Page 125 of Cross-Check

He continues. “It’s a position that brings great responsibility. One I know this person understands and will do his best to fulfill.”

I look over to Brett and smile at him. He is a coach already. The way he handles the team is amazing. He will be a good leader.

“So with great honor, I pass the torch.” He holds up a literal torch as if it’s the Olympics. “To Kellan Cooper.”

I freeze, not sure I heard him right. This has to be one of my dreams. There is no way he just said my name.

My heart is racing in my chest as I blink my eyes, looking around at the other guys. I’m waiting for the gotcha moment. It doesn’t come, though.

“Kellan, come get the patch, man,” Clay jokes, pulling me out of my stupor.

Everyone is cheering, but it sounds like I’m in a tunnel. Wyatt slaps my shoulder, prompting me to move. I take step after step until I’m at the front of the group.

“Are you sure?” I whisper to Clay as I make it to him.

“Never been more sure. Congrats, man.” He holds the torch out, patting my shoulder with his free hand.

I take the torch, forcing a smile as I wave at everyone. “What if I fuck it up?” I ask under my breath.

He laughs. “I’ll be around to help you unfuck it. You’re not on your own. You have Wyatt and Brett too. Beckett is only a call away. You’re not alone anymore, Kellan.”

The words hit me somewhere deep. I’m not alone anymore. I have Cora, my bright light even when the days get dark. I have Wyatt, the man who has become my closest friend. Then there’s Beckett, Brett, and Clay. They have accepted me into their little family as if I was always meant to be part of it.

It’s everything I wanted. Icing on the cake? I’m now the captain of the team. I’m humbled by how much my life has changed in one short year.

“I’ve never been more glad to have you drafted to Boston. I’m going to be calling,” I warn him.

He laughs. “At first, maybe, but you’ll get the hang of it. I have faith in you.”

Then Coach comes over and shakes my hand.

“I knew you had it in you, kid. Make me proud. Don’t forget to pick your roommates for next year. I want you moved in by August.” He hands me a key.

Not just any key.

The key to the hockey house.

“No excessive celebrations, please. Don’t need a repeat of Woods,” he says, referring to Brett.

I nod as he makes his way out of the rink, leaving me with the team.

I smile and talk to every single one of them. After they are done, Brett, Beckett, Wyatt, and Clay come over to me.

“So have you thought about who you are going to live with?” Brett asks, that megawatt smile on his face.

I laugh. “Don’t worry. Your room is safe. As is Wyatt’s.”

“What about the last room?” Clay asks.

I look around, noting all the players. I know we have incoming freshmen too. I could be nice like Clay and choose one of them, but when my eyes land on the rookie of the season, I know who it will be.

“Calvin,” I call out.

He looks up, shocked, but heads our way.

“Him? Really?” Brett huffs, but I ignore him.

“Yes, Cap?” He looks nervous.

---