both Ben and Daniel on the floor with Walter as he jumped all over them. It hilarious to see two big men on their hands and knees talking in baby voices as a little puppy jumped all over them. I swear guys are just little 5 year olds stuck in older bodies.

"He is the cutest thing on this planet." Ben announced as he played with Walter.

"He's looking much better." Daniel said finally standing up. I stood there watching as Walter happily ran around with a toy in his mouth. From first glance you'd have no clue what he's been through for only been 6 months old.

A little bit after Hunter and I moved in with each other I was browsing through Facebook and saw a post about a group of puppies being rescued from an animal farm. I'm not sure what made me click on the article because I usually swipe right past it, but I did.

I was reading about how some disgusting person was basically hoarding animals and breeding them, keeping them in cages. I don't know what compelled me but as soon as I saw they were adopting out the pups from the place I told Hunter we had to go look.

Literally the next day we drove down to the shelter. The sight broke my heart but the moment I laid eyes on the little puppy that would soon become Walter I fell in love. He kind of looked like a hound but they didn't know exactly what his bred was.

I was standing there trying hard not to cry when 'Walter' came up to me and literally sat down directly in front of me. The poor little guy was so skinny and underfed yet here he was staring up at me wondering why I was upset.

The second I pulled him into my arms I knew it was meant to be. When he kissed my face I fell in love instantly. Hunter wouldn't really admit it but when Walter kissed his face he was hooked just as fast as I was. All we had to do was share a look and we asked if we could adopt him. I wanted to rescue all the pups but with our busy schedules we couldn't.

But now almost three weeks later Walter was happy and healthy. He's put on weight and thankfully because he was so young he's been easy to adapt to the house and us. Walter was now a healthy 6 month old puppy that literally had no care in the world.

"The vet said he's now at a good weight. He could put on a few more pounds but he's all good." I beamed. We went to the vet just the other day and got the good news.

"You deserve all the treats in the world. Yes you do." Ben cooed.

"Do you guys want a beer or something?" Hunter asked.

"Gladly." Daniel quickly agreed. "Riding in the car with this one gave me a headache."

"Apparently singing along to the radio is a crime." Ben glared at Daniel who just shook his head.

Laughing I got down the ground beside Ben as the other two went to get beers. I knew where Daniel was coming from though. I've been in the car with Ben and if a song comes on he knows he doesn't hesitate on screaming at the top of his lungs.

"Man I wish I could have a puppy." Ben smiled at Walter, shaking a toy in his face.

"You can always come here and get your puppy fix." I offered. Ben was too busy with the upcoming season that he couldn't have a dog right now. But I was more than fine having him come over to play with Walter.

"You sure your boyfriend won't mind your second boyfriend being here?"

"Second boyfriend?" I raised an eyebrow with a grin on my face.

"He can't be here all the time so we'll have plenty of time for other things." Ben teased.

"Are you still trying to steal my girlfriend?" Hunter asked, walking back into the room.

"All I'm saying is you better up your game." Hunter just rolled his eyes at his best friend. We all knew Ben was kidding. Ben saw me as a sister and I saw him like a brother I never had. I can admit he's attractive but no one can compare to Hunter in my eyes.

"You'll have to get through her second boyfriend as well." Hunter said passing him a beer.

"Second boyfriend? I thought I as the second." Ben looked at me with a hurt expression.

"I don't have two boyfriends." I rolled my eyes. "Hunter's younger brother likes to joke that he's my future boyfriend."

Every time I see Hunter's younger brother, Dylan, he jokes about stealing me away from his brother. It's hilarious that the poor kid thinks he has a chance. I found it hilarious, while Hunter just shook his head. Hunter knew nothing would come out any of it. He knew he was the only guy I'd ever want. If he ever did need reassurance lets just say I would gladly re-enforce it.

While Ben went on about him being the only second boyfriend, a knock sounded on the door. Thankfully the sound of Hannah and Ryan's voice drop the topic with Ben.

Seeing Hannah I quickly ran over to her and hugged her small frame, squealing. I have yet to see her in person since the big news and I was so damn excited for her.

"Let me see it." I grabbed her hand and pulled it towards me. Perched on her ring finger was a gorgeous diamond. The soft pink diamond twinkled under the lights as I twisted her hand. Even though I had a small part in picking it out I was still taken away at how pretty it was in person.

"It is stunning." I breathed out. The pink matched Hannah so well. It wasn't too big that it was gaudy but it definitely wasn't a cheap ring either. When Ryan told me he was going to propose to Hannah I may have freaked out on the phone and shoved Hunter off the couch.

"I love it." Hannah gushed.

"You're getting married." We both looked at each other, my eyes slightly tearing up. It felt like yesterday we were driving to meet Ryan and his so called friend. Who knew that nine months later she'd be engaged and I'd be back with the love of my life.

"I am." We shared a bright grin. I pulled her into another hug while the guys congratulated Ryan.

"Finally locked that one in." Ben clapped Ryan on the back.

While the boys continued on talking to Ryan, I tugged Hannah further into the house. Walter barked happily at all the guests, his little body wiggling around as Hannah scooped him up.

"He is so adorable." Hannah cooed. "I want one."

"I think one of his siblings is still up for adoption." I hinted. It would be amazing if Hannah got a puppy and it could be one of Walter's siblings he could always be around.

"I wonder how Ryan would feel about a puppy."

"Just tell him you want an engagement present."

"He just bought me a few thousand dollar ring, I think that's enough of a present."

"Hmph...we'll see." If she wouldn't ask then I will. Plus who can turn down a puppy?

"Mia I know that look." Hannah warned. "Don't you do anything stupid."

"What me? I would never." She sent me a look that she didn't believe me but thankfully the sound of the doorbell interrupted our conversation.

"That's probably Rina and Haley."

Hannah met Haley, Hunter's sister, a few months ago and instantly hit it off. It was hard not to love Haley; she was funny, out-going, spunky. Her and Hannah were actually a lot alike.

It was so nice that Hannah, Haley, and Rina as well from the shop all got along. We were now a great friend group and hung out literally every other weekend.

With a wink at Haley I quickly walked away even though Hunter had already opened the door. Getting Ryan to get Hannah a puppy would be easy as cake. If not I can always use Walter to my advantage.

"Mia." Haley greeted, pulling me into a tight hug. "Thanks for inviting us." She beamed moving to hug her older brother.

"Hey Rina." I smiled. I was glad I introduced Haley and Rina because it turned out they went to the same college and even had a class together but neither knew it. The two of them were basically joined at the hip now a days.

(Just a quick reminder that Rina is the young girl that works at Mia's bridal shop from the start of the book. She didn't have a big part so just wanted a quick reminder for you guys)

"Come on in guys. If you want something to drink we have beer, I made margaritas, and we have wine. We'll make hamburgers in a little bit." I said, ushering everyone in.

Everyone went around getting drinks and grabbing some of the snacks I placed out on the counter. Walter was in his happy place as everyone either leaned down to love on him or picked him up. He probably thought everyone was here for him which was adorable.

"You didn't have to throw me a party Mia." Hannah almost scolded.

"It's not everyday your best friend gets engaged. Plus this isn't really a party, it's just a small gathering of friends." I shrugged. Everyone wanted to get together anyways since the guys had a week off before their next game.

"We need to start talking about the wedding, and bridesmaids dressings, oh and the bachelorette party." Haley gushed. I held back a laugh at the look Hannah sent me. She literally just got engaged three days ago.

"How about we just enjoy the engagement party then think about that later." I suggested, steering the conversation away. "Plus I think I deserve some credit for all of this." I gestured around us.

"Credit for what?" Hannah raised an eyebrow.

"Well first off getting you and Ryan together on that date all those months ago."

"Uh excuse me I already knew Ryan before then."

"Yeah but if I remember correctly you wanted to back out and I didn't let you. Now look at where you are." I beamed.

"I think it's the other way around. I should be getting credit getting you and Hunter back together. if it wasn't for me inviting you along you wouldn't have met again and fell back in love." She crossed her arms smugly.

She was right about that part. If she hadn't invited me along I wouldn't have see Hunter. It was hard to think about what would have happened if I hadn't shown up to that double date. I almost didn't go, which would have been the biggest mistake of my life.

"Fine I'll give you that one." I admitted. "But I did help pick out your ring so I get some credit there."

"You helped pick out my ring?"

"Of course. Do you really think he," I pointed towards Ryan, "could pick out such a gorgeous ring all by himself?"

If I hadn't stepped in Ryan would have bought this ugly looking diamond ring. Well it wasn't that ugly but it was square diamond with a bunch of little ones around it. It was really flashy and not at all Hannah. It didn't suit her at all, so when I saw the picture on Hunter's phone I had to intervene.

"Oh man was it bad?" Hannah cringed.

"Let's just say you wouldn't have liked it that much." I know Hannah and I was 98% certain she would have exchanged the ring sooner or later. At least this way Ryan got bonus points for a gorgeous ring and my best friend has the ring of her dreams. Win win.

"But speaking of rings..." Haley looked at me. "Are we going to expect two weddings soon?" I knew what she was getting at and immediately my eyes went towards Hunter.

He was standing with the guys laughing about something. The sight of his smile made my own lips twitch. Every time I looked at him I swore I fell more in love. It was crazy but true.

"Hunter's already kinda propose." I felt all three girls lean in closer. "When I re-met his parents, your parents." I added to Haley. "He pretty much said he wanted to marry me but didn't want to rush anything so instead asked me to move in with him."

"Do you want to marry him?" Hannah asked. Once more my eyes were drawn to Hunter.

"I do. But...I think we need time. We were apart for 5 years and it hasn't even been a year since we saw each other again. I want to marry him, I really do, but I know we need to learn to live together and be together before something that serious. I'm pretty sure Hunter's on the same page and I'm certain he knows I'll say yes when that time comes. But for now we are happy where we are at." I admitted.

I've thought about marrying Hunter. Oh man have I thought about what it would be like. And I have absolutely no doubts in my mind that I would say yes and that we would be happy together. I couldn't live without him.

As if feeling my eyes on him Hunter looked over his shoulder at me and sent me a wink. Even now I felt my cheeks heat up at the action. Stupid hot boyfriend. It was still surreal to think I had that man all to myself.

"Ew stop that you two." Haley made a gagging noise. "We don't need to see you two sending those kind of looks at each other. Save it for the bedroom." She said it loud enough the boys heard it as well.

"There are guests here, you nasties!" Ben scolded. I blushed even harder. I wasn't even looking at him like that! Hunter shook his head and made his way over to me, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

"This is my house and my girlfriend, I can look at her anyway I want." When he looked down at me he had that soft smile I loved so much. It was a smile reserved for me and only me. I smiled tilting my head back. Beside me Haley made a face at the two of us.

"Lets go play some games out back." Hannah suggested taking everyones attention away from Hunter and I.

"I set up a few things outside." I gestured to the backyard.

Everyone made their way outside, Walter on their heels yipping happily. He was in seventh heaven with all the company. The poor baby was probably going to be exhausted later. Who knew taking care of a puppy was so exhausting at time. It was like having a baby of our own.

While everyone made their way outback Hunter never moved. His arms stayed wrapped around me, his head coming down and placing a soft kiss to my bare shoulder. I sighed and leaned back against him.

"You know we have guests right?" He hummed against my neck but didn't move. "Whatever your thinking can't happen." Ever since we've gotten back together Hunter has been almost insatiable. Not that I had any room to talk.

"They can wait." He murmured, planting kisses up and down my neck. Even though I wanted to say screw it and leave our guests to themselves for a little bit, I wasn't that type of person. Plus it was Hannah's engagement celebration.

"Come on." Forcing myself to pull out of his hold. "Later." I sent him a wink over my shoulder, grinning at the loud groan he gave me in return. Before he could throw me over his shoulder or something, I grabbed his hand and tugged him towards the back door.

Hunter muttered stuff under his breath that I was a tease but let me tug him outside with the rest of our friends.

We were only inside for just a moment but it was long enough for everyone to gravitate towards the games I set up outside. My inner host came out when everyone agreed to come over, this morning I was busy setting things up...well I made Hunter set most of it up while I cleaned and made food and drinks.

We had croquet on one side of the yard and then beer pong on the other. The table outside had a few board games already set up for everyone as well. 

 (In case you guys aren't sure what croquet is. I use to play at my grandparents so much!)

I may have gone a bit overboard but I wanted everyone to have a good time. It was actually Hunter's idea to have beer pong and seeing that everyone was already there it was a good idea, despite it being 3 o'clock.

Knowing our group of friends it wasn't that surprising they gravitated towards the beer pong more than croquet. And the fact that our friend group were very competitive us playing games was going to be interesting.

"I am so ready to kick some ass." Ben boasted, a wide grin on his face.

"Lets break into teams then." I suggested. It was pretty much a given that Hunter and I were a team, Hannah and Ryan a team. That left Ben, Daniel, Haley and Rina.

"I call Rina." Ben suddenly announced. Rina who was standing off to the side looked just as surprised as the rest of us. I watched as her face turned red.

"Haley you're with Daniel." Hannah gestured to the pair that was already standing next to each other. They exchanged a look and surprisingly Daniel was the one to look away first.

"Mia and I will go against Ben and Rina first then." Hunter said moving to the side of the table. With a wide grin Ben took his spot across from us, Rina slowly coming up to his side.

As the game started I kept my eyes on the pair. I didn't miss the way Ben kept stepping closer to Rina, putting his hand on her back as he moved to the side for her to go. I'm not sure he even noticed how he couldn't stop staring at her.

Even as the game continued I noticed Rina was doing the exact same thing to Ben when he wasn't looking. Staring up at him under her lashes, her face stained pink. Her face grew pinker as Ben would drink of the cups instead of her.

The longer I stared at the two the wider my grin got. They actually looked like a cute couple. Rina was more on the shy side while Ben was loud. They may be opposites but I could see them being really good for each other.

The game went by fast with Hunter doing most of the work. He kept shooting me questioning looks, clearly seeing that I wasn't paying attention. I was too focused on the pair in front of us and Ben and Rina were too focused on each other to notice me watching them either.

It may seem odd for me to be so focused on Ben and Rina but I was a bit surprised. Over the last few months I've become really close with Ben. He's become the brother I never had and always wanted.

Something about Ben and I just clicked. From the moment we met we were instant friends. It was beyond crazy but it worked. And literally in just a matter of months I was closer to him than anyone else, even Hannah.

Because of that I knew a lot about Ben, even his love life. He told me he hasn't seriously dated anyone since sophomore year of college. Apparently he had dated the same girl from Sophomore year of high school. He claimed she was the love of his life and despite the distance between their colleges they made it work.

It all changed one night when she decided to drive and surprise Ben at school. She was only a few miles away when she was hit by a drunk driver. Unfortunately she didn't make it out of the car.

After that he stopped dating. He told me he wasn't even sure he could love someone like that again after his ex. He's had casual flings like every person but he hasn't been in a serious relationship since.

From looking at both Ben and Rina I wondered what was going on. If Ben did like her he couldn't do the same thing he did with others. Rina wasn't like that and she deserved more. I knew her past relationships weren't the greatest either.

I knew I was getting ahead of myself, they weren't even together. Hell they've only met like five times. But they were two of my best friends, I wasn't going to let either one hurt the other. Even if that was intruding I wasn't going to allow it.

After a little bit we finally finished the game, all thanks to Hunter. I was too distracted to be much help. Deciding I needed a moment after what I witnessed I let Hannah and Ryan play Ben and Rina.

"You okay?" Hunter asked as we walked away from the Beer Pong table.

"Yeah I'm good. I'm going to go get a drink." I waved him off. My overthinking side was in full force. It wasn't even my relationship to think about. I could hear Hunter's voice in my head telling me to leave it alone. Knowing that he was right I sighed and pushed the thought of Ben and Rina to the back of my mind.

If they were going to get together that was on them, not me. Even if a part of me was dying to know what was going on and to push them together. Because honestly I shipped it. But knowing I shouldn't get involved I squashed the urge and made myself a drink.

I was in the middle of making a drink when I heard someone come into the kitchen. Glancing up I watched as Haley walked in.

Hunter's sister and I have become closer over the last few months. At first it was awkward as hell being around Hunter's family. After everything that had happened it felt so weird to have conversations with them. But Haley was the one who really bridged the gap.

She easily made me feel involved and it was her who suggested the two of us go out for lunch together. In the five years I hadn't seen her she had grown so much. She wasn't the shy girl who stayed in the background. Now she was spunky, confident, knew what she wanted.

Haley had the same type of vibe as her older brother. She was easy to talk to, down to earth, and being around just made you feel good. I couldn't be happier that she decided to break the ice first between us. Now it felt like I had a younger sister. Something I had always wanted growing up.

"Hey." I greeted. "Need a refill?" I held up the bottle of Gin.

"Sure." She handed over her cup for me to fill but I could tell something was up with her. I could feel her eyes on me as I made her drink but she didn't say a word.

"You okay Hal?" I finally asked looking up over at her.

"What? Oh yeah I'm good. Great. Wonderful." She rattled off. My eyes narrowed knowing something was definitely up with her. Her eyes darted around the room and she was fidgeting with her hands.

"Hal." At my voice her eyes snapped back towards mine. "If there is something you want to talk about I'm here."

There was something clearly on her mind and she hesitated, looking over her shoulder at the door for a second then back to me. Moving away from the counter I walked around and grabbed her hand.

"Come with me." I lead her down the hall and then into the guest bedroom , quietly shutting the door behind me.

"No one will hear us in here." I sat on the edge of the bed and gently patted next to me. "What's on your mind?" I stayed quiet as she mulled over her thoughts, giving her time to find the right word as she paced the room.

"I've been seeing someone!" She suddenly blurted. My eyes widened a fraction at her words. "But it's only been a few dates but I feel...I don't know what I feel! And don't get me started on how my brother won't approve." Haley rambled.

I let her go seeing that she needed to just vent it out.

"Mia, have you ever just met someone that you instantly clicked with? And when you are with them you feel like yourself, not like you are putting on some charade?" I couldn't help but smile at her words.

"I have....with your brother." Haley took a seat beside me and waited for me to continue. "When Hunter and I first met it was like....like I had just woken up from a daze. I guess hitting me in the face with a football will do that." I laughed.

"But when he helped patch me up there was just something about him that felt like home. I don't really have any words to describe it but there was just something about him that enchanted me." There really are no words for how Hunter made me feel when we met. "Is that how you feel?"

"I don't know." Haley looked down at her hands. "When I'm with him I just feel good."

"How long have you been seeing each other?"

"About 3 months." I watched as a small smile formed on her face.

"Why did you say Hunter wouldn't approve? If you are happy so is he." I know Haley is his baby sister but as long as she is happy he will be too.

"That's the thing I wanted to talk to you about." She started to fidget once more. I could tell she was nervous. "The guy I'm seeing is...uh you guys know him." I raked my brain trying to figure out who we knew that Haley could be seeing. At my look she sighed.

"It's Daniel." It took a moment for the name to register and when it did my eyes widened.

"Daniel? Our Daniel? The Daniel standing outside with your brother Daniel?"

"Yeah." Haley squeaked.

Okay didn't see that one coming. Daniel and Haley...dating. Daniel the quiet, sometimes mysterious football player was dating Haley...Hunter's little sister. Oh shit. It was like common code you don't date your friends sister.

"Oh." We both made eye contact and nodded, knowing it was a slight problem.

"How did you guys." I gestured with my hands.

"We've known each other for awhile now, never really talked to one another until four months ago at the house party you guys had when you moved in. We got to talking and..." She trailed off, a slight blush taking over her face.

"I like him Mia." She spoke softly. "I don't want to hide our relationship, especially around you guys. But I don't want Daniel to feel like he has to choose between me and my brother. They are best friends and if being with me tears them apart or ruins them playing together..." I could hear the tears in her voice. "What if us being together ruins everything between Hunter and him or god forbid ruins the great chemistry they have on the field. I don't know what to do."

When she looked up at me with tears in her eyes my heart went out for her. I pulled her into a hug as her words washed over me.

In a crazy way her situation was like Hunter and I's. I thought I would ruin his chance at a great career and that I would hold him back, so I let him go. I was miserable without him though and so was he. I let the love of my life go over a stupid fear.

With the way Haley just spoke about Daniel I knew this wasn't just a simple fling. There was something between them, something big enough that they've hid it from everyone. I saw the look on Haley's face as she spoke and I was certain I had the same look on my face years ago with Hunter. There was no way I was going to let Haley repeat my mistake.

"Haley." I gently pulled away so I could see her face. "Do you like him? Like him enough that you don't want to let him go?"

"Yes." She didn't even hesitate this time.

"What you are thinking right now is exactly what I was going through with Hunter. I thought I would ruin his career so I let him go. I let myself be miserable all because I thought he deserved more than me, that I would ruin his relationship with your parents. I let those stupid fears get in my head and ruin the greatest thing in my life." I gently wiped a tear off her cheek.

"You are not going to make the same mistakes as me. I won't let you. Just because you are afraid of ruining their friendship doesn't mean it will and it doesn't mean you should give him up because of it.

"Yes it will be weird for Hunter to see his best friend dating his sister but he's a big boy. He will get over it because he loves you. And if he doesn't you can bet I will be right there to smack some sense into him." Haley let out a choked laugh at that. "They will have to figure it out for themselves, that isn't your job. I just advise that you tell him sooner than later."

"Will you...will you help me tell him today?" I nodded. I would be right by her side as she tells him. "The two of us have been worried sick about telling him so ripping off the band-aid will probably be best."

"Don't worry it will be okay. You have everyone on your side. Once Hannah hears she will be right beside me and so will Rina." Haley nodded but I could see the tension in her shoulders as she bit her bottom lip. Knowing she needed a small distraction I sat up.

"You won't believe what I just found out." She perked up slightly at my words.

"What?"

"Rina and Ben have something going on." At that Haley's eyes widened.

"No!"

"Yep. I was watching them while playing beer pong. There's something going on there."

"Wow."

"Right. Who thought those two. But they are kinda cute together." She nodded. "Dang who would have thought all of my friends would start dating my boyfriends friends."

Looking at Haley I knew she was seconds away from backing out of this but I knew once she did she would feel better. And it would give both Hunter and Daniel time to talk this out.

"Come on." I stood up and held my hand out for her. "You can do this." With a deep breath Haley nodded and stood up grabbing my hand.

The two of us silently made our way back outside. Haley's hand had a death grip on mine as we stepped outside.

"There you two are. Where did you disappear to?" Hunter called out as he stood with Daniel and Ryan. Haley's hand got tighter and I held back a wince. I glanced down at her and she gave me a silent plea to start it off first.

I was't sure how Hunter was going to take the news but it had to be done. Taking a deep breath of my own I started for them.

"Hunter there is something that Haley wants to talk to you about." Hunter looked over at his sister who was plastered to my side like I was her shield. I glanced over at Daniel and saw him looking at Haley in concern.

My words got everyone's attention as they slowly came around us.

"Now I'm asking you to not act irrationally okay? You need to hear her out." I sent Hunter my most intense stare. He wasn't going to act like a child about this. Haley was an adult and can make her own decisions.

"What's going on?"

"Haley." I softly nudged her. It was her turn from here. For a moment she didn't say anything and I feared she was going to back out. But I watched as she looked at Daniel before standing up straighter and dropping my hand.

"Hunter...I have been seeing someone for the last three months."

"Okay?" I could he was confused. I took a small step towards him as Haley continued.

"I really like him. I like him a lot in fact and I don't want to hide it any longer." I stood there silently in anticipation as I watched Haley slowly walk towards Daniel. "We don't want to hide it any longer." I wanted to explode as she grabbed Daniel's hand and smiled up at him.

Daniel looked down at her and I saw the adoration on his face. How I missed that this entire time I don't know. I could see their bodies were drawn to one another and the looks on their faces was enough to show their feelings about one another.

Hunter was silent after Haley spoke. I could see his eyes going back and forth between the pair. The fact that he was silent worried me. I didn't take my gaze off of him despite wanting to see Hannah and Rina's reaction to the news.

"Hunter say something." Haley pleaded.

"You two have been seeing each other for three months?" Hunter's voice was flat.

"Yes." This time it was Daniel who spoke. He held Hunter's gaze unflinching. From the corner of my eye I noticed Ben and Ryan taking a step forward in case Hunter did explode. Hunter and Daniel continued their stare off for a good minute before Hunter suddenly backdown and shrugged.

"I already knew."

Instead of Hunter freaking out the rest of us did.

"You knew?"

"How?"

"What?

"Since when?"

Everyone talked at once.

"You two were not sly about it. You can't hide anything from your big brother Haley or his best friend." He pointed at Daniel. "You were talking on your phone loudly the other at your apartment and I over heard." He told Daniel.

"So you've known for a while?" Haley questioned.

"At least a month, yeah."

"And you didn't say anything?" I narrowed my eyes at him. He could have at least told me so I wouldn't have been so blindsided.

"I wanted to see if she'd tell me or Daniel. Plus I wanted to see you two sweat a little." Hunter shrugged. I couldn't believe this. Hunter has known about his sister and Daniel for a month and didn't tell me. And he seemed cool with it.

"You are fine with this?" Daniel questioned.

"If the two of you are happy then yes. But just so you know," Hunter took a step forward. "If you so much as make her cry I will hurt you in so many ways you won't play football again. Is that clear?"

The way he spoke sent a shiver down my spine. He sounded so...demanding. Forcing my mind out of the gutter I tuned back to the conversation.

"You have my word." Daniel promised. They shared one last look before extending hands and did the whole 'bro handshake' all guys seemed to know.

Haley looked over at me with wide confused eyes. All I could do was shrug. I hadn't expected that outcome but it was better than Hunter blowing up at his best friend dating his sister.

While everyone went over to congratulate the new couple I made my way to Hunter's side. I moved around to the front of his body, wrapping my arms around his middle.

"You handled that really well." I commented.

"I've had a month to prepare." He joked to which I shook my head.

"You do know your acceptance of them means a lot to Haley right?" My head was tilted back as I stared up at him.

"I just don't want to see her get hurt." His arms came down to wrap around my back as well.

"I know but she needs to make that mistake on her own." I could tell Hunter didn't like that but he nodded. "But I don't think Daniel will break her heart."

Hunter placed his head against my shoulder and sighed. I could tell he's been worried about this for some time but hasn't said anything, keeping the weight to himself.

"I talked to Haley and she wanted to cut the relationship off, afraid it would ruin your friendship and work relationship." I gently rubbed his back as I talked. "She was going to do exactly what I did with you and I wasn't going to let that happen."

Hunter pulled away to look down at me, his eyebrows turned downwards.

"She was going to do that?" The subject was a sore one for the both of us.

"Yeah. You need to talk to her, just the two of us, so she knows her being with Daniel isn't going to change anything. As long as she knows she has your support it will be okay." He did need to talk to Haley separately so she did know she had his support.

"I will." He promised. He looked down at me with something in his eyes I couldn't place. "How did I get so lucky." He murmured.

"You're not the only one who got lucky."

Hunter cupped the side of my face and leaned in for a kiss, me meeting him halfway. We managed to kiss for just a moment before the sound of Ben groaning broke us apart. I laughed while Hunter groaned.

"Buzzkill." He muttered. Sending me a soft smile Hunter turned and made his way to his sister.

I watched with a smile and looked around at our friends. Each one smiling and laughing with each other, Walter happily running around. Half of them I wouldn't have met if Hunter and I hadn't gotten back together. And I thank god we got our Second Chance. 

P.S if you have noticed a time change in this chapter (like it should have gone before the last chapter) Let me know! I decided last minute to switch them around and may have missed a few little details. 

Also...Daniel and Haley?! Ben and Rina?! I already love them as couples. I am a little tempted to write short stories for them as well....

~Ken