Page 166 of The Fake Out Flex

By the time I got to high school, that dream had been replaced by more 'realistic' options like teaching or reporting.

That's why I framed that photo of the four women I admired so much and hung it alongside my favorite players. My dream may have been over before it even began, but the photo was a small reminder, a link to a part of myself I had given up on a long time ago.

But Fraser never gave up on it.

And now…now he's BOUGHT ME A HOCKEY TEAM!!!, and I can actually do it. I can pursue a dream I never in a million years thought I'd be able to.

Best of all, I can coach a team made up of young girls and all kids, regardless of their abilities. I can make sure every child has an opportunity to pursue their dream.

I spin around and take in the kindest, most loving, thoughtful, amazing man. I know he said I could take time to think about it, but I don't need any. My mind is already made up.

"It's…It's…It's perfect!"

"Are you sure?" He scrutinizes me intently. "Because you just it's-ed me three times."

"Yeah, well, get ready for number four. I it's-ed you three times because it's a lot for me to get my mind around. This has always felt like such an unattainable thing. I didn't even try to seriously pursue it because I put it in the same category as, like, wanting to grow up and lead the first human expedition to Mars."

"Hockey still has a long way to go, but there are some incredible women breaking through."

He lists off the names of a few women as well as the roles they currently have in the NHL. It's impressive how seriously he's taking this. It's not a tokenistic gesture. He really believes in this.

He believes in me.

"And they're only the beginning, Evie. More women can and will come through. If it's something that you want, you can be one of those women. Women in hockey should not be in the same category as humans colonizing another planet."

I glance once more around the flower-filled locker room. With each passing second, I grow even more certain that this is what I want. "I want this. I really, really want this."

"In the absence of having something to physically give you to signify your ownership of the stadium and the team?—"

"What? This place doesn't come with a key?"

He chuckles. "No it doesn't. I'm going to lend you something instead."

He lifts the cuff of his dress shirt and peels a bracelet off his wrist. I recognize it instantly. It's the one I made him all those years ago.

He hands it over to me. "I will need this back as soon as preseason games start, but I want you to have it for now."

I take it from him and throw my arms over his shoulders. He slides his hands around me, and we hug, his warm, firm body pressed against mine, the love between us so strong, so right.

When we break apart, his hands stay anchored on my waist. "Being with you has shown me that I am capable of opening up and talking more. That being closed off isn't the only way to be. I don't think I'll ever be Mr. Sunshine Who Likes to Talk Everyone's Ear Off, but thanks to you, I'm also not going to be Mr. Don't Go Near That Angry Looking Man, either. You…you make me a better man, Evie." He brushes the backs of his fingers across my cheek. "I love you with all of my heart. And I know you'll make this work. Take a chance and believe in yourself."

"I've officially reached quadruple-wow status," I breathe out because wow, has he hit the nail on the head or what. "That's been the missing piece this whole time," I say, as a lifetime of unspoken feelings crash into me. "I've never fully trusted myself or my instincts. I've always been swayed by what I thought other people wanted me to do. Like Mom with Washington, or Margo with the story about you."

"To be clear, I'm not trying to sway you, either. Despite having bought you a stadium and a hockey team. I just want you to realize for yourself that you are brilliant, Evie. You don't need anyone's approval or to change any part of yourself for anyone."

"Even my love of hot food?"

He grimaces.

"Or my collection of vinyl punk albums?"

"Is it too late for me to take that last statement back?"

"Totally. You said it. It's on the record." I smile, bring my lips to his, and murmur, "What you've done is beyond amazing, Fraser. I cannot tell you how much I'm looking forward to starting this next chapter of my life."

"And you're absolutely sure?"

"I am."

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