Page 57 of From Ice to Home
“It just is, Han,” she murmurs.
I swallow, guilt clawing at my insides. Essie is my only sister, and I know she’s always looked up to me. But at some point, our lives are going to look different. Mine just started a bit sooner than hers.
“I love you, little one.”
“Yeah, I know,” she says. “I’m not entirely done being mad at you yet, but I love you too.”
I guess I’ll have to take what I can get.
13
LUCAS
It’s late by the time I finally pull into the driveway. Coach kept me back for an extra round of drills since I missed practice yesterday. He then sent me to the team physio to make sure everything is fine, and stays fine, for the game tomorrow. My legs ache, my shoulders are tight, and all I can think about is taking an ice bath and crashing into bed.
As I turn off the engine and step out of the truck, I notice the lights on inside the house. It’s such a small thing, but it hits me like a warm embrace, knowing I have my girl in there…waiting for me.
That thought carries me to the front door, but it doesn’t silence the small voice in the back of my mind. The one whispering that Hannah left me once before. She left when everything between us felt perfect and I didn’t see or hear from her for five years.
I shake it off, pushing the door open and tossing my keys into the bowl by the door. The delicious smell of dinner hits me instantly, and my stomach grumbles in response. The house is warm, alive in a way it hasn’t been since I moved in.
“Sanders?” I call out, the smile on my face growing despite the ache in my muscles.
She steps out of the kitchen, and I forget the ache entirely. Her golden hair falls loose over her back, catching the light as she moves. She’s barefoot, wearing black leggings and my jersey. MyRangersjersey, navy blue with red and white accents, the number seven glowing bright against the fabric.
My chest tightens at the sight, something between pride and awe.
She catches my eyes dipping to her outfit and blushes. She tugs at the hem self-consciously.
“I’m sorry,” she says, biting her lip. “I couldn’t resist.”
Stepping closer, I slide my arms around her and pull her into my chest. The familiar smell of lavender and lilies mingles with the faint trace of my cologne on the jersey, and it’s perfect.
Too perfect.
“Don’t apologize,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “It looks better on you anyway.”
She glances up, her cheeks still pink but her smile soft. “I made dinner. Are you hungry?”
“Starving actually,” I admit, glancing over her shoulder toward the kitchen. The smell is incredible—savory and warm, like home in a way I haven’t felt in years.
Her smile grows as she tugs me toward the kitchen. She’s set the island like a proper table, complete with placemats and napkins. It’s simple, but the effort she’s put in is unmistakable.
“I usually eat on the couch,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “Watch game tapes while I shovel food in…This is…” I trail off, words failing me.
She glances at me, her green eyes searching. “Is it okay?”
“It’s perfect,” I say, my throat tightening. “Sanders, this is…” I stop again, trying to find the right words.
The truth is, I didn’t think that I would ever have this againafter I lost my mother. This feeling…a house that is a home. Someone waiting for me at the end of the day. Without even realizing it, this is what I’ve been longing for—what I’ve been missing.
Yes, I’m a twenty-three year old guy, who’s the star player of the Rangers—and with that comes a certain image or assumption of what my life should look like. But I grew up a certain way. I’m a small-town guy. My family has always been the center of my world, and for a while I didn’t even know that was what left this hole in me. I thought I was fine—living my dream, chasing my goals—but God knew better.
He saw me. He saw her. And He made this happen.
“See I can be a wife,” Hannah says, setting a plate down in front of me, her tone light but her expression a mix of pride and uncertainty.
“I never doubted you, Sanders.” The food smells absolutely amazing, but I pause before diving in. “Let’s say grace.” I hold my hand out toward her.
