Page 45 of Ice Melts

Travis felt something warm settle in his chest at her words.

She wasn’t just saying it. She believed it.

And more than that—she had changed.

Logan exhaled, nodding slowly. “Well, maybe one day, I’ll make the headlines for something good.”

Travis stepped closer, holding out his hand. “How about you make the headlines for winning the Stanley Cup.”

“Deal.” Logan gripped his hand and Travis had hope for the guy and the team.

Logan was surprisingly good with the kids.

Once Travis and Tatum showed him the ropes, he jumped right in, demonstrating drills, helping out with footwork, and even showing some of the younger kids how to shoot properly.

Sarah leaned against the wall, watching the whole thing unfold with a small, knowing smile.

Travis stepped up beside her. “You’re proud of him.”

She nodded. “Yeah. I am. He seems happy.”

Travis glanced at her, studying her. “And you?”

Sarah raised an eyebrow. “Me?”

“Yeah.” He tilted his head. “Are you happy?”

Sarah’s smile widened. “I am.” She bumped her shoulder against his. “You know, you asked me once if my job made me happy. And I wasn’t sure.”

He nodded, remembering.

“Well,” she continued, crossing her arms, “I am sure now. Writing for nonprofits, telling stories that actually help people—it’s more rewarding than anything I ever did before.”

Travis watched her, pride swelling in his chest. “I’m glad.”

She turned to him, eyes full of warmth. “And what about you? Are you happy?”

Travis exhaled, glancing back at the kids running drills, at his sister laughing with one of the younger ones, at Logan taking a knee to tie a kid’s skate.

And then he looked at Sarah. At the woman who had challenged him, fought with him, loved him, and always pushed him to be better.

He reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers.

“Yeah,” he murmured. “I really am.”

She squeezed his hand, and for the moment at least, everything was exactly as it should be.

EPILOGUE

The cobbled streets of Civita di Bagnoregio stretched before them, winding through ancient stone buildings that had stood for centuries. The Italian sun cast a golden glow over the breathtaking cliffside village, making everything look like something out of a painting. Travis adjusted the straps of his backpack and glanced to his side where Sarah was walking ahead, her eyes wide with wonder.

“I knew you’d love this place,” Tatum said, grinning as she walked alongside Sarah. “It’s straight out of a fairytale.”

Sarah turned, her expression radiant. “It really is. I can’t believe this place still exists. It’s like stepping back in time.”

Travis chuckled. “Well, enjoy it while you can. Apparently, it’s eroding so fast they call it the ‘Dying City.’”

Sarah shot him a look. “What? How sad.”

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