Page 43 of Cross Checks

“Yeah,” Phil said. “I’m jealous.”

“Thanks, Coach, and thanks, Phil. You guys are the first to know, and you must keep it quiet for now. They’re calling back in two days with the official offer.”

Coach Hoss squeezed my shoulder with a firm grip. “You earned this, kid. We’ll miss you like hell, but this is how the game works. You deserve to be a big league player.”

“Thanks, Coach,” I said. With my thoughts finally slowing down, I realized what all I would be leaving behind—my team, my adopted town, and the best coaches I’d ever known. If Hank came with me, the rest wouldn’t matter so much. He was my primary support, and he’d become my main anchor through life’s storms.

“Big changes, huh?” Coach Hoss said softly. He understood the thoughts going through my head without me having to say anything. “It won’t be easy, but you’ve got the broad shoulders to handle all of this.”

I swallowed hard. “Yeah, some big changes.”

When I tried to call Hank again, and we didn’t connect, I decided to wait until we got together in the evening to share my news. It would be best face to face.

That evening, I knocked and then entered Hank’s house with my heart pounding. I’d rehearsed what I’d say a thousand times over, but now, with the moment upon me, I struggled to piece my speech together in my head.

“Deep breaths,” I whispered to myself.

“Chase, hey. Man, I had a busy day.” Hank wrapped me up in his arms, and we shared a kiss.

“Hi. Can we talk? There’s something I need to tell you. It’s kind of urgent.”

Hank pulled back slightly and gripped my arms. “Well, yeah, of course. Is there something wrong? What’s up?”

I followed him to the couch and took a deep breath as we sat. “Today, I got a call from the Florida Panthers. They’re a hockey team down there.”

The news hit quickly for Hank. “You got the call,” he whispered. Oh, my God, Chase. That’s great news!”

“Thank you,” I replied, and my heart swelled with my love for him. “It’s what I’ve always wanted, but it would mean leaving Cold Pines. Florida is a long way away.”

“Hey,” Hank said softly and took my hand. “We’re a team. I’ve told you that several times over. I know it won’t be easy to leave Maine, but you’re my home now.”

I looked into his eyes and saw the steady, supportive resolve there. “Thank you so much. I can’t believe this is happening.”

Hank patted my thigh. “You stay right there. I’ve got something I need to grab in the kitchen.”

He returned, holding a bottle of champagne and two glasses. “I’ve been saving this. I knew I needed to go out and buy it when Hoss told me it was only a matter of time.”

I chuckled softly. “I’m not sure I deserve you.”

“Well, maybe you don’t, but you’ve got me. You’re stuck with me. Guess I might need to buy some new swimwear if we’re gonna live in Florida.”

I sipped the champagne. “Are you sure you’re okay with this? We’ve got such a good life here, and once we’re out, I think we’ll have even more.”

Hank took a deep breath and gazed into my eyes before speaking. “It would be telling a lie if I said I wasn’t a little scared about this kind of big move. I’ve never lived outside Maine or moved far away from my family.”

“I know, and I’m sorry about that.”

“No, no, don’t think like that. I meant it when I said you’re home for me now. There’s a lot of adventure to look forward to, and we’ll have plenty of new friends. You’re a people magnet. We won’t have any problems there.”

His words comforted me, but I knew our lives would never be the same again. I hoped they could be even better. We sipped the champagne silently, each lost in our private thoughts.”

I was sure that Hank meant everything he said, but my heart still ached as I thought about him saying goodbye to all the guys at the fire station. I’d have to leave Jensen and Waller. That would tear me apart.

I blurted out. “Maybe…maybe we can wait a little while before I accept the contract. We don’t have to rush into this.”

Hank shook his head. “No, Chase. This is your dream come true, and you deserve it. We’ll figure everything else out along the way.”

I wanted to argue, but the look on Hank’s face told me he wouldn’t change his mind. With a deep breath, I said, “Okay. Thank you.”

---