Page 104 of From Ice to Home
Looking over my shoulder, I catch Avah’s gaze, giving her a smile. She’s joined by her parents and tonight they’re all sitting toward the back of the lounge. She’s been a wonderful friend since I’ve been here, and I can’t wait for her to meet my family too.
My heart pounds as I scan the rows, taking it all in.
This is more than a game.
This is his moment.
Everything he’s worked for since he was a kid…every injury, every practice, every goal…it all leads to this.
He must be feeling all of this in overdrive.
But even as the arena roars, something quiets down inside of me. A stillness, a tug…not exactly nerves or fear. But a need to be with Lucas, to be near him.
To pray for him.
I glance at Essie, watching as she sips on her mocktail, cheeks glowing with excitement.
“I’ll be right back,” I say, touching her arm gently.
I don’t have a reason, not one I can fully explain anyway. I just know the familiar tug when the Spirit is leading me to do something.
I slip away, weaving through the corridor that wraps around the arena. The sound of the crowd is muffled, now replaced by the sound of the lights humming overhead and my boots against the floor. I know I’m not technically supposed to be down here, but I also know that I need to see Lucas before his big game.
Just as I round the tunnel that leads back to the locker rooms, I hear the clack of skates on the rubber. Lucas and his teammates are heading back to the locker room, sweat still glistening in their necks, after their warm-up skate. His head is down, stick in hand, until he glances up and spots me.
He stops mid-step, the familiar grin spreading on his face as he steps out of the line.
“This is a new pre-game ritual,” he says, side-stepping a trainer who casts a skeptical frown in my direction. “At least until Coach sees you.”
He pulls me close, giving me a hug. His scent envelopes me…ice, adrenaline, and playoff hockey.
“I just…” I’m not sure what to say, so I just reach for him.
Rising up on my toes I press a kiss to his mouth. It’s meant to be a small kiss, an extra token of good luck. But Lucas slips his hand out of his glove before sliding it behind my neck, deepening the kiss. His fingers thread gently through my hair, his kiss reaching every corner of my body and soul.
For a moment, everything else melts away…the noise, the nerves, the stakes. It’s just us. Lucas’s kiss is slow and sure, like he’s grounding himself in me, in this moment.
When he breaks away, his forehead rests against mine as we’re both left breathless.
“I love you, Hannah,” his voice low and sure.
For those words alone, I pull him in for another kiss, fierce and full.
“I love you more, Lucas.”
He gives me a grin laced with mischief as he slowly retreats back to the locker room.
“Not possible,” he tosses over his shoulder.
He lets out a victorious whoot before slapping the wall above the entryway with his open palm. “God is good!” he shouts.
I can’t help but smile as he walks back to his teammates. The tug is still in my heart and my soul reaches out to God, silent and strong.
Father, please keep Your Hand over Lucas tonight. Strengthen him, strengthen his body and keep him safe. Cast out any fear and replace it with Your joy. Let him know that no matter the outcome, he’s already won. Because he’s Yours.
Getting back to the VIP Lounge Avah gives me a knowing smile before getting back to her parents. I’d love to invite them over for dinner when the playoffs are over. EJ is someone who’s important to Lucas, while Avah quickly became a wonderful friend to me. I grab my own mocktail from the bar before taking a seat between Essie and Mr. Walker.
We haven’t really spoken since they arrived in New York this morning. It’s been busy at the house with everyone there, so finding a quiet moment felt impossible. But I want to make an effort because they’re only staying the night. Mr. Walker said he doesn’t want to leave the farm for too long, so he’ll be heading back early tomorrow morning. He gave Noah leave to head back to Georgetown with my parents the day after tomorrow.
