Page 102 of A Whole New Trick

From the corner of my eye, I see the players return to the ice. I zero in on Dane, admiring how strong and imposing he looks in his uniform and how confident and relaxed he seems despite this being one of the biggest games of his life.

“Well, Dane is a smart guy,” Matthew says, pulling my attention from my boyfriend.

“But he’s dating you, so maybe not? Ow!” Miles grabs his arm where I punched him.

I roll my eyes. “Please, I barely hit you.”

“Lies.” Miles looks at his twin. “You saw that, right?”

“I didn’t see a thing.”

Miles gasps. “Judas! You’re supposed to be my ally. Twin code.”

The announcer’s voice booms over the speakers, interrupting the impending sibling argument, as he asks everyone to rise for the national anthem.

My brothers and I face the ice. Matthew and Mason remove their hats and hold them to their chest as the anthem plays.

Like a magnet to metal, my gaze is drawn to the star center who is positioned almost directly in front of me on the ice. A smile tugs on my lips when I see Dane looking at me. His eyes dip meaningfully to my torso, and his smile broadens, telling me he notices I’m wearing his jersey.

I bite my lip, elated by how happy the small gesture makes him.

Things between us have been amazing. Dane is the same sweet, thoughtful, and amusing man he’s always been, but admitting we love each other has ramped up his affection to a level I never could have anticipated.

Dane is incredible. Our relationship is perfect. But though we don’t talk about it, there’s a cloud of uncertainty hanging over heads about Dane’s future.

He says he’ll retire rather than be traded, and I believe him, but I hope things don’t come to that.

I can’t help but think of my dad. Dane’s situation is different. He will be choosing to end his career rather than be forced to because of an injury. But will Dane one day wish he’d made a different choice? Will he be able to watch hockey games without struggling with regret?

Stop it, Morgan.

There’s no point trying to anticipate what will happen. Dane is a grown man, and he’s capable of making his own choices. As his partner, all I can do is support him. I will be by his side and lend an ear, shoulder… whatever he needs whenever the time comes and he faces what comes next.

But Ireallyhope the Ranchers decide to keep him.

I hope the owner’s threats are empty. I don’t plan on quitting my job, but now that I think about it, maybe I should seriously consider creating a business tailored for female athletes. I don’t work directly with the Gianni family, but there’s the very real possibility that if I decide not to resign, they could make my work life uncomfortable, if not hostile.

I shouldn’t have to, but it might be wise to come up with a contingency plan.

And what better plan than to do something brave—something I’m passionate about—something my loved ones believe I can do?

Possibilities swirl in my head. My excitement grows as each potential idea comes to mind, but I put all that on pause as I focus my attention on the ice as the game is about to begin.

The referee blows his whistle and drops the puck, and the third game of the finals is underway.

My brothers and I cheer and boo in sync with the rest of the crowd. We shout in protest when the Crocs’ star winger checks Dane but cheer when the center spins and continues moving thepuck down the ice. He passes it to Gavin on the right side and the winger sends the puck into the back of the net. The horn above the net sounds, and the arena erupts into celebration.

My emotions are a rollercoaster, and my heart rate spikes countless times over the next hour until the final minutes of the third period when the Ranchers are up three to one. Victory seems assured, and all Ranchers fans are starting to cheer in celebration. We’re about to go up two to one in the series.

Though home arena advantage isn’t a guarantee, Game Four will be at home, which should mean we go up three to one. The Ranchers are an incredible team full of talent and drive. This is our year to win. I feel it.

Dane feels it too. My boyfriend skates on the ice, avoiding his opponents’ sticks and attempts to barrel into him. Crocs fans around me scream for their team to stop him. Dane is doing circles around them, wearing a triumphant smile.

One of the Crocs’ defensemen takes offense, and his temper gets the best of him.

Time seems to slow as I watch the massive man skate full speed towards my boyfriend.

Dane pivots right to avoid a wingman heading his way. He doesn’t see the defenseman until it’s too late.

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