Page 49 of Taking The Shot

“Got any advice for me?” Keith asked unabashedly in a raw voice, squaring up his shoulders and bracing himself because he was next.

“Yeah,” Lafreniére offered, his voice calm and steady. “Show them you care. Show them you’re a family man. Skate out there and find your wife in the stands. Let them see the guy that I do, my friend.”

“And number one, Keith Boucher!”

Andthe booing came down like a hammer. Echoing, roaring, even louder than Jett Acton’s. He couldn’t imagine what Constance, Paige, or Kayla was thinking right now and let out his breath, feeling like he might be sick at that moment.

“You got this,” Lafreniére urged. “Go.”

This was why Savage was the captain this year. This was exactly why he worried about his career on the ice because the media had twisted, insinuated, and had a field day with those convictions so long ago implying so many horrible things – and the more he defended himself years ago, the guiltier he looked, so he quit trying. He simply ducked his head, took the boos, dealt with the trades, and hid beneath the layer of shame… but not anymore.

This was his beginning, his chance, his world… and his family was waiting. Keith raised his hockey stick high and flew onto the ice with the power of years of experience behind him – and with that experience came an awareness of where Constance and the kids would be waiting.

There was no looking, no hesitation.

He made a few playful sprays of ice for the children as his eyes held hers with a confidence that covered his own feelings. He held that lance like a knight at a joust, and heaven help him, Constance was stepping forward like some maiden waiting to give her favor – and before he could say anything, Constance spoke – her voice loud, clear, supportive, and strong for all to hear.

“Show them what you’ve got and make me proud, husband!” – and blew him a kiss.

“I love you,” he said bluntly and saw her eyes widen as she smiled, nodding tearfully. “This is for the three of you – three goals tonight. Watch me!” Keith then skated off, knowing his time on the ice for intros was limited, and he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.

He waved to the crowd, beaming because nothing could change how this felt right now. He told his wife he loved her – and she was proud of him. Oh yes… even if they lost tonight, he already won. Both arms shot up into the air, pumping happily, as Keith disappeared behind the boards for a few moments longer before lining up.

The crowd was eating it alive, yelling, hollering, excitedly cheering as the rest of the team was introduced. His eyes turned toward Constance, Paige, and Kayla – and he waved happily, not caring what anyone thought. Sure enough, Constance tapped Paige and Kayla on the shoulders, pointing at him, and Keith stood up – leaning over the boards and waving frantically so the children could see him.

Paige’s face lit up like a Christmas tree, and instead of that frustrated angry kid, he saw joy. Kayla was jumping up and down, pointing and saying something to Constance, who was blowing him kisses.

I have a family, and I love them,he marveled in humble appreciation as it truly hit him.I love them all so much – and I am so incredibly blessed. If this is my last season, my last team, thank you, God… for the three of them.

“Let’s go, boys,” Coach Starnes hollered. “On the ice, now – and let’s do this!”

Maybe they shouldn’t have mic’d Coeur, Keith thought, grinning.Maybe I should have pulled Coach Starnes or Savage aside and told them just how chirpy he could be.

Batiste used to start fights on the ice, but Coeur’s mouth could incite a riot. His teammate was focused on Perry, one of the most hot-tempered players he knew, and a favorite of Batiste’s.Just like the good ol’ days.Perry always moved into action without much goading – yet Coeur just kept picking at the man.

And picking…

And picking…

“I hate you, dude… I hated you on the Coyotes, and I hate you now on the Wolverines!”Perry was screaming, and Keith was trying not to laugh as Coeur straightened up, putting a hand over his heart, and spoke.

“Ouch. That struck a nerve. Hold on, hold on— I might feel a tear welling up. Nope. False alarm.”Salas beside Keith snorted with laughter, shaking his head as he moved into position.

“The second they drop the puck, I’m gonna dropyou,” Perry snarled, threatening Coeur once more, and he’d had about enough. If Perry wanted to start something, fine, but it wouldn’t be just the blond-haired skinny man whose mouth flew faster than any puck on the ice. No, if Perry was picking a fight,it was with the whole team.

“Whatcha waiting for?” Keith chimed in, his voice smooth, unbothered. He flung down his gloves—a nod to his time on theCoyotes with Batiste, signaling that he was ready to throw down at any moment.

“Back off, Boucher,” Perry grumbled, rolling his shoulders and already backing down but now directing his backtalk at Keith to try to save face.Why had they mic’d upthisfool?He could hear Perry on the speakers – and unfortunately – so could all of the audience. “We wouldn’t want you to get in trouble here like you did back in Dallas…”

“Not gonna happen,” Keith said calmly, not willing to give this twerp or anyone else the satisfaction.

“Do the Wolverines even know what a piece of trash they signed?” Perry sneered. “You’re pathetic and?—”

“They signed the man who’s gonna sink the next puck,” Keith shot back, making it once again about the game. He didn’t need it to be personal. He didn’t rise to the bait. He would take the high road and show that he was a different person. Instead, he picked up his gloves, readying himself to play. “My kids are watching, my family, and I’m gonna show them how to be the better man.”

“How?” Perry scoffed. “By using Liam Savage as an example? It sure isn’t you!”

The air shifted.

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