Page 305 of Cross Check

“I’ve been dreaming about this moment since I signed my first coaching contract. It’s even better than I imagined, and I’m completely overwhelmed.” I sniff and try to wipe the tears from my cheeks, knowing I’m not doing a very good job at holding it together. “How am I supposed to process all of this and teach all my campers how to handle the puck without turning into a sobbing mess?”

“That’s why I brought reinforcements.” Grant whistles, and Maverick, Riley, Hudson, Ethan, Emmy, and Liam step forward. “You all have your assignments. Execute them flawlessly, please, so no one gets hurt. No cross-checking, no slashing. Basic drills, easy skating. Any questions?”

“Damn, Everett.” Maverick smirks. “Huddy, Sully, and I retire, and you take over as team leader? You’ve come such a long way.”

“I’m literally the team captain.” Grant rolls his eyes. “And we’ve won more Stanley Cups under my reign than we did yours. Might be time to rewrite the history books, Miller.”

Maverick laughs and tugs Emmy’s hand, leading her to the older skaters. The goalies and defensive players go with Liam and Hudson while Ethan and Riley circle up the youngest campers.

“Thank you,” I whisper. “For the good news. For supporting me. I’m not sure this would be possible without you by my side.”

“You’re not wrong about many things, baby, but you’re wrong about that. This was always possible for you.” Grant slips an arm around my waist and pulls me close. “I’m glad I can watch from the sidelines and cheer you on.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Amelia Green, and that includes all of your accolades: Greatest collegiate hockey player of all time. Decorated coach. Amazing friend. My motivation to keep going when things are hard. A gorgeous, gorgeous girl with a brilliant mind.” Grant’s nose bumps mine. His hands slide down to my lower back, fingers splayed out across my new jersey. “I’m so proud of you. Whatever you decide to do going forward—whether it’s continuing to coach in the NHL, moving over to the PWHL and dominating a new league, or shifting to a CEO role and turning around a defunct franchise like you did with Baltimore—I’m going to support you. I’m going to cheer you on. There’s not a damn thing you can’t do, and I have to pinch myself that I’m the lucky bastard who gets to go home with you every night.”

“I’m just as lucky. Thank you for not making me feel like I have to be quiet about my success. Thank you for making me think I can do anything I set my mind to. Thank you for helping me grow and learn.” I cup his cheeks and smile. “Thank you for letting me be my own person.”

“Quiet about your success? Sweetheart, I’m taking out a billboard on the Capital Beltway that has your name and picture on it so the whole city can celebrate you.” He grins. “Fuck being subtle.”

“Can I tell you my secret of the day?”

“I can’t wait to hear.”

“I like seeing my name on the back of your jersey.”

“Yeah? Guess it’s time for my secret of the day.” His eyes light up and crinkle in the corners. He adjusts his sleeve and points to his arm. There’s a new addition next to his hourglass tattoo, fresh ink I haven’t seen before. I recognize the scrawly handwriting below the crease of his wrist. Two words in tiny print. “How about as a permanent addition?”

“You didn’t.” I grab his arm. Mr. Green is written on his fair skin, and I gasp. “Oh my god.”

“I thought about copying Maverick and getting it on my chest near my heart, but I like having it somewhere everyone can see.”

“Everyone will see. You have a photoshoot for Men’s Health right after Christmas!”

“Perfect time to show it off.” Grant smiles. “My right arm will be for your jersey number and the Olympic medal you’re going to win.”

It might be a joke, but I don’t care.

I’m the luckiest woman in the world, and I still can’t believe this is how our story ends.

“Come on.” I tug on his sleeve and lace my fingers through his. “Do you have your skates?”

“They’re in my car. Why?”

“I want to add an impromptu drill to find the fastest skater, and you can be the referee.”

“Are you going to let me race you after?” Grant lifts an eyebrow. “We need to figure out who is the fastest one in the house.”

“Do you really think you’d win?”

“Nah. I don’t stand a chance.” He brings my hand to his mouth and kisses my knuckles. “I just like to see you skate.”

I laugh and head for the campers with a heart so full, it’s close to bursting.

“Listen up, everyone” I say. “We’re going to mix it up and do some speed drills to figure out our fastest skater. How does that sound?”

There’s a round of cheers and high fives. I touch the Olympic rings patch that sits right over my heart, confident the future of hockey is in good hands.