Page 104 of As You Ice It

Panda, clearly feeling neglected, shoves his head in between us, demanding attention. Laughing, I scratch the dog behind his ears. He gives me a smile in return. Though it still throws me off to see a dog baring its teeth, it’s a lot less scary than it was.

“Oh, hey—you forgot the second thing you wanted to tell me.”

Camden chuckles. “Right. I forgot. Maybe I should save it for another night.”

I pinch the area near his ribs that I know is sensitive.

“Fine,” he relents. “The other thing I wanted to tell you is that with the new house, you have to promise you’ll take better care of the mailbox.”

He’s still laughing when I wrap one hand around his neck and pull his mouth to mine.

EPILOGUE

Camden

Naomi is up to something.

How do I know? Because I am also up to something, and I see the signs.

There are phone calls she ends abruptly when I enter the room and furtive texts.

She’s also been wearing an adorably smug look on her face all week, the kind that sing-songs,I know something you don’t know!

Yeah, well—same. As she’ll find out tonight. I’m not sure when I’ll get to see whatever she’s got up her sleeve, but I need to focus on my plans before I can think about it.

I check in with Parker as soon as I arrive at the Summit on game day. It’s the first playoff game, and I’m not even nervous.

Aboutthat, anyway.

“Is everything set?” I ask.

She rolls her eyes. “Do you really doubt me, Cam? Of course. I’ve got seats and the suite. I’ll handle getting everyone there. Naomi will go up at first intermission and won’t suspect a thing until then. What about you? Areyouready?”

“If I feel like I’m going to throw up, does that mean yes?”

Her grin is huge. “Absolutely. You’ve got this.”

I sure hope so.

Before the game, I’m completely in my head about it all, which is why I jump when someone squeezes my shoulder in the locker room.

I’m surprised when I look up and see Alec. He’s around a lot, still giving out captainly wisdom and support. But I thought he’d be watching with Evie and Juno from the box I rented out for tonight. He’s even wearing his old jersey.

“Planning to jump in if we need you, Cap?” I tease.

“Not quite,” he says. Then he winks at me.

I’m not sure why, but between Naomi’s secretive behavior and whatever Alec is winking about, I’m suddenly feeling a whole new level of nerves.

“Guys, hey!” Coach calls, and the locker room quiets. “As you might have noticed, Alec is here. He’ll be calling our starting lineup, but before we get to that, I want to say a few words.”

He clears his throat and rubs a hand over his head. “This is a very special team. And this has been a very special few seasons for me. Winning the Calder Cup last year was amazing and winning it this year will be the cherry on top.”

The room erupts in cheer and chants. But Felix and I share a quiet look. I can see he’s thinking the same thing I am—this sounds like a goodbye speech.

“No matter what happens next, I’m proud of you. For your grit and determination, but more than that, for how you’ve become each other’s family.”

Van raises his hand. “Some of us became actual family,Dad.”

---