Page 103 of From Ice to Home
“No,” he says, pausing for a minute before continuing in an even more serious voice. “There’s a position opening up with the player development team. It’s not glamorous, and it’s part-time. But it involves mentoring some of our juniors, especially the ones who need mental health and emotional support as they transition to pro-level.”
My eyes widen. “And you thought of me?”
He shrugs one shoulder like it’s not a big deal. But it is.
“I know you’ve got the background,” he says simply. “I don’t know what you and Lucas decided on your position in Durham. Like I said, this is nothing like that. But his future is with the Rangers, so I thought I’d give you the option.”
I blink, caught off guard. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything right now,” Harry says, already stepping away. “Just think about it.”
“I will. Thank you, Harry,” I manage before he turns away and walks off in the direction of the door. He barks an order at someone near the bus. He’s clearly rough around the edges, but he has a heart for his team and his players and that’s something about him I can respect.
“What was that about?” Lucas asks, coming back into the hotel lobby, where I’m still frozen in place. He searches my expression, concern flickering in his eyes. “Is everything alright?”
I look up at my husband, relief flooding me as I realize the opportunity and gift I’ve just been handed.
“More than okay,” I say, still wrapping my head around what just happened. “Harry kind of…offered me a job.”
Lucas looks back over his shoulder to where the GM is standing outside the bus, watching as the rest of the team gets on.
“You’ll have to tell me about it on the plane,” Lucas says, slipping his hand in mine, leading me to the bus that’s going to take us back to New York.
To game six. To whatever we have to face next.
“I could get used to this,”Essie says, stepping into the VIP Lounge at Madison Square Garden. Her wide eyes take in theprivate buffet, leather seating, and giant screens. My little sister’s face is a picture of awe and excitement. “No wonder you wanted to seal the deal as quickly as possible,” she adds teasingly. “With perks like this, I’d rush to Vegas too.”
“You’re the worst,” I tell her, wrapping my arm around her shoulder. “But I’m really happy you’re here, Es.”
She leans into me for a second before pulling back with a smirk. “I’m just happy you came to your senses and made me your maid of honor. Best decision you’ve made all year.”
“Better than marrying a pro-hockey player?” I tease, nudging her gently. “Sounds like I’ve been a stellar sister if you ask me.”
“Don’t worry,” she says, flipping her ponytail over her shoulder. “There’s still plenty of time for you to mess things up.”
I laugh, even though her words land closer to the truth than she knows.
When she arrived yesterday morning, there was still a lingering chill toward me. A cold shoulder, a short answer…But it lasted a whole hour. As soon as I told her we’d be having another wedding ceremony in the off-season, Essie’s anger was forgotten and her excitement became real and palpable.
My mom’s excitement might be more quiet, but it’s no less intense. She’s already planning the rehearsal dinner in her backyard, and the ceremony at Camp Grace. I’m leaning toward the idea of maybe doing the rehearsal dinner on Lucas’s family farm instead. It would be a great way to mend fences and to include his dad in our life, in our future.
That’s if he’s ready for that.
My parents trail behind us, followed by Zach, who’s already tugging at the hem of his Rangers jersey like he’s getting ready for warm-ups himself.
“When can we meet the players?” Zach asks, practically bouncing on his toes. He’s wearing Nikolai Petrov’s numberand ever since he got here, he hasn’t stopped talking about how Nikolai is the best goalie in the league. “I want to see if Petrov will sign my jersey.”
“We’ll see how things go,” I say, ruffling his hair. A grin splits his face as he joins Micah and Noah getting their seats against the glass at the front.
It’s a full house tonight, not just in the VIP lounge but the entire arena. Before we even came through the entrance we were met with a sea of fans. Thousands of fans chanting for the Rangers, their voices echoing down Seventh Avenue like a battle cry. Staffers stood near the door, handing out rally towels and foam fingers. Even my dad took one with a slightly amused smile. Inside, the Garden pulses with energy. The cheers of fans, flashing lights, and palpable anticipation fills the arena.
Game six.
If the Rangers win tonight, they take the Cup.
I’m hoping the Rangers are able to play the game we all know they’re capable of, because we’re all here watching…hoping. Somewhere in this building Lucas is getting ready with his team, lacing up his skates, pulling on his jersey, praying that everything will go well tonight.
My dad is talking quietly with Lucas’s dad, a miracle in itself. Mr. Walker decided to come after all and there was no hiding Lucas’s relief and gratitude that his father showed up for this. Since he’s been here, things have been civil. That’s all we hoped for. It made Lucas feel like he isn’t carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders anymore. Everything might not be ironed out, but tonight is a step in the right direction.
