Page 44 of Love in Overtime

What’s happening?My parents finally decide to take a vacation together, and somehow watching Cooper play hockey is a part of their plan. This has my dad written all over it. My mother is such a patient woman.

“I’m sure he can,” I say. “But I thought you promised to take Mom to Hawaii for your next vacation.”

Tennessee is beautiful, but I’m sure my mother would prefer crystal blue waters and white sand over watching hockey games.

“We’re still planning to make the Hawaii trip next summer,” he assures me. “But this will give us a chance to visit the Smoky Mountains and see our daughter, of course. I’m assuming you’ll be in Tennessee quite often during the season.”

I hope so.

That’s one of the things Cooper and I need to discuss. Things have been moving so fast, and since the Ice Breakersseason has ramped up, Cooper doesn’t have a lot of free time. Coach Strickland has them putting in a lot of extra time to prepare for the games.

“I’d love to see you and Mom. I’m sure we can work something out.”

This is just another reminder that I have a lot to think about. I feel like I’m coming to a point where I need to make some big decisions professionally and personally. But the only thing I need to worry about tonight is going to the Maple Falls Arena to cheer on the Ice Breakers and of course be there for Cooper.

After I’m off the phone, I finish getting ready and make my way over to the arena. The streets are filled with people wearing Ice Breakers merch, mostly Dan’s #29 jersey. It’s so cool seeing the support the team is getting. I have no doubt these games will go down in Maple Falls history.

The days are flying by and it’s a wrap for game three. It came down to the wire and the guys fought hard, but it ended with another heartbreaking loss. I’m beginning to wonder if my nerves can handle this sport. Watching the men continuously slam each other into the plexiglass, the sound echoing through the arena, makes me cringe. Some of the opposing team’s players are so aggressive it’s alarming. I know hockey is considered a collision sport, but it’s still difficult to watch. And injuries are always a huge concern—some can be career-ending and worse.

Estelle didn’t mention how she handled the games like this for all those years. It’s probably my fault for not askingher. I’m sure in time she grew unfazed by the intensity of ice hockey. I guess it’s possible my feelings for Cooper are making the experience more stressful. I watch each play with bated breath as he skates around the rink enjoying every second of it.

CHAPTER 13

COOPER

The big night has arrived, everything we’ve been working for has brought us to this moment. It’s the Ice Breakers’ final game, and I’m feeling conflicted. It will be nice to be back with the Wolves, but I’m going to miss this group of guys—even Dan the Man. I haven’t told a soul this because I don’t want people knowing I’ve changed. It’s true. This whole experience has changed me, and most of all, Blair has changed me.

I think all the guys are feeling this to an extent—not about changing, but about the final game.

The last game against the Canadian Lumberjacks is in full swing, and it’s our toughest match yet. Ted “The Bear” gets the puck from the opposing team and sends it to me. I zip around and deke one of the Jacks’ wingers, getting him so heated it lands him in the penalty box. I give him a smug nod to rub some salt in the wound. I probably made him madder, but who cares.

After scoring our first goal, Coach Doug reminds us not to lose focus and get ahead of ourselves. We haven’t won this game yet. Dawson is on fire at the net, blocking shotafter shot. Noah and Ted are everywhere they need to be, and Dan the Man is front and center—where he should be.

By the time we get to the second period, we’re up by one goal, but we’re not showing up as strong. We’re slipping, and the Lumberjacks have caught on to this. Scotty calls a time out and gives us some important reminders. While I’m listening, I take a quick glance into the stands and catch a glimpse of Blair. There are hundreds of people in this arena, but she’s the only one I see.Is this normal?

After we return to the ice, it doesn’t take long for things to go from bad to worse, and then the Jacks tie it up.

“Come on!” Coach Doug shouts in disgust. His face and balding head are bright red, which is a bit concerning.

The pressure is on, and I’m feeling it. For some reason this is worse than a playoff game. Knowing how important this game is to so many people makes me want to win even more. And I know my teammates feel the same.

In the third period, Coach Doug makes a genius move and puts Scotty in the game. I was hoping this would happen at some point because the man is truly a legend. Having Scotty on the ice breathes new life into our team. He got a little extra encouragement, by way of a kiss from Angel Davis just before he skated out, so he’s even more pumped.

With Scotty in the game, we’re more determined to win than ever, but so are our opponents. The score is still tied up, and something big needs to happen.

We’re still fighting hard in the final quarter despite being exhausted. Everyone in the crowd is on their feet, watching as the clock ticks, the energy exhilarating. The Ice Breakers need to clinch this for Happy Horizons Ranch—that’s why we came here. Those kids are counting on what happens right now. With very little time left in the game, the stars seem to align. Dan gets the puck to Scotty, and then hemoves it through the defense like he hasn’t missed a day on the ice. Dan also makes it across the rink, and Scotty passes the puck back to him. The next few seconds are unforgettable as Dan sends the puck into the net, scoring our winning goal. We all race to pile on top of him and Scotty. It seems poetic that Dan was able to make the final shot in his hometown. I’m happy for him. We all celebrate by hugging each other—even me.Who am I?Hugging these men who are usually my opponents in my everyday life is something I never thought I’d do. Zach and Troy Hart join us on the ice, and I’m pretty sure Zach has tears in his eyes. I get it. Winning this game is better than winning any championship. “Ice Ice Baby”begins to play as we take our final laps around the rink. I’m still wondering who selected this tune to be our theme song.

The roar of the crowd is deafening as they cheer for us. My teammates continue to celebrate, while I look around for Blair. As soon as I see her, I take off in her direction.

I don’t waste any time scooping her up into my arms and spinning her around. In this moment, no one would question it. Not that I care if they do.

“Congratulations. I’m so proud of you,” she gushes, wrapping her arms around my neck.

“Thank you, Blair,” I whisper. I continue to hold on to her because I don’t want to let go—ever. And I’m going to tell her this tonight when we’re away from this swarm of people.

When we finally manage to pull ourselves apart, she switches back into publicist mode and reminds me that I need to be ready to talk to the press. As thrilled as I am about our win, I’m never going to enjoy a press conference.

“I think your fans deserve a smile or two tonight,” she suggests.

---