Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Thanks, man.”
Coach motions for me to head to the bench. With a three-goal lead, he’s going to let me rest. I’m not sure I want to, but it’s better to have fresh legs down the stretch if needed. I sit on the end and thank my teammates for their accolades. I feel someone looking at me and turn to find Thea there, with a pane of glass separating us. She’s wrapped up in a hat, scarf and gloves and is wearing one of my hoodies. I curse my heart for skipping a beat because she looks so damn beautiful.
“Nice job,” she says.
“Thanks,” I reply, trying to keep my voice neutral. “What’s with the signs?” I nod toward the one nearest to me. I’ve only caught a few words like my name, I’m sorry, please forgive me, kick-ass, and you’re the best. I don’t know what all of them say, but it was enough for the other center to get a shoulder in his gut.
“You won’t talk to me at the house, so I had to do something.”
“This is definitely something,” I tell her, and this time I can’t help the smile forming on my face. I go back to watching the game.
There are thirty seconds on the clock when Coach sends me back in. Nolan scored a goal, putting us up by four giving me more time on the bench. As much as I want to play, I’m thankful we have a fat lead, and there’s no stress in this game.
The NU bench clears when the final horn sounds, and our gloves and helmets fly. We skate toward Jude and tackle him. Everyone screams, and our theme song plays overhead.
“Holy fuck,” I hold Jude’s face in my hands. “Holy fucking fuck!”
“We did it, man. We fucking did it!”
Nolan and Devon find us, and we celebrate. These are the guys I’m closest to and wouldn’t want this victory with anyone else. I congratulate each of my teammates and, finally, our coach. We hug, and he cries.
“You earned this, Rose.”
“I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”
After a few minutes of celebration, the arena staff rolls out some carpet, and our trophy presentation begins. The NCAA representative stands behind a table with three trophies in front of him.
“I want to thank you all for coming to the Division III National Championship for hockey. I also want to congratulate Northport University and Augsburg State for their tremendous seasons and the game they just played. I know the teams are eager to celebrate with their families and get home. So, without further ado, the most outstanding player in the tournament goes to Jude Jenson, who allowed only two goals throughout the tournament.
Jude skates forward and collects his award. He holds it above his head, and every NU person in the crowd and on the ice applauds for him. I’m happy Jude won. He deserves it.
“And next, the presentation for our runners-up, Augsburg State. Their captain skates forward and collects their trophy. He holds it, but their applause is subdued.
“And finally, the presentation for our national champions, Northport University.” I skate to the table, shake the representative’s hand, and take the trophy from him. I hold it up and skate toward the family section. Everyone cheers, and people bang on the glass. That’s when I notice Thea, holding a sign that reads, “To them, you’re a champ. To me, you’re the love of my life. I love you, Ky!”
Holy shit, she’s in love with me. This time, I can’t help but smile.
My teammates gather around, and each takes turns holding the trophy. Then, we meet at center ice for the customary photo of us, and we each hold our index finger up. Slowly, we start to head toward the locker room. I spot my mom, sister, and Lacey standing with Thea. I go to Lacey and scoop her up.
“I’m so happy,” she says as I skate around the ice with her.
“Me too, Lacey-Bear.”
“Did you see Thea’s sign?” she asks, and I nod in response.
“Are you in love with her?” she asks.
“I think so,” I say honestly.
Lacey nods. “You should tell her, Uncle Ky, because she loves you lots.”
I set her back down next to Ally and then glide toward Thea. “So, you’re in love with me, huh?”
She nods.
“That’s good, because I’m definitely in love with you.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah, but we gotta get one thing straight between us if we’re going to be together.”
“What’s that?” she asks.
“No more secrets. No more lies. And definitely, no more Adam.”
“That’s a promise I can definitely keep.”
I pull Thea into my arms and kiss her, ignoring the catcalling and whistles from some of my teammates. It’s a damn good thing I know how to balance on blades because when we come up for air, we’re feet away from the bench.
“I love you, Thea. I never thought I’d say those words to someone.”