And now, as he sat on the edge of the bench, waiting for his turn, he wondered if she was out there.
Was she watching?
When his name was called, he took a deep breath and skated to center ice. The noise of the crowd dimmed, the world narrowing to just him, the puck, and the goalie.
He placed the puck on the ice, gripping his stick tight.
And then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw her.
Sarah.
Sitting in the stands, near the glass, her eyes locked on him. She gave him a small, knowing smile, the kind that said I’m here. I believe in you.
Something in him clicked into place.
He took a deep breath, felt the ice under his skates, and remembered everything they’d practiced together.
He pushed forward, skating hard, the puck gliding effortlessly in front of him. Time slowed as he approached the goalie, his stick moving with precision, his body relaxed but focused.
And then, with a swift flick of his wrist, he sent the puck sailing right past the goalie’s glove.
Goal.
The arena exploded.
His teammates swarmed him, shouting, hugging, slapping his helmet. But through it all, his eyes found hers again in the crowd.
She was clapping, her eyes shining, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world had narrowed to just the two of them.
They’d won the game. But he’d won something even bigger.
Sarah and Tatum were waiting for him outside the locker room door. The guys all said things to him but he heard none of it. His eyes locked on Sarah and he couldn’t wait to get to her. Tatum stepped in front of her and held out a hand for a high five. “Good work Brother.”
He pulled her into a hug, his eyes finding Sarah again. “Thanks, you.”
When she released him, he reached for Sarah, tugged her sleeve and she flew into his arms. He held her, nuzzled his face into her hair, ran his hands up and down her back, breathed in the delicious smell of her and never wanted to leave. When they at last separated, he captured her lips in his, not willing to ever let go.
She responded with the same urgency. It had been too long. One week had seemed like an eternal nightmare with all they were worrying about and the silence of no communication. With a small noise from Tate, they pulled apart, but he kept his forehead on hers. “That was way too long to be apart.”
She nodded.
He laced their fingers and turned to Tate, not even a little bit apologetic about the huge display of affection. “Where should we go eat? I’m starved.”
They laughed and everything just seemed to fall into its perfect place, just like it was supposed to be.
He turned to Sarah. “I’m so proud of that article.”
“Cause it was all about him!” Tate jabbed him.
He felt his face heat. “Nah, that part was nice, but really. You did it. You included the whole truth. I’m so proud of that.”
Her eyes sparkled in response. “Thank you. It wasn’t easy. And I gave Jess my two weeks, but at least she agreed to run it.”
He nodded.
She grinned, something about her seeming more happy than he’d seen her in a long time. “And now, I just want some fries dipped in strawberry milk shake. I want Tate’s pickles and Travis’ tomatoes.”
“Burgers it is.” Travis opened his car door for Sarah and Tate climbed in back.