Page 80 of Defensive Zone

Within an hour of my game ending in Denver, I skipped out on the post-win celebrations with my teammates and jumped into a private car that took me to the airport, where I hopped on a charter flight to take me to Chicago. Now, I’m in another car heading toward downtown Chicago, and just my luck, it’s bumper to bumper on the I-90, and the rain is coming down heavily.

Zach also has a game today, and it’s currently into the second intermission, so I’m only going to get a small window of time to get everything perfect.

It’s going to be fine. I’m not going to let this slight inconvenience ruin my mood tonight.

The Thunder are having another stellar season. They are in strong contention for the postseason, as they are currently top of their conference and sitting second in the overall league. They were also crowned Stanley Cup Champions last season, and I’m hopeful they will retain the title for another year, especially if they can continue dominating the way they are.

Watching Zach lift the cup was one of the greatest moments of my life. It wasn’t his first Stanley Cup win, but it was the most special because I knew how much he went through to be there. The struggles, the pain, the knowledge that his condition could stop him from getting on that ice.

Seeing his face light up as he held the Stanley Cup made it all worth it.

There was a point during round two where Zach missed two games due to his migraines, much to his frustration. Like every athlete, especially when they are in postseason mode, he tried to downplay his symptoms, but when he threw up on the bench during morning skate one day, Coach Harris stepped in and took him out from the line-up.

Zach mentioned there was a sense of uncertainty in the locker room regarding whether he could return, which made the win all the sweeter.

I went to every one of his games—even the away games in Boston—but there were times I felt scared watching him play, not that I would ever tell him that. A player thinking about concussions often invites one to happen, but the thought that one hit could set him back in his recovery or even change his entire life meant I spent every second he was on shift as a complete mess.

Even now, he still struggles with migraines, but thankfully they aren’t as persistent as they were earlier on in the year. Hehas regular follow-ups with his neurologist to monitor for any signs of change, and the team continues to support him in every way.

I’m pleased that his neurologist is happy with his progress, but he’s had to come to terms with the fact that these migraines are most likely here to stay, and he’s going to need to learn how to live with it.

After the Thunder celebrated their win, we headed back to Hawaii. We rented the same villa as last year, only this time we spent more time naked and wrapped up in each other than exploring, but neither of us complained.

Who knew pool sex could be so much fun?

Given how hectic the first six months of the year had been, it did us both good to unwind and fully relax. Instead of going to Denver at the end of our trip, we went back to Chicago to celebrate Ethan’s retirement from the NHL.

It came as a shock to the boys. I think they saw their captain as untouchable, having dedicated two decades of his life to the league, but Ethan said it was time.

Me, on the other hand? I’m keeping an open mind.

Hayden’s heard some rumblings that Chicago might be interested in adding me to their defensive line-up, but I’ve told him if it doesn’t happen, then I’m happy as I am. I’ve joked with Zach on a number of occasions that I’ll be a stay-at-home husband, and maybe Ethan and I can start a retired athletes club. In fact, Ethan’s recently started up a foundation that offers hockey programs to underprivileged kids, but depending on whether I get an offer from Chicago, I might ask him if he would be interested in expanding it to include football.

But I’m not thinking too hard about it for now.

There’s only a few more weeks left of my season in Denver, then I’ll be moving to Chicago permanently. I’ve got a realtordealing with the sale of my house and I’ve started packing up my belongings. I don’t have that much to pack anyway.

It turns out I lived quite a minimalist existence. I guess somehow, my subconscious knew I would end up here. I don’t feel sad about it, though; if anything, I’m excited, especially since I’ve been having an incredible season, which I think helps because I’ll potentially end my career on a high.

Zach was with me during my preseason, and I got to do something I’ve watched my teammates do for years. I got to run over to him on the sidelines before the game and kiss him in front of everyone.

I’ve never considered myself an overly superstitious guy—not like Zach who is strict when it comes to his pre and post-game routines—but clearly I am, because this season I’m on fire, and I have a feeling it’s all because of him.

Zach’s apartment building comes into view, and I can’t stop the smile that appears on my face. To think in a few weeks, this will beourapartment building. Our home.

I thank the driver as he pulls up outside and make my way inside to see the doorman, Steve, waiting with a light pink box in his hands.

“Good evening, Mr. Lockwood.” Steve bows his head in greeting, a small smile playing on his lips as he holds out the box. “I have a special delivery for you.”

“Amazing, thank you.” I grin, accepting the box from him and following him to the elevator bank.

“Is he still unaware of your arrival?” he asks.

“He has no idea,” I reply, and we both chuckle.

That’s right, Zach has no idea that I’ll be waiting for him when he gets home from his game. I said that I needed to stay in Denver as Coach Jefferson wanted us to run through some game tape ahead of our final games next week, but I’ve really beencoordinating all of this behind his back, with the help of the likes of Steve, Jacob, and Zach’s teammates.

I want this to be a night he will never forget, and I’m sure he’ll forgive me for my little white lie.

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