Page 124 of Wilder

Her dark hair was pulled back from her face in an intricate braid, showing her delicate features. There was determination on her face, and on Mik’s as well. The camera zoomed in on her face just as her eyes closed.

Wilder thought that this was more than just a skate for a gold medal. At least for Lexi. This was her opportunity on a world stage to rise above the things that people wanted to pin on her because of her father’s actions.

“Here we go,” Wilder murmured as the music started and a hush fell over the room. When Lexi opened her eyes and began to move, Wilder wondered if she’d been praying or if it had just been part of the starting position.

There was no denying the chemistry on the ice between Lexi and Mik. It was an athletic chemistry that showed itself in how easily their movements flowed around each other. It was like they knew exactly where the other person was at all times. Their skill and athleticism were equal.

They both completed the difficult jumps without error and the jump combinations with ease and flow. And it was like the music had been written just for them.

“Oh, that was so beautiful,” Amelia murmured when the program came to an end. “They have to win.”

Wilder agreed. The end of their Romeo and Juliet program might have been tragic, but the program itself was a triumph for both Lexi and Mik. Wilder wasn’t sure they could have skated it any better.

He thought the program deserved the gold, but the last team to skate had done a great job in the short program, so it stood to reason that they’d also do a great job in the long one too. These were the best of the best, after all.

The commentators had calculated how much was needed for them to temporarily take first place and maintain their silver position. The wait for the scores seemed to stretch on forever.

There was tension on the faces of Mik and the coaches. A lot was riding on this for them, too. Even Lexi showed some uncharacteristic tenseness as she waited. There was no smile on her face as she stared up at something, presumably the scoreboard.

“They’re taking too long,” Layla said. “Why is it taking so long?”

It did seem to take an eternity before a roar went up from the crowd, and the commentators shared the score, which well exceeded the amount they needed to retain their position.

“This team has had a limited season together, so this is a season’s best,” the man said. “But it’s also not far off their personal best. I’m not sure they could have skated this program any better.”

Wilder grinned at the commentator’s words. He thought they’d skated it amazingly well, but he wasn’t the professional. And he was a bit biased. So hearing someone who knew what they were talking about say that it was great was a good sign.

“I know I shouldn’t wish for someone to fall,” Amelia said, her voice soft. “But I really hope that they do. Sorry, Daddy.”

Blake gave a huff of laughter. “I understand why you feel that way, Berry. However, sometimes even doing your absolute best doesn’t guarantee winning. And their victory would mean more if they won against another program that was skated well.”

“Yeah. I suppose.”

It was probably a difficult concept for someone Amelia’s age to grasp. However, it was a good learning experience, especially if she hoped to go into competitive skating herself.

The first placed team skated well, with no falls, but as far as Wilder was concerned, their program lacked the beauty of Lexi and Mik’s. So, in his mind, there was still hope for Lexi and Mik.

“This team is going to need a season’s best in order to beat the program by Alexandra Corbyn and Mikhail Andropov,” the female commentator said. “Their personal best score would do it, but they haven’t achieved that this season with this program.”

Wilder said a prayer that all the hard work Lexi and Mik had put into their skating would pay off. Blake was right. As long asthey skated a clean program—which they had—they should be pleased with themselves.

But he had a much more laid-back approach to things, even sports. Lexi and Mik’s mindset was probably a lot different.

A roar went up from the crowd, but Wilder didn’t know who they were cheering for. But then Amelia jumped to her feet, punching the air with her fist.

“Alexandra Corbyn and Mikhail Andropov take the gold,” the commentator announced. “After a break in their partnership for a year and a half, and Mikhail taking on a new partner for a season, they’ve come back together and won the gold.”

Lexi’s smile had grown a bit as she hugged Mik and their coaches. It was like she was finally letting her emotions show. And for good reason.

As he watched them celebrate, Wilder wished he could be there with Lexi to share her joy after what they’d accomplished. But was there a place in her life for him? Was there a place in his life for her?

Would she even want him in her life?

He stared at the screen, watching as someone interviewed Lexi and Mik. Like previous interviews Wilder had seen of them, Mik took control. Unlike those previous interviews, however, Lexi didn’t stand there looking up at Mik with a smile. Though she had a smile on her face, her attention stayed on the interviewer.

“And how about Worlds?” the woman asked. “Will we see you there?”

Wilder held his breath as he waited for Mik’s response. He glanced down at Lexi, then looked back at the interviewer with a sly smile. “We’ll have to see.”

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