Your lives didn’t start until you signed with us…
Those words echoed in Ashley’s mind as Liam stood beside her, just out of sight of the cameras, waiting for their interview to begin. They were both anxious, both a little on edge, which made her wonder what she’d gotten herself into by agreeing to marry him. She didn’t sign a contract with the Wolverines, but by extension, because she married a player in exchange for her new vehicle, she was getting roped into this whole whirlwind fiasco that was Liam’s career.
As his wife.
“And now,” the morning news anchor began with a wide smile and zero creases in her forehead that screamed ‘Botox-baby!,’ she spoke happily to the camera while people started waving at them and and pointing.“It’s my greatest honor to be the first person to introduce you to the captain of Quebec’s newest hockey team, the Wolverines – Liam Savage.”
Sheesh, no intro for me?
Liam immediately clasped Ashley’s hand, starting forward. She walked out beside him, almost instinctively, before her brain had a chance to catch up. He motioned to a chair, indicating she should sit, and as she did so, the hostess acknowledged it, harping on it immediately.
“Awww,” the woman beamed. “I love seeing a gentleman that takes care of his woman,” she gushed as Liam moved to sit down – and gave Ashley a soft smile as he leaned forward, dropping a peck on her temple.
Good heavens, he was good at this!
“Men, treat your wife right – and she’ll support you in anything,” Liam said openly, putting a hand on Ashley’s knee, and she felt his hand trembling.
He was nervous?
“That’s right,” Ashley volunteered, taking a deep breath and putting on her calmest expression. “Liam is always watching out for me, treats me like I’m his princess…”
“Queen,” Liam interrupted, giving her an indulgent smile as Ashley nodded, continuing.
“When Liam became a Wolverine, and this was his next step in his career – how could I not support his dreams?”
She laid her hand on his, giving it a little squeeze to say, ‘It’s okay’ silently to him. He looked at her – and they shared a split second of recognition and acknowledgment silently between them, which hopefully looked like a bond on camera.
“Mrs. Savage,” the woman began, and it took Ashley a second to realize she was being addressed. “What is the one thing that you would say your husband brings to the team that makes him special?”
Craaap, I barely know this man!
“Patience and respect,” Ashley volunteered, immediately reaching for two things that would sound terrific during a job interview, much less this whole debacle on public television. “He’s so smart, so gentle, so kind – but he isn’t afraid to speak up when he sees something. He has a way of reaching the guys, and they listen because he’s been in their shoes. Liam is an amazing teacher and mentor, which makes him a natural as the Wolverines’ captain.”
“Aww, thanks,” Liam whispered, leaning toward her and dropping a kiss on her temple. “You’re the one who’s amazing.”
“It’s just the truth,” she replied, knowing they were both wearing microphones, but her mind was clamoring differently. She barely knew him; they had only been married a few days, and how did you talk about someone when you didn’t know them? And on television, no less!
“What’s Liam’s favorite food?” the woman pressed Ashley again – and she paused, completely unsure and racking her brain.
“His mother’s enchiladas.”
“Oh, do you make them at home?”
“She’s an amazing cook, and I wouldn’t begin to know how to make them,” Ashley dodged, glancing at Liam – who nodded and shrugged. It was true. She had no idea how to make them because she had not tasted them yet, and he’d mentioned it once in an attempt to distract her during a conversation.
“Ashley, all the women want to know, what is your favorite thing about Liam?”
Oh my gosh, so many questions for me – about him? What in the world?
“My smile,” Liam volunteered, and Ashley seized it.
“His smile,” she preened immediately. “It lights up a room.”
“Another question for Ashley,” the interviewer winked at her like they were two friends talking about their shared favorite thing. “Does he wear his jersey all the time at home – or do you wear it?”
Just the suggestive tone was alarming and offsetting. She and Liam exchanged a look. This was not about hockey or the Wolverines. It felt like a gossip piece.
“When we are relaxing, we both wear Wolverines T-shirtsaround the house,” she fibbed, knowing that was the answer the coach would want to hear. “I mean, I have a work uniform, and my husband has his jersey that he wears on the ice, just like the rest of the team. If you had a work uniform and went home for the day – to relax - most people wouldn’t wear it at home. We fully support our team and love the logo, so yes.”
