Page 175 of Check & Chase
The game resumes, but something has fundamentally shifted. Tyler’s intervention has changed the emotional temperature on the ice. The Wolves play with renewed purpose, perhaps inspired by the sportsmanship they witnessed.
But the Bears’ skill eventually proves too much to overcome. With five minutes remaining, Donovan scores what proves to be the series clinching goal, a deflection that finds the top corner beyond our goalie’s desperate reach.
Bears 2, Wolves 1. Series over. Season over for Hartford.
The final buzzer sounds like a death knell, players collapsing in exhaustion and disappointment on both sides of the ice.
After the handshake line, I watch Tyler being helped off the ice by Bears medical staff. He’s trying not to show it, but he’s definitely limping.
Jackson finds me an hour later, showered and changed, the captain’s mask temporarily set aside to reveal the raw disappointment beneath.
“You okay?” I ask softly, knowing the answer but needing to hear it anyway.
“I will be,” he says, sinking into a chair beside my work station. “Not tonight, probably not tomorrow. But eventually.”
I nod, understanding completely. “You played your heart out. The whole team did.”
“Wasn’t enough.” He sighs, running a hand through his damp hair. “Bears were better. As much as it kills me to admit it.”
“They’re a great team.”
Jackson’s mouth quirks in a small smile. “Yeah, hard to hate them after what two of their players have done for me.”
“What did you say to Tyler during handshakes by the way?”
“Thanked him. Told him he didn’t have to do that.” Jackson pauses. “He said he owed me one. For what happened before.”
The simple statement sends warmth through my chest.
Before I can respond, my phone buzzes with a text from Chase.
Chase:Congratulations on a hell of a series. When can I see you?
I stare at the screen, a smile spreading across my face. The professional distance suddenly seems unnecessary now that competition is over.
Me:Tonight. After you’re done celebrating with your team.
Chase:I’ll be there. Might be late.
Me:I’ll wait.
Jackson watches me with knowing eyes. “Mitchell?”
I nod, not bothering to hide my smile. “We’re seeing each other tonight.”
“Good,” he says simply. “It’s about time you two stopped this ridiculous separation.”
He stands, wincing slightly. “I’m heading out with the guys. Team tradition. You coming?”
I shake my head. “Not tonight. I have some things to take care of here.”
“Things named Chase Mitchell?” he asks with a raised eyebrow.
“Eventually. But I need to finish post-game reports first.”
Jackson squeezes my shoulder before heading toward the door. “Text me tomorrow. And Em? I’m happy for you. Despite everything, I really am.”
After he leaves, I sit for a moment, processing everything. Jackson’s season ending, Chase advancing to the Finals, our professional distance finally dissolving.
