Page 163 of Suck My Puck

Bella

4 months later

I sit in the stands, the biggest smile on my face as I watch Braden and Lucas on the ice.

They’re both suited up in goalie gear, standing side by side in front of the net. Del, Xander, and Theo are also here. The three of them are taking turns shooting pucks at the goalies.

Del hits one, but Braden stops it with his stick. Xander hits one, and Lucas catches it with his glove.

Xander’s head falls back as he groans and laughs.

Braden nudges his shoulder. “Nice save.”

“Thanks.” Even through his helmet, I can see Lucas’s wide smile.

“Dude, this isn’t fair. It’s impossible to score on two goalies,” Xander jokes.

Braden pushes up his helmet and looks at Xander. “You’re one of the top scorers in the league. You should be able to get one past us.”

They all laugh. Braden puts his helmet back on and theguys take a few more shots. Theo manages to get one past Braden and Lucas. Theo lets out a cheer and all the guys laugh.

It’s been four months since Lucas’s bone marrow donation and his recovery has been a success. He spent another month in the hospital post-op, then he stayed at an outpatient clinic while doctors monitored his progress. Braden visited him often, and they texted almost every day.

After a few months of recovering at home, Lucas got the okay from his doctors to have a short session on the ice with Braden. Because his immune system is still compromised, he couldn’t play with the whole team. So Braden asked Del, Xander, and Theo if they’d be willing to join them, and they of course said yes.

Lucas pushes up his helmet to guzzle some water. I notice his blond hair is growing back thick on his head.

Del takes a shot at the net, but Lucas blocks it with his skate.

Del smiles. “Nice block.”

Lucas lets another wide grin loose. I smile seeing how happy he is. I glance over at his parents, who are sitting next to me, watching their son play hockey like a normal kid.

“He’s a natural at this,” I say to them.

His mom’s eyes go misty. “It’s such a joy to see him do this.”

His dad nods, a warm expression on his face as he watches his son on the ice. “This is amazing. So amazing.”

I take in Braden and Lucas, playing together, laughing together, joking together. My heart swells in my chest. Seeing Lucas healthy and seeing this moment finally happen means everything to Braden too.

I think about how often he checked in with Lucas and his parents to see how they were doing during his recovery.Braden has formed a bond with Lucas, and witnessing their friendship is so touching.

The guys finish up and skate over to us. We stand up and chat with them, then Lucas’s parents take photos of him with Braden, and then some with the rest of the guys. I take a photo of them all together.

“Thanks again. This was so awesome,” Lucas says to Braden.

Braden beams at him. “Of course, man. We had a blast with you.”

“Thank you for making this happen,” Lucas’s dad says to Braden.

“It was no problem.” He looks at Lucas. “Let’s do it again. Maybe next month?”

Lucas’s whole face lights up. “That would be so cool.”

Braden gives Lucas a hug and he leaves with his parents. Theo, Del, and Xander head to the locker room to get cleaned up.

Braden turns to me and pulls me against him. The corner of his mouth quirks up. “Sorry, I’m a little sweaty.”

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