Page 86 of Hat Trick Daddies

The words spill out before I can stop them. “I’m thinking about leaving,” I whisper. My voice wavers, and I take a shaky breath. “I’ve already applied for a job in Washington.”

Her mouth opens slightly in surprise, but she quickly recovers. “Wow,” she says. “That’s…a big move.”

I nod, my fingers fidgeting with the edge of my coat. “It’s just…everything feels so complicated. I need a fresh start, Kenzie.”

Kenzie hesitates before responding. “I understand,” she whispers back. “You have to do what’s best for you and your baby. No one can fault you for that.”

We fall into silence, her words offering some comfort even as my mind continues to whirl. On the ice, the team plays with sharp precision, but I can’t focus on the game.

I feel disconnected, like I’m watching everything from behind a pane of glass. The sounds, the cheers, the whistles, it all feels distant.

At least they’re all okay, I think to myself. That’s something I can hold onto, even if I leave.

The first period ends, and the players skate off the ice to thunderous applause. The lights in the stands dim slightly as people shuffle to the concession stands and restrooms. I hug my coat tighter, the chill in the air biting at my skin despite the warmth of the arena.

Kenzie offers me a small, sympathetic smile. “You’ve got a lot to think about, huh?”

“Yeah,” I murmur. I know she’s trying to be supportive, but her words only deepen my sense of isolation.

I wonder if anyone would really care if I left. Would they even notice?

Suddenly, the sound of the announcer’s voice booms through the speakers, silencing the murmurs of the crowd. A spotlight snaps on, illuminating the center of the rink.

Everyone pauses, their attention immediately drawn to the light. Whispers ripple through the stands, and my heart pounds as I watch, waiting to see what’s about to happen.

The rink falls silent as Coach Walker glides onto the ice, his suit sharp and pristine against the cold gleam of the rink. His whistle dangles loosely around his neck, but he holds a microphone instead.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” his voice booms, echoing through the arena. “We have a special moment to share with you tonight.”

My heart leaps into my throat. What could he possibly be talking about? My hands clutch the edges of my seat, and I glance at Kenzie, who shrugs, equally confused.

The doors at the players’ bench swing open, and the team begins skating out one by one, each holding a large white sign with bold letters written in black.

The first one catches my eye:“ALLY.”

I blink, my breath catching as the signs keep coming. They spell out my name in bold, clear letters, the players moving into formation like a choreographed dance.

Then Tyler skates out, his wide grin unmistakable even from a distance. He holds up a sign that reads:“WILL YOU.”

I freeze, my heart pounding wildly.

Nick is next, smoothly weaving through the other players, his sign declaring:“MARRY.”

My hands fly to my mouth, muffling a gasp as Brooks steps out last onto the ice, holding onto the wall for support for a moment. Then he raises the sign in his hand. His sign says it all:“ME.”

A spotlight clicks on, suddenly flooding my seat with brilliant light. The crowd around me murmurs excitedly, and all eyes turn toward me. My vision blurs as tears well up, and my chest feels like it might burst.

Kenzie leans closer, whispering, “Ally, are you seeing this?”

I nod, too overwhelmed to speak. My legs tremble as I stand, barely able to take a step without feeling like I might collapse.

Somehow, I manage to make my way down the stairs, the spotlight following my every move.

Brooks is still close to the rink’s edge, and I make my way over to him, the spotlight following me as I climb around and over people.

The crowd cheers as I reach him where he’s leaning against the plexiglass and motioning for me to come closer.

I step up to the edge, my heart racing as Brooks manages to drop clumsily onto one knee right there on the ice despite his brace.

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