Page 2 of The Love Trick

And then it happens:

The buzzer sounds.

And the crowd goes wild.

We won!The realization hits me like a ton of bricks.

We’re Stanley Cup champions.

The ice is a blur of celebration as my teammates rush toward me, shouting and cheering. Cam pulls me into a bone-crushing hug.

“We did it, Blaze! We actually did it!” he exclaims, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

Kade joins us, pumping his fists in the air, followed by Dylan and the rest of the team. I can’t help but let out a whoop of joy, adrenaline coursing through my veins.

The Cup glitters in the center of the rink like a beacon as we skate over to claim our prize. The weight of its significance is almost tangible as I hoist the Cup above my head.

This isn’t just a trophy; it’s a symbol of dedication, resilience, and teamwork.

As I look out at the sea of faces roaring their approval, I see Addy cheering the loudest of them all. Her tear-streaked face beams with pride and love. I wink at her and mouth, “We did it,” before skating over to join my teammates in a victory lap around the rink. Passing the Cup from player to player, each of us basks in the sweet taste of victory.

We eventually gather for the official team photo with the Cup. And as I look around, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia thinking back to everything that led me to this moment.

If you had told me back in high school, as a struggling foster kid, that one day I’d win the Stanley Cup with a team that became my family, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, living out a dream I never dared to have.

Addy sprints down from the stands the moment she’s allowed onto the rink. She jumps into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist as I spin her around in a whirl of pure joy. Her laughter is the most beautiful sound, echoing in my ears as I finally set her down.

“Nice game, Twenty-Six. I’m so proud of you!” Awe fills her voice. “I never doubted you for a second.”

I hold her close, soaking in the warmth of her presence and the knowledge that she’s been with me every step of the way.

“I couldn’t have done it without you, Addy.”

Chapter Two

Addy

“Goodboy,Charlie.”Iunhook the leash from the border collie mix and check my watch. I partied way too hard with Blaze and the team this past weekend, celebrating the Glaciers’ Stanley Cup win, which led to me hitting the snooze button just a few too many times this morning.

I’ve been behind schedule all day.

“I’ll get you some fresh water, and then I’ve gotta get going. Mom will be on me if I’m late.” I speak to Charlie like he understands every word. And maybe he does, with those big brown eyes fixed on me. He’s one of my most easygoing clients—which is saying something, considering I’ve been a professional dog walker for the past three years. I’ve met a lot of dogs, but Charlie’s one of a kind.

After making sure Charlie has everything he needs, I quickly grab my bag and change my clothes before heading out the door. He barks once, almost as if to say thank you, reminding me why I love my job so much.

The summer sun shines brightly, casting a warm glow on the sidewalk. As I navigate through the Atlanta streets, the buildings tower overhead, creating patches of shade that provide a welcome respite from the Southern heat and humidity.

I check my watch again and quicken my pace, expertly dodging bustling pedestrians and sidewalk obstacles with the ease of someone who knows the city like the back of their hand. Perks of dog walking.

Turning a corner, I finally catch sight of my destination.

Phew. Five minutes early.

I smile to myself as I approach Tea Parlor, the irritatingly upscale tearoom where my family happens to meet for everything. On today’s agenda?

My littlesister’s wedding.

“At least Granny Esme won’t be obsessing overmyrelationship status today,” I mutter under my breath as I enter the establishment. The historic brick building has been redone by the finest in the nation—or so the sign says when you walk through the door.

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