Page 67 of Cross Checks

“You will,” I assured him. You’re the most incredible person I know, and you’ll shine here. I have no doubt about that.”

I leaned forward and kissed Hank before wrapping him up in my arms. I ran my fingers across his furry chest and teased a nipple with my thumb.

Soon, a profound peace settled over us. “Just the beginning,” Hank whispered.

“Our future begins tomorrow,” I said.

With that, we drifted off to sleep, our hearts beating in unison, with our dreams intertwining and soaring high. As I slipped into the realm of dreams, I knew one thing for certain—this was our story, a tale of love, hockey, and new beginnings, and it was only just getting started.

Epilogue - Chase

“You’re turning into a seriously talented home chef here,” Hank congratulated me as he tasted my barbecue ribs. We were enjoying the off-season at our Florida home, barbecuing on the back deck. He wrapped an arm around my waist as I retrieved the last ribs from the grill.

“I think these are the best ones yet,” he commented as he licked his fingers.

“Here, let me do that,” I suggest as I stuck two of his fingers in my mouth and sucked.

My phone rang in my pocket interrupting our flirty moment. When I saw Eddie’s name, I was eager to hear what he had to say.

“Eddie, bud, how are things up there in Canada, eh?”

He chuckled on the other end. “I bet you’re never going to guess why I’m calling.”

“You’re getting married?”

“Good try.”

“You want a Florida vacation?”

He paused for a moment. “I think I’d call that getting closer.”

I furrowed my brow, confused about what he could mean.

He blurted out, “I’m being traded to the Panthers!”

“No!”

“Yes! I hope that’s a good thing.”

The news sent a shock through me, momentarily stealing my breath. “You…you’re kidding. That’s amazing news,” I stammered out.

“Right?!” Eddie laughed. “We’re gonna be teammates again. Unstoppable.”

“Damn, you and me on the same team. That’s phenomenal, Eddie. I turned toward Hank who had been watching me intently. I mouthed, “Eddie’s coming,” and I pumped my free fist in the air.

“I can’t wait, Chase.”

“Such incredible news,” I repeated. Despite having been with the Panthers for two and a half years, I sometimes still felt like an outsider. Eddie going the team would change everything.

Eddie told me about a plan forming in his mind. “I have this wild idea, Chase. Why don’t we go back to Cold Pines and do the official announcement of the trade back there. It will be a big homecoming, and we’ll have everyone there who believed in us from the beginning.”

“That’s an awesome suggestion.” I agreed without hesitation. It was more than a year since the last time Hank and I set foot in Cold Pines. “The town will love it. They’ll know we haven’t forgotten them.”

“Great, let’s make it happen. I’ll call Coach Z and Hoss and see if we can set something up at the Cougars arena. If they give me the green light, I’ll turn it over to the agents and PR folk. Can I call you back in a couple of days?”

“Of course. I’ll be waiting.”

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