Page 122 of Captain's Claim

I lean against Blake's shoulder, remembering that day in the tavern when Eli first showed me this photo, helping me understand why the youth program meant so much to Blake.How one man's kindness had changed not just Blake's life, but the lives of countless kids after him.

"Thank you," Blake murmurs, pressing a kiss to my temple. "For understanding. For everything."

The doorbell chimes just as Blake sets the frame on our mantel. Tommy startles at the sound, his bottom lip quivering.

"I've got him," Blake says, scooping up our son before the tears can start.

I open the door to find what looks like the entire Icehawks roster on our porch, their arms loaded with presents, bottles, and food containers.

"Merry Christmas!" Connor bellows, pushing past me with a tower of wrapped boxes.

"We brought mimosas!" Logan follows, juggling champagne bottles.

I spot Natalie tucked under Coach Brody's arm, both wearing matching holiday sweaters. Their story is wonderful, filled with forbidden love and workplace romance, kind of like Blake and me. She catches my eye and shrugs, but her smile could light up the whole mountain.

"Where's my godson?" Ryder calls out, helping Mia navigate the steps. She moves carefully, one hand resting on her slightly rounded belly. My eyes widen, and she gives me a tiny nod that sends my heart soaring.

"He's my godson!" Logan protests, shoving past Connor.

"No way - Blake promised me!" Connor argues back.

"Pretty sure that honor belongs to me," Ryder chimes in, crossing his arms.

I catch Blake's panicked look and can't help but laugh. "Told you this would happen. That's what you get for not being able to pick just one."

Before the guys can start an all-out brawl over Tommy's godfather status, Eli sweeps in and plucks my son from Blake's arms. "Yeah, well, he's my grandson. So all of you can back off."

The room falls silent before erupting in laughter, even Blake joining in as Eli proudly bounces Tommy on his hip.

The living room transforms into chaos. Wonderful Christmas chaos. Connor and Logan immediately start arguing over Tommy's features.

"Those are totally Maddox eyes," Logan insists.

"No way, that's all Sophia's nose," Connor counters, making faces at Tommy who giggles in Eli's arms.

I lean against the doorframe, watching them all. Natalie and Coach Brody arrange platters on our coffee table. Mia and Ryder curl up in the window seat. Connor and Logan compete to see who can stack presents higher without toppling them.

These people…

They're not just Blake's teammates anymore. Somewhere between that first masquerade party and today…

They became my family too.

Epilogue II

Blake

TWENTY YEARS LATER

I stand in the VIP box that now bears my name at 'The Nest', heart pounding just like it did during my own debut all those years ago. The familiar roar of the fans fills my ears, but this time I'm not the one they're cheering for.

"And now, making his debut for your Iron Ridge Icehawks, number fourteen, Tommy Maddox!"

My chest swells with pride as my son flies onto the ice, his dark hair peeking out from under his helmet just like mine used to. He's got his mother's grace though, shown in the way he glides across the surface before my watering eyes.

"Look at him go." Sophia squeezes my hand, her eyes glistening. "Just like his daddy."

I pull her closer, remembering all those years ago when she first stumbled onto this same ice. "Better. He's got your brains."

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