Page 89 of Icebound Attraction

“I'm sure you'd all like to know our team's choice for this first round. I'm sorry to keep you waiting, but it's always a pleasure to do so.”

The room erupts in collective laughter.

“The Chicago Blackhawks elect Chase Carter this year!”

Chase jumps to his feet, mouth open. He runs his hands through his hair.

“Dude! Congratulations!” exclaims Liam, tapping him on the shoulder.

They give each other a quick hug and Chase makes his way to the stage. After a few emotional words of thanks, he puts on his shirt and looks in our direction.

“Liam, my brother, without you, I wouldn't be here. Thank you for everything!”

Liam's eyes shine with restrained emotion and he applauds his best friend loudly.

I'm also very happy for him. The Chicago Blackhawks were high on his list. He was selected first and has now passed the stress test!

Liam smiles as he sits back down, but his excitement is palpable. I stroke his hand gently.

Round after round, players are drafted one after the other by the teams. Already, the first exchanges are taking place, and the number of places is dwindling. The tension mounts a little more each time, and Liam's name has yet to be called.

My heart skips a beat when the New York Rangers’ goalkeeper steps up to the microphone. Excited, I rub my hands together and cast a sidelong glance at Liam. He looks petrified.

The broad-shouldered man's voice echoes through the loudspeakers.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'll be brief for this penultimate round, as I know some of you are anxiously awaiting our pick. The New York Rangers would like to draft... Adam Peterson.”

The room is going wild, but something inside me is crumbling. Liam still hasn't moved, but I can clearly feel his disappointment in my heart. The choices are starting to narrow, and there aren't many seats left...

“Since we traded one of our draft picks in the previous round, we still have a choice for this one. One we'd love to have on our team,” says the goalie's husky voice. Liam squeezes my hand so hard it feels like it's going to break.

“Liam Scott, how would you like to join the Rangers?”

Liam's gaze turns to me. Tears of joy glisten in his eyes.

“Oh... My love... I did it. I really did it!”

Excited, I take his hand and look deeply into his eyes.

We stand up together and I pull him against me.

At that moment, it's as if time no longer exists. Surrounded by applause, we are in each other's arms. We've both hoped so hard for this outcome, and yet I can't believe it. Liam is going to play for the New York Rangers and start a whole new chapter in his life. I couldn't be prouder of him.

He takes the stage, beaming, A Rangers jersey in hand.

“Wow... I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I would like to thank a very special person. Emily, I love you! And Chase, I'm already looking forward to our first game!”

He smiles to thunderous applause.

Pride and love flood my heart. This is the beginning of something very big for us and I couldn't be happier.

Epilogue

Liam

Three years later

I could only imagine the changes that a contract with the Rangers would entail, but now that I look at the stunning apartment in the heart of the Upper East Side where I live with Emily, I'm amazed. It's been a long road, a lot of hard work and concessions for beautiful results, which now allow us to have a home together.

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