Page 91 of Body Checked By the Defenseman

“Don’t be sorry, I’m happy for you guys,” my brother says and he puts his arms on each of our shoulders, standing between us. He gives Macklin his phone and tells him to take a selfie of the three of us. It’s one of many selfies we’ve taken over the years and it marks an important passage in our life. Hayden is moving away, and Macklin and I are going to make a life together. Things are changing but they also couldn’t be more perfect.

EPILOGUE 2

One Year Later

Macklin

The guys decided to throw Ruby and me a last-minute surprise graduation party. Finn and Charlie came in for the ceremony along with Hayden, Abuela, and Mario. The guys all pitched in and made delicious food and bought cheap champagne with plastic flutes. They also got a banner that says: Congratulations.

“I’d love to stay longer but I need to run,” Hayden says. He shakes my hand then pulls me in for a hug. “Keep me posted,” he whispers with Ruby standing beside us.

I grin. “Thanks for coming.”

He gives Ruby a hug next. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Right back at you,” she replies to him. His team in Tampa has had a successful year and they are now in the playoffs, which is why he needs to run off so quickly.

We continue to hang out for the next couple hours. It feels like the end of an era. I’m taking Ruby away for a few days for a surprise little getaway. Abuela and Hayden know about it. Hayden lent me money to rent a car since I don’t want to take thebus on this trip. Not that there is anything wrong with it. I just want it to be as memorable as possible.

I’ve had some offers from teams. One of them happens to be the New Jersey Rockets. Ruby was super excited about that offer but I am still not sure. We went out to Jersey over Easter and we met with the owner of the team. Her name is Ellie, she is married to a former NHL player and she seemed really nice. The team was great too, but I didn’t want Ruby giving up on any job opportunities and right now her only job offer was in New York, although she did put in some applications with companies in Jersey.

Cade tries to clink a fork against the plastic champagne flute to get everyone’s attention.

“Damn, that isn’t working,” he curses. “Okay, everyone look at me.”

We give him the attention.

“Congratulations to Mack and Ruby. You’re both going to be missed around here. Go out and conquer the world, and don’t forget about us here at Riverside,” Cade says with a frown.

“Bro, you’re going to be drafting soon,” I remind him.

“Yeah,” he says, all choked up, and then he hugs me tight. We’ve been on defense together a while now. I am heading out into the world, and I know starting with a new team won’t be easy.

Ruby and I thank everyone, and we say our final goodbyes.

“Ah, where are we going in such a rush?” she asks as I guide her to my room.

Everything is mostly packed. I plan on moving my stuff out when we get back from Saugatuck.

“You’ll see,” I reply. “You’ll want to slip into something comfortable. We have a bit of a drive.”

“Don’t I need to pack?” she asks.

“I’ve packed you already. Don’t worry, we won’t need a lot of clothes.” I wink.

I change out of my dress shirt and dress pants and Ruby does the same. Then I carry our suitcases downstairs and we hug Abuela, Mario, and our friends.

Charlie screeches with excitement when she hugs Ruby and I’m worried she is going to tip her off on what’s happening, but Ruby hugs her back and then we head out to the driveway, where an SUV awaits us.

“Uh, who’s car is this?” Ruby asks.

“It’s a rental.” I shrug.

“Can we afford this?” she asks.

“Baby, I don’t want you worrying about that. Please just sit back and enjoy the ride. We have food and snacks in the back seat,” I say as I pull out of the driveway.

“Where did you say we were going?” she asks.

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