“I promise, but I won’t know much of what’s going on.” I run my hands up his arms.
“Well, if you see me cheer, then you cheer.” He leans down and kisses me. “I’ll call you from the road, and I’ll make sure you have tickets for the games here, okay?”
I nod and kiss him again.
Chapter Twenty-One
Hudson
Making it to the Final has been tough whirlwind. We’re matched against the Indiana Mustangs, their red and white uniforms a contrast to our navy blue and gold. It’s come down to Game 7. Ellie’s starting to get the hang of the sport, but every now and then, we’ll say something like hat trick or sniper and she’s completely lost. She’s here tonight, so winning is even more important. I mean, I want to win for the team, the fans, my family, and myself, but for her too.
Once the season is over, I’ll be able to put her passport to good use. Yeah, I’m going to take her to Canada, but my main motive is something different. All I can hope for is that Ellie loves it while I secretly make plans. Right now, it’s game time.
Brody Ross, their captain, is across from me as we prepare for the faceoff. Everyone in this arena wants the Cup, but only one team will win. I’m about to ensure that it’s my team. Losing on home ice isn’t about to happen tonight. The puck drops and we’re off. Tensions are high, more intense than ever. If our fans are normally loud, they are deafening tonight.
First period ends with the Mustangs on a 1-0 lead.
Second period ends with us leading 2-1, with a complementary goal from yours truly.
Two minutes into the third and it’s tied. Brody Ross is determined, but so am I. I push the score to 3-2 midway through the period. Then with four seconds left, the Vikings light the lamp with another goal.
The buzzer sounds.
We’ve won!
We’ve won!
~
Craziness follows. That’s really the only way to explain it. From lifting the Cup, celebrating, a parade, and everything else that comes with being champions. It all happens so quickly, I can barely grasp what’s happening half the time. It’s still hard to believe sometimes, but it’s been amazing so far. This evening, we get to relax a little as Ellie and I are in Vancouver with my parents.
“Everyone is here except Ethan’s wife and kids. Ready?” I ask, standing outside the front door.
“I think so.”
We walk in, my mom the first to come over and hug us. “How is my Hudsy and Ellie?”
“We’re good, Mom.” W
e follow her into the living room. Dad stands to hug me first and then Ellie. “Ellie, this is my old man, Darryl. Dad, this is my girlfriend, Ellie.”
“It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from my wife and Hudson, of course. Ethan and I are the normal ones around here, so if they start giving you trouble, come find us.” He smiles and winks good naturedly at her.
“Good to meet you too. Thank you.” She smiles.
Ethan comes next, slaps me on the back with his hug, and then hugs Ellie with the same formalities. We take a seat in the loveseat once Whit says her hello as well. I smile slightly when I put my arm on the back of the seat and Ellie leans into me a little.
“Don’t get too comfortable, boys. You’re on dinner duty tonight. Should probably get started on that,” Mom suggests with a sly smile.
“All right, you heard your mother. Let’s go.”
Dad and Ethan start to get up, but I say, “You’re going to make me cook too?”
“Yes,” she tells me simply.
“Fine.” Turning to Ellie, I kiss her cheek and whisper, “Don’t forget to come find us if she gets crazy on ya.”
She laughs softly, nodding. “I’ll be fine, I think.”