Page 114 of Major Penalty

Irene gathers the kids, twelve tiny bodies in my jersey, chattering excitedly as they’re guided toward the tunnel entrance.

I wait for them just past the boards. Helmet still on, chest still heaving, adrenaline and emotion choking every breath.

And then I hear them.

“Ares!”

Their voices hit me harder than any check—high-pitched, chaotic, full of awe.

Tommy throws both arms up and shouts, “You’re a superhero!”

I drop to one knee as they round the corner, the crowd still roaring above us, and now I’m on the jumbotron, front and center, like this is the only moment that matters.

Because it is.

“What are you guys doing here?” My voice comes out thick.

“Irene brought us!” they yell. “She said you’re the best player ever! We made signs but left them on the bus!”

Cole steps forward, his little hand tugging on my glove. “I wanna be just like you when I grow up.”

I can’t stop the tears. I don’t even try.

I look up, and she’s there. My girl. In my jersey. Tears in her eyes and that smile—God, that smile. Like she knows every inch of me and still chooses to stand right here.

I take off my helmet and place it gently on Cole’s head. It nearly swallows him whole, but he beams like he just won the Cup himself.

Then I rise and walk to her. She’s laughing, and I can’t wait one more second. I drop my gloves and take her face in my hands like she’s the most precious thing I’ve ever held.

Because she is.

And I kiss her.

It’s not careful. It’s not soft.

It’s everything I’ve held back and finally let loose.

The crowd loses it. Somewhere up above, I hear it:

“Ewwww!”

I pull back and turn, and the kids are laughing, hands covering their eyes like it’s the worst thing they’ve ever seen.

I grin. Irene laughs. And for the first time in my life, I feel whole.

I reach for her hand, and she slides her fingers into mine—warm, soft, and steady.

Fucking home.

Then I turn to Mandy.

“Mandy,” I say, my voice low. She looks up at me, wide-eyed and beaming.

I take her tiny hand in my free one. She holds on like she remembers exactly how long it took me to earn it.

I look at the rest of them—my little crew.

“Alright,” I say, louder now. “Everyone, hold hands.”

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